Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical Background
- The 17 Sustainable Development Goals
- India and the SDGs
- Key Schemes in India Aligned with SDGs
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global objectives adopted by the United Nations in 2015 under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They aim to tackle pressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. Unlike the earlier Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the SDGs are universal, inclusive, and interconnected, applying to all countries regardless of their level of development.
Historical Background
- 1987 – Brundtland Commission Report: Defined sustainable development as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
- 1992 – Rio Earth Summit: Introduced Agenda 21, focusing on sustainable development.
- 2000 – Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): Eight goals with limited scope.
- 2012 – Rio+20 Summit: Called for a new set of universal goals.
- 2015 – UN General Assembly: Adoption of the 17 SDGs with 169 targets and 304 indicators.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals
Goal 1: No Poverty – End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Goal 2: Zero Hunger – End hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 4: Quality Education – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities
Goal 5: Gender Equality – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, foster innovation
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – Reduce inequality within and among countries
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13: Climate Action – Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Goal 14: Life Below Water – Conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas, and marine resources
Goal 15: Life on Land – Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, forests, biodiversity
Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice, build effective institutions
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Strengthen global partnerships for sustainable development
India and the SDGs
- India has integrated SDGs into its national policies through NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index.
- India ranked 99th out of 167 countries in the 2025 Sustainable Development Report with a score of 67.
- Progress areas: poverty reduction, renewable energy, sanitation (Swachh Bharat Mission).
- Challenges: regional disparities, financing gaps, climate vulnerability.
Global Progress and Challenges
- UN SDG Report 2025: Only 17% of targets are on track; inequalities and climate crises hinder progress.
- Financing Gap: Developing countries face trillions in funding shortfalls.
- COVID-19 Impact: Reversed gains in poverty, education, and health.
- Climate Change: Rising emissions threaten Goal 13 (Climate Action).
Key Schemes in India Aligned with SDGs
- SDG 1 (No Poverty): Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): National Food Security Act.
- SDG 3 (Health): Ayushman Bharat.
- SDG 6 (Sanitation): Swachh Bharat Mission.
- SDG 7 (Energy): Saubhagya Scheme.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
Conclusion
The Sustainable Development Goals represent humanity’s collective vision for a just, equitable, and sustainable future. For India, achieving SDGs is not just a global commitment but a national necessity to ensure inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and social justice.
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between MDGs and SDGs?
MDGs: 8 goals, focused on developing countries.
SDGs: 17 goals, universal, broader scope.
Q2. Why are SDGs important for India?
India’s large population and socio-economic diversity make SDGs crucial for inclusive growth and climate resilience
Q3. How are SDGs monitored in India?
Through NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index and state-level dashboards.
