Sustainable Development
How Do Volunteers Fit Into the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that were established by the United Nations in September 2015. This new set of goals builds off of the Millennium Development Goals (created in 2000) that were meant to be accomplished by 2015.
“The SDGs are universal, inclusive and a bold commitment to people and the planet. The SDGs are also referred to as the Global Goals for sustainable development.”
How do volunteers fit into all of this?
In the Sustainable Development Wheel pictured above, we see that PARTNERSHIP is a main point of focus for the success of the SDGs. To me, establishing a solid global partnership means that people from all over the world need to come together and work towards achieving a common goal. We should strive to help all global communities develop rather than only focusing on development in our own home country.
“Combining the action of international, national and community volunteers into a ripple effect can increase outreach and multiply results across all goal areas.”
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) outline a list of potential ways that volunteers can help contribute to accomplishing the SDGs. Based on this list, I’ve come up with 3 easy steps for you to get involved (whether that means volunteering at home or going abroad).
Raise Awareness
Educate yourself. Start by reading about the Sustainable Development Goals. The UN has made it really simple for people to educate themselves by having an interactive graphic on their website. Pick a couple SDGs that most interest you and click on them to learn more about the specific targets that the UN has established for that goal. The next step? Share your passion. Tell people about the SDG that you are most passionate about. Tell them why it matters to you and why they should care.
2. Model Behaviour
Act in ways that reflect your words. Let’s say you’re really passionate about Gender Equality (Goal 6). Don’t just tell people that gender equality is important, instead act in ways that show how important it is to you. You can stand up for woman’s rights in your own university or community simply by taking a feminism course to learn more about the issues, or by speaking against female stereotypes when they come up in conversation.
3. Mobilize People
Take the next step and become a volunteer. There are many organizations and non-profits whose mission statements fit in with the SDGs. Some of these organizations work at home, while others work abroad in developing countries. Find an organization that supports the SDG you are most passionate about and sign up to volunteer with them! Be sure to encourage your friends to volunteer too!
In your research, you’ll probably find that many organizations take on a holistic approach and support more than just one of the SDGs. Working with this type of organization is great because it encourages you to learn about more SDGs and how they are all interconnected to work towards eliminating poverty.
But, do they really need me?
Absolutely.
Richard Dictus, Executive Director at United Nations Volunteers, explains:
“The SDGs will only be successful if all people and groups are fully engaged and have a voice in the way the SDGs are implemented. If we count exclusively on government policy, private and public investment to make things happen, we probably will not have enough resources to reach everybody. You cannot ensure we leave no one behind without volunteers.”
It doesn’t matter if you decide to volunteer at home or abroad, as long as you make your voice heard and actively participate in the movement to create a sustainable world. Just remember that developing your mind is the first step to developing the world.