UN Sustainable Development Goals

To understand what the sustainable development goals are, we first have to understand the phrase ‘sustainable development’. The term was first used in the Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future in 1987. This report is often called The Brundtland Report after Gro Harlem Brundtland, who led the work.

The phrase ‘sustainable development’ means that any development on Earth must not use up or destroy resources that future generations need to have a good life. To achieve this, we have to consider all aspects of the way we live our lives: the houses we build, the work we do, the cars we drive, the food we eat, the technology we develop, and so on.

In the sustainable development goals, the United Nations have identified 17 areas where we need to improve to secure the future. The goals propose measures such as ending poverty and hunger, ensuring good health, creating equality between genders, protecting life on land and in the sea and much more. The goals have been called a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

Many regard climate change as the number one challenge mankind is facing. However, climate action is just one of the 17 goals the UN has set to ensure a good future for our planet. There are 16 others. Below, you will find links to material that will teach you more about the goals.

Overview:

This resource provides an overview of the 17 sustainable development goals: link to United Nations webpage with overview of the 17 sustainable development goals.

Material for schools:

The World's Largest Lesson is a UN resources for pupils in school: link to website the World's Largest Lesson.

Material for children:

This final link is added just for fun as it is most suitable for younger children: Thomas the Tank Engine and friends explain some of the sustainable development goals: link to webpage where Thomas the Tank Engine and friends explain some sustainable development goals.