Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals and Why They Matter
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The SDGs are an ambitious agenda for a better world, with a deadline of 2030. They cover a range of issues including poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, renewable energy, sustainable cities and communities, and more. Achieving the SDGs will require action from all sectors of society, including government, civil society, and the private sector. One company that is making a significant contribution towards achieving the SDGs is Techspire. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of SDGs and how Techspire supports them.
What are these SDG?
The 17 SDGs can be broadly categorized into five key areas:
People (1-5)
This category includes SDGs 1-5, which focus on ending poverty and hunger, ensuring good health and well-being, promoting quality education, and achieving gender equality.
No Poverty (goal 1)
To end poverty in all its forms and dimensions by addressing its root causes, promoting social protection and creating economic opportunities.
Zero Hunger (goal 2)
To end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Good Health and Well-being (goal 3)
To ensure healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages, by improving access to healthcare, reducing mortality rates and addressing other health-related challenges.
Quality Education (goal 4)
To provide inclusive and equitable quality education for all, with a focus on improving literacy and numeracy skills, promoting lifelong learning, and ensuring access to vocational and technical training.
Gender Equality (goal 5)
To achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by promoting equal rights, access to education and healthcare, and combating gender-based violence.
Planet (6-15)
The planet includes SDGs 6-15, which focus on protecting the planet and its resources, including clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, and protecting life below water and life on land.
Clean Water and Sanitation (goal 6)
To ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all, with a focus on improving water quality and efficiency, reducing water scarcity, and improving hygiene and sanitation practices.
Affordable and Clean Energy (goal 7)
To ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, with a focus on increasing the use of renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency.
Decent Work and Economic Growth (goal 8)
To promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (goal 9)
To build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
Reduced Inequalities (goal 10)
To reduce inequalities within and among countries by promoting social, economic, and political inclusion, and reducing discrimination.
Sustainable Cities and Communities (goal 11)
To make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, with a focus on improving access to basic services, promoting sustainable urbanization, and reducing the environmental impact of cities.
Responsible Consumption and Production (goal 12)
To promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, with a focus on reducing waste and pollution, improving resource efficiency, and promoting sustainable lifestyles.
Climate Action (goal 13)
To take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, including through education and awareness-raising, adaptation and mitigation measures, and strengthening resilience.
Life Below Water (goal 14)
To conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development, with a focus on reducing marine pollution, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
Life On Land (goal 15)
To protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, forests, and biodiversity, with a focus on reducing deforestation and desertification, and promoting sustainable land use practices.
Prosperity (8-10)
Prosperity focus on promoting economic growth, decent work, and reducing inequalities. (see above)
Peace (16)
SDG 16 is focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies and building strong institutions.
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (goal 16)
To promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Partnerships (17)
SDG 17 focuses on enhancing global partnerships and cooperation for sustainable development.
Partnerships for the Goals (goal 17)
To strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development, with a focus on enhancing cooperation and partnerships across sectors and stakeholders.
How Techspire is supporting SDGs?
techspire is a purpose driven company (versus profit driven.) but at first we were not aware how well we performed with the sustainable development goals.
our purpose
we believe it can be a lot better in the IT services industry. For our clients, our people, our industry and our world.
for our clients
We believe IT can lead to more positive impact for our clients. Building the right solution for the right questions within the context of a client specific business. Making sustainable impact which is used instead of wasted effort and time. Obviously we are aware of the environmental impact our solutions have and balancing this in solutions, is something we do automatically.
For our people
We see a lot of IT talent going to waste by not providing them with challenging and rewarding assignments and projects. Instead of profit-driven targets, we have an active role in the growth of our peoples careers and help them achieve their goals.
At techspire you can feel safe in being who you are without the fear of negative reactions. We believe our differences make us richer as a company and we embrace our differences. This translates to, amongst others, equal pay and equal gender.
We also believe in a better work-life balance. We like to say: “we work to live, not live to work.” If you want to create a sustainable relation, then you need to balance each others needs and desires now and over time. Because life happens while you are busy with a lot of other things 🙂
for our IT industry
we think the IT industry is the most awesome industry to be part of. The new innovations, the vibe and energy. It’s an industry of opportunity. Of big dreams and sometimes magic.
Our industry is also still immature and this is where we all have a role to play: we need to help our industry become mature. Through sharing our learnings and experiences with each other, we can grow together. Democratizing our knowledge and experience instead of using it as competitive advantages.
For our world
as engineers, we follow the boyscout principle: we need to leave the world behind in a better state than when we entered it. It doesn’t matter how big or small you are. We can all make a positive impact in how we do the things we do. We are aware of our footprint and keep challenging ourselves to reduce it. At techspire we are promoting public transport and electric cars. We use laptops instead of desktops because of lower energy use and we use single widescreen monitors instead of 2 monitors.
making a difference
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a universal call to action for people, planet, and prosperity. Achieving these goals is essential for building a better world and it will require collective action from all sectors of society, including government, civil society, and the private sector.
Many purpose driven companies, like Techspire, are supporting the SDGs and make a significant contribution towards achieving them. Through sustainable practices and responsible operations, Techspire is helping create a better world.
As individuals, we can also play a part in achieving the SDGs by supporting (and working for) companies like Techspire and taking action in our personal and professional lives. Whether it’s reducing our carbon footprint, volunteering in our communities, or advocating for change, we all have a role to play in creating a better world.
Let’s join together and work towards a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
