Concept and Evolution
of Sustainable Development
By Emmanuel Ola-Olowoyo
Table of Content
• Background of Sustainable Development
• Evolution of Sustainable Development
• Formation of the SDGs
• Transition from MDGs to SDGs
• 17 Sustainable Development Goals
• Dimensions & Pillars of Sustainable
Development
• Core Principles Underpinning the 2030
Agenda
• SDG Transformations and Levers
• Impact of Amplifying the SDGs
• Strategies for Amplifying the SDGs
Background
Sustainable Development is a development that
meets the needs of the present, without
compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17
ambitious objectives for a greener, healthier, more
peaceful, and equal planet. A path for a world in
which prosperity is shared, societies are inclusive, and
the environment is kept safe.
The Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by all
United Nations Member States in 2015, are a
universal call to action to end poverty, protect the
planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and
prosperity by 2030. The 17 SDGs are integrated—they
recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes
in others, and that development must balance social,
economic, and environmental sustainability.
Evolution of Sustainable Development
Formation of the SDGs
• The idea for the SDGs was born at the 2012
Rio+20 Summit in Brazil.
• The largest-ever participatory process
undertaken by the UN.
• This is the largest consultation in history, and
it took 3 years to design the goals and targets.
• Hence, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) are accompanied by 169 specific
targets and 230+ measurable indicators.
• Launched 25 September 2015 by 193
member states
• The cost of achieving ambitious sustainable
development targets is estimated at between
$5.4 and $6.4 trillion per year between now
and 2030
• The SDGs are commonly referred to as the
“Global Goals” or “Agenda 2030.”
Transition from MDGs to SDGs
Random Thoughts?
Who has the major role in
accelerating the Sustainable
Development Goals?
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Government,
Private Companies,
CSO/NGOs,
Religious Organizations
Schools/Universities,
Youths
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Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote
sustainable agriculture
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong
learning opportunities for all
Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Goal 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for
all
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and
productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable
industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for
sustainable development
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems,
sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land
degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Goal 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,
provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive
institutions at all levels
Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global
partnership for sustainable development
SDGs Target
and Indicators
17 Goals
169 Targets
230+ Indicators
NB: Please note that the total
number of indicators listed in the
final indicator proposal is 241.
However, nine indicators are
repeat under two or three
different targets (see below)
1) 7.a.1/13.a.1
2) 8.4.1/12.2.1
3) 8.4.2/12.2.2
4) 10.3.1/16.b.1
5) 10.6.1/16.8.1
6) 15.7.1/15.c.1
7) 15.a.1/15.b.1
8) 1.5.1/11.5.1/13.1.2
9) 1.5.3/11.b.2/13.1.1
SDG Dashboard by Region & Income Group
Dimensions
Pillars of
Sustainable
Development
SDGs By its Dimension
Social: SDG 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Economic: SDG 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Environmental: SDG 13, 14, 15
Means of Implementation: SDG 16 & 17
SDGs By Pillars
People: SDG 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11
Prosperity: SDG 7, 8, 9, 10, 12
Planet: SDG 13, 14, 15
Peace: SDG 16
Partnership: SDG 17
SDG Transformations and Levers
KEY LEVERS
1. Governance
2. Economy and Finance
3. Individual and Collective Action
4. Science and Technology
5. Capacity Building
SDG Online Learning Platform
https://sdgacademy.org/
Random Thoughts?
Everyone wants a change but nobody
wants to change. “Be the change that
you wish to see in the world.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
• What are you currently doing that
accelerates the attainment of the
2030 Agenda?
Impact of Amplifying the SDGs
1. Economic Growth and Stability:
Amplifying the SDGs has significant
economic benefits. By focusing on goals such
as decent work and economic growth (Goal
8), industry, innovation, and infrastructure
(Goal 9), and reduced inequalities (Goal 10),
we can create more stable and inclusive
economies. Sustainable economic growth
leads to job creation, increased incomes,
and improved living standards.
2. Social Progress and Equality:
The SDGs promotes social progress and
equality. Goals like quality education (Goal
4), gender equality (Goal 5), and reduced
inequalities (Goal 10) address systemic
social issues and promote inclusive
development.
Achieving
these
goals
ensures that marginalized and vulnerable
populations have equal opportunities and
access to resources.
Impact of Amplifying the SDGs
3. Environmental Sustainability:
Environmental sustainability is
at the heart of the SDGs. Goals
such as climate action (Goal 13),
life below water (Goal 14), and
life on land (Goal 15) focus on
protecting our planet.
By amplifying these goals, we
can mitigate climate change,
preserve
biodiversity,
and
ensure the sustainable use of
natural resources.
4. Health and Well-being:
Health and well-being are
critical
components
of
sustainable
development.
Goals like good health and
well-being (Goal 3) and
clean water and sanitation
(Goal 6) aim to improve
health outcomes and access
to essential services.
Amplifying these goals leads
to healthier populations,
reduced healthcare costs,
and increased productivity.
5. Peace and Justice:
The SDGs also emphasize the
importance of peace, justice,
and strong institutions (Goal
16). By amplifying these goals,
we can build societies that are
more
just,
inclusive,
and
resilient.
This involves promoting human
rights, reducing violence, and
ensuring access to justice for
all.
Strategies for Amplifying the SDGs
1. Education and Advocacy
Education and advocacy are powerful
tools for amplifying the SDGs. This
involves integrating the SDGs into
educational
curricula,
organizing
awareness campaigns, and leveraging
media and social media platforms to
spread the message.
Strategies for Amplifying the SDGs
2. Partnerships and Networks
Building partnerships and networks is
crucial. This includes collaborations
between governments, businesses,
non-profits,
and
international
organizations.
Creating multi-stakeholder platforms
can facilitate knowledge sharing,
innovation, and collective action.
Strategies for Amplifying the SDGs
3. Innovative Financing
Exploring
innovative
financing
mechanisms is essential. This includes
impact investing, social impact bonds,
and public-private partnerships.
Innovative financing can unlock new
resources
and
drive
sustainable
investments.
Strategies for Amplifying the SDGs
4. Technology and Innovation
Leveraging technology and innovation
can accelerate progress towards the
SDGs.
This includes using data and analytics
for better decision-making, promoting
sustainable
technologies,
and
supporting research and development
initiatives.
Strategies for Amplifying the SDGs
5. Policy and Governance
Effective policy and governance are
critical for amplifying the SDGs. This
involves
creating
enabling
environments,
ensuring
policy
coherence,
and
strengthening
institutions.
Good governance practices promote
transparency,
accountability,
and
inclusiveness.
Concluding Remarks
Amplifying the Sustainable Development Goals is not just
a necessity but an urgent call to action. The impact of
such efforts is profound, spanning economic, social,
environmental, and institutional dimensions.
By working together, raising awareness, fostering
collaborations, mobilizing resources, promoting policy
integration, and ensuring accountability, we can create a
world that is more prosperous, equitable, and
sustainable.
Each one of us has a role to play in this journey. Let us
commit to amplifying the SDGs in our personal,
professional, and communal lives.
Together, we can achieve the vision of a better world for
current and future generations.
Nwogbo, Gloria
Teach4SDGs Ambassador
Questions
Emmanuel Ola-Olowoyo
@sdgscatatlyst
www.linkedin.com/eooolowoyo