09: There are 17 SDGs (part 1)
Dear NGO Founder,
I hope today's letter meets you well.The title already gives you a clue on what today's letter is about. We would be talking about the famous Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the reason behind the goals, and my thoughts on achieving them.
The first mention of the SDGs was at the 2012 Rio+20 Summit (The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development) in Brazil.193 countries were deliberating on a replacement for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which were to expire in 2015. The MDGs were international development goals on poverty, gender equality, child mortality, maternal health, environmental sustainability, and diseases.
According to ‘The SDG Zone’, a portal created by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the process of designing the SDGs was one of the largest consultations in history. “It took three years to design the goals and targets. Governments, businesses, communities, universities, NGOs and youth from all over the world participated in the negotiations, with more than seven million people voting in 84 national surveys."
On 25 September 2015, all 193 countries agreed and signed the SDGs, making the commitment to achieve them by 2030. The UN calls it a global blueprint for dignity, peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and in the future. There are 17 goals in total, with 169 specific targets and 232 measurable targets. The targets and indicators presently serve as a guide for countries to plan their policies and measure progress. It also guides NGOs, private companies, and other institutions in planning and decision-making.
It is very unlikely that you're coming across the SDGs for the first time. The work of many NGOs in Nigeria, like other NGOs globally, is guided by the SDGs. Let me start by saying thank you for your contribution towards a sustainable future for all. If you read the letter titled ‘Invest in Project You.’ you'll recall that I asked if you paid attention to the indicators and targets of the goals you're working on. It will help you understand what the goal is about and what you can do about it. In today's letter, I'll mention some problems that I've noticed when NGOs approach the SDGs:
Forgetting that there are 17 goals, not five , not six , 17 goals. Certain goals have been neglected, which is not the UN's plan. All goals are interconnected, they are all important for a better future. Leaving any of the goals behind will lead to uneven growth.
Limiting a particular goal to repetitive projects. There are innovative ways to approach any of the goals. A critical look at the indicators, targets, and reports will give you insights on what else needs to be done, or what is new that can be done.
Choosing activities not influenced by knowledge of the SDGs, then trying to forcefully connect them afterwards. The correct order should be to take a look at the SDGs, then design a solution or a project.
Dear NGO Founder, get ready as we discuss more about the SDGs in the coming letters with Nigeria's data report, questions, suggestions, ideas etc. I hope you look forward to reading it and sharing your comments with me as much as I look forward to writing to you.
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Bye bye.
Early 2020, I was volunteering for a NGO then and we were very strong advocate of the SDG. The founder tasked every one of us to pick which we are most passionate about and do some research about it and how we can accomplish it.
I chose SDG 9- Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure; even though I was able to submit my work, I found out that SDG 9 it broad and except I want to deceive myself, I can’t lol.
Covid struck then I used the opportunity to switch to SDG 2(Zero hunger)😂; with God on my side and the help of my brother, we were able to give out foodstuffs to our neighbors during the lockdown; Weekly.
Thanks for this!
Looking forward to subsequent mails.