Set to be revealed at the end of this month, the new sustainable development goals (SDGs) might just signal the start of something revolutionary.
To be committed to by world leaders at the upcoming UN Summit in New York, the 17 proposed Goals and 169 targets aim to be a charter for people and the planet in the twenty-first century. They will stimulate action over the next 15 years in areas of critical importance towards building a more equitable and sustainable world for all: End extreme poverty. Fight inequality and injustice. Fix climate change. In all countries, for all people.
The new targets have been debated by civil society and UN member states for more than two years. The 17 SDGs will replace the millennium development goals (MDGs), which expire at the end of the year. Implementation of this new sustainable development agenda will begin on 1 January 2016.
The adoption of SDGs marks a new era for both the public and private sector to deepen and broaden their sustainability efforts. It will trigger a greater desire to understand the impact of all actions across these sustainable development targets. And, most importantly, it will aim to inspire everyone to take action and contribute to this global effort.
Engagement from both public and private will be crucial in shaping the future agenda and playing field. A pioneer in the assessment of sustainable development impacts and in the design of projects, programmes and policies, South Pole Group will continue to contribute to sustainable development and support clients along their SDG journey.
