From Awareness to Action: Quindecinnial Resolutions from 2015 MDGs -> 2030 SDGs

New Year, New Goals: Saving the World One Resolution at a Time

You know how we often set personal goals at the beginning of a new year? Well, it turns out that world leaders had a similar idea when the new millennium rolled in. Back in the year 2000, during the United Nations Millennium Summit, these forward-thinking leaders got together and came up with something pretty remarkable: a set of eight global goals known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). But here’s the thing — the concept of these goals had actually been brewing for a while, long before the summit took place.

The seeds were planted in 1995 with the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development, which aimed to address poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion. This declaration led to a significant report titled “Shaping the 21st Century,” which further laid the groundwork for the MDGs. It wasn’t until the Millennium Summit and subsequent General Assembly that the MDGs truly took shape, as the leaders issued the Millennium Declaration, solidifying their commitment to tackle pressing global challenges. This collaborative effort and foresight laid the foundation for the MDGs, setting the stage for an unprecedented global movement towards sustainable development and a brighter future.

By 2015, all 191 member states of the United Nations, along with at least 22 international organizations, made a collective commitment to work towards achieving the following Millennium Development Goals (MDGs):

1. To eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. To achieve universal primary education
3. To promote gender equality and empower women
4. To reduce child mortality
5. To improve maternal health
6. To combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
7. To ensure environmental sustainability
8. To develop a global partnership for development

These goals brought people together from all over the world and got things moving in the right direction, made some real progress while paving path to more comprehensive and inclusive goals to promote sustainable development.

You know, after the successful run of the MDGs, it was time for a major makeover in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly. Cue the entrance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)! It felt like a family reunion where the MDGs passed the torch to their bigger, bolder, and more comprehensive cousins, the SDGs.

A list of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health and Well-being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life Below Water
15. Life on Land
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals

The SDGs brought in a whole new perspective by addressing not only poverty and basic needs but also tackling pressing issues like climate change, gender equality, and sustainable cities. It was like giving the old house a makeover, knocking down walls, and adding modern touches. The SDGs became the blueprint for a brighter future, reminding us that every little step counts towards a more sustainable and inclusive world.

To put it simply, the MDGs and SDGs have played crucial roles in shaping our collective journey towards a brighter future. Over a span of 15 years, the MDGs set the stage for addressing poverty, education, and health challenges, fostering collaboration and driving notable progress. With the transition to the SDGs, we adopted a more comprehensive approach, embracing interconnected issues like climate change, inequality, and sustainable development. By setting ambitious targets to be achieved by 2030, these goals inspire us to work together, innovate, and renew our commitment to creating a world that is fair, prosperous, and sustainable for all.