Sustainable development has been defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It calls for concerted efforts towards building an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for people and planet. For sustainable development to be achieved, it is crucial to harmonize three core elements: economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection. These elements are interconnected, and all are crucial for the well-being of individuals and societies.
Eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions is an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. To this end, there must be promotion of sustainable, inclusive, and equitable economic growth, creating greater opportunities for all, reducing inequalities, raising basic standards of living, fostering equitable social development and inclusion, and promoting integrated and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems.
At their core, the Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call for action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. The 17 Goals were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which set out a 15-year plan to achieve the Goals.
The goals encompass the understanding that ending poverty and other deprivations must go together with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth — all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
Today, progress is being made in many places, but, overall, action to meet the Goals is not yet advancing at the speed or scale required. Ambitious action is needed to deliver the Goals by 2030. With just under ten years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, world leaders at the SDG Summit in September 2019 called for a Decade of Action and delivery for sustainable development, and pledged to mobilize financing, enhance national implementation and strengthen institutions to achieve the Goals by the target date of 2030, leaving no one behind.
More people around the world are living better lives compared to just a decade ago. More people have access to better healthcare, decent work, and education than ever before. But inequalities and climate change are threatening to undo the gains. Investment in inclusive and sustainable economies can unleash significant opportunities for shared prosperity. And the political, technological and financial solutions are within reach. But much greater leadership and rapid, unprecedented changes are needed to align these levers of change with sustainable development objectives.
Learning Outcomes:
- What are the 17 SDGs?
- How are the SDGs being implemented?
- How are the SDGs being monitored?
- How much will the implementation of this sustainable development agenda cost?
- How does climate change relate to sustainable development?
- Are the Sustainable Development Goals legally binding?
- How are the Sustainable Development Goals different from the MDGs?
This class will explore theses issues and also how can each of us can be working towards these goals.
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 2
M/Th 10:00AM - 11:50AM (2nd seven weeks)
Maximum Enrollment: 30
Course Frequency: Once a year
Categories: 2000 , Advancement of Public Action , All courses , Fully In-Person , New Courses , One Credit , Second Seven Week , Updates
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