Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030: Progress and Challenges

Introduction to SDGs

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by United Nations (UN) in 2015 as a global agenda to promote sustainable development by 2030.
• SDGs are a continuation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but with a broader and more comprehensive approach.
• A total of 193 countries, including India, committed to achieving the SDGs.

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17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The SDGs consist of 17 goals with 169 targets covering social, economic, and environmental aspects:

1. No Poverty – End extreme poverty in all forms.
2. Zero Hunger – Achieve food security and improved nutrition.
3. Good Health and Well-being – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
4. Quality Education – Ensure inclusive and equitable education.
5. Gender Equality – Achieve equality for women and girls.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation – Ensure availability of safe water.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy – Ensure access to modern and sustainable energy.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promote employment and economic growth.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Develop sustainable industries and technologies.
10. Reduced Inequality – Reduce disparities within and among countries.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities – Make cities inclusive, safe, and sustainable.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production – Ensure sustainable use of resources.
13. Climate Action – Combat climate change and its impacts.
14. Life Below Water – Conserve oceans and marine resources.
15. Life on Land – Protect forests, biodiversity, and ecosystems.
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Promote peaceful societies.
17. Partnerships for the Goals – Strengthen global cooperation.

Health-Related SDG (Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being)

• Goal 3 focuses on ensuring universal health coverage and access to quality healthcare.
• Important targets under Goal 3:
• Reduce maternal mortality to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
• End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years.
• Reduce premature deaths from non-communicable diseases.
• Strengthen prevention and treatment of substance abuse.
• Achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare.
• Reduce global deaths and injuries from road accidents.
• Increase health financing and workforce development.

5 P’s of Sustainable Development Goals

SDGs are based on five key principles (5 P’s):

1. People – Ending poverty and hunger, ensuring human dignity.
2. Planet – Protecting the environment and natural resources.
3. Prosperity – Promoting economic, social, and technological progress.
4. Peace – Building peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.
5. Partnership – Strengthening global partnerships for sustainable development.

India and SDGs

• India is actively working on SDGs through NITI Aayog and various government programs.
• Key initiatives supporting SDGs in India:
• Ayushman Bharat – Universal health coverage.
• Swachh Bharat Mission – Clean water and sanitation.
• Poshan Abhiyaan – Eradicating malnutrition.
• National Education Policy (NEP) – Quality education.
• Jal Jeevan Mission – Safe drinking water access.

Note-

• The SDGs aim to transform the world by 2030 with a focus on health, education, environment, and economic growth.
• Collaboration among governments, private sector, and civil society is crucial for achieving these goals.
• India’s progress in SDGs is monitored through NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index.