The UN created a set of 17 goals in 2015 that the organisation aimed to have achieved in 2030. These were encompassing a broad range of economic, environmental and social changes across the world. They rose in popularity by being promoted on social media, being easy to remember and due to their diversity. They were obviously championed by the UN who wished to encourage businesses into the fight for climate change.
They were considered a bold commitment and almost 10 years on, it is true to say that little has taken on. The goals were simplistic such as no poverty or zero world hunger. These were broken down in subcategories that supported the root issue, Unfortunately, the achievability of this is debatable. The University of Sydney estimates that 2 are on track. Reach for the stars as they say… Perhaps any progress rather than ‘achieving’ the goals is to be celebrated. It reminds me of the my previous article on radicalism.
There was a desire to unite the world under the 17 goals and demonstrate a common goal, responsibility and desire to get there. However, the advancement of these is not uniform across the world, neither are the obstacles to get there. Would SMART goals have been more appropriate or guidance for countries to set their goals?
This website provides data on the progress of each goal. Quite remarkable work if you want to look into it.
In my eyes, the biggest pitfall has been in the interpretation of the goals as distinct and isolated. Our lack of big picture thinking, represented by fragmented policies rather than holistic ones is supported by the narrow scope of work and accountability of policy markers and most people’s occupation for that matter. As a consultant too, I can notice and speak about about the need to consider problems beyond the scope of my project, however, it may be disregarded as clients are focused on an objective or because our budget does not extend to solving that problem. The numbering of the goals as sole entities has also sometimes being pointed out as a culprit to the fragmented view.
Those SDGs have managed to raise the profile of climate change but also other components of creating a sustainable world such as life on land or gender equality. They were often featured on companies reporting statements or goals as they aligned to some of the goals. This alignment seems to have shifted and be related to ‘material’ issues right now, due to changes in regulation and evolution of the discourse around climate change. It seems to me that the goals have become unfashionable despite being targets for 2030. Progress is still ongoing but under different terms and focus.
Does your organisation still refer to SDGs when setting sustainability goals and ambitions?
Sustainable Crossroads 