SDGs: Definition, History, and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals

Source: (https://sdgs.bappenas.go.id/faqs2/)

SDGs: Definition, History, and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
By Samuel Nata Charis

SDGs stands for Sustainable Development Goals, which in Indonesian translates to Tujuan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan.

What is the purpose of SDGs?
The SDGs aim to drive various changes based on human rights and equality in social, economic, and environmental development. The SDGs consist of 17 goals with 169 targets that are expected to be achieved by 2030.

Definition of SDGs
In brief, SDGs are a global-scale sustainable development agenda aimed at creating a prosperous and peaceful society while preserving the planet. According to the National Development Planning Agency’s website, SDGs represent a global and national commitment to improve the welfare of society. SDGs serve as a shared blueprint adopted by all UN member states for peace and prosperity for humanity and the planet.

History of SDGs
The history of SDGs dates back several years, involving collaboration between many countries and the UN. The foundation of the SDGs can be traced to 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as noted on the Department of Economic and Social Affairs website. At this summit, 178 countries adopted Agenda 21, a comprehensive action plan to build global partnerships for sustainable development, aiming to improve human lives and protect the environment.

Discussions on sustainable development continued in several summits in the years following.

In 2013, the UN General Assembly formed an Open Working Group consisting of 30 members to develop proposals for sustainable development goals. In January 2015, the UN General Assembly initiated negotiations for the post-2015 development agenda. On September 25, 2015, at the UN Headquarters, approximately 193 heads of state officially endorsed the SDGs, consisting of 17 goals.

The 17 SDGs Goals
The SDGs contain 17 goals for 2030 that were declared by heads of state from both developed and developing countries in September 2015. 

What are the 17 goals of the SDGs 2030? Here they are.

  1. No poverty
  2. Zero hunger
  3. Good healthy 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 inequality
  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 goal

Indonesia’s SDGs Goals
Indonesia has responded to the SDGs through Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 59 of 2017 on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and Presidential Regulation No. 111 of 2022 on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The goals of the SDGs, as outlined in Presidential Regulation No. 111 of 2022, include four main points:

  1. Ensuring the continuous improvement of economic well-being for the community.
  2. Maintaining the sustainability of social life within society.
  3. Preserving environmental quality and promoting inclusive development.
  4. Implementing governance that ensures the quality of life improves from one generation to the next.

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