Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs include a set of areas that require immediate attention. These goals are critical for the environmental, political and economic sustenance and advancement of the world. These goals have been adopted by the members of the United Nations and are being implemented in every country to build a better, more sustainable world for humankind. The SDG mandate leaves no one behind and has an inclusive approach towards promoting human development and well-being.
List of SDGs
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development mandates 17 goals that require immediate action. These goals call for a global partnership based on substantive support across states.
These 17 SDGs include:
1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health 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 Inequalities
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 Goals
Role of SDGCC
Sustainable development Goals Coordination Centre is a body that oversees and initiates action for SDG related problems. The SDGCC goals range from providing technical assistance to ensuring that state departments work in alignment with SDGs. The body also provides the required resources and expertise to assist governments in materializing SDGs. In addition, it works on the grass-root level with other bodies like NGOs, private sector organizations and government institutions to drive positive change in the world.
This centre is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and aims at achieving the SDG 2030. The SDGCC goals for Punjab can be accomplished through the facilitation and empowerment of all stakeholders. SDGCC aims at providing the resources, systems and technical capacity to accelerate the development of Punjab. The body works in close association with government departments to roll out and strengthen initiatives focused on SDGs.
SDGs can be achieved through a coordinated effort and participation from the civil society, private sector and government officials. Following are some of the objectives of SDGCC that are being implemented on a broad scale across the state.
Integrated planning and implementation
- Developing a long-term strategic plan that contributes to the SDGs is done by SDGCC after detailed research and analysis. SDGCC extends its support to all the government departments and stakeholders to help achieve the set targets by 2030.
Resource Mobilization and Partnership
- Raising funds and participating in mutually beneficial ventures with organizations has helped SDGCC mobilize resources for various SDG initiatives.
Localization
- Handing support to local elected bodies like the Gram Panchayat is also part of the organization’s duties. This also includes the extension of technical knowledge, resources and building capacities to support the implementation of SDG initiatives in the state at a ground level.
Monitoring
- These are set goal-wise indicator frameworks that have been developed to keep track of the performance of various key initiatives. SDGCC performs interventions to check and accelerate the progress of such initiatives.
Awareness Generation
- A significant duty pertaining to achieving SDGs is building awareness amongst the masses. They have to be made aware of their responsibilities and contribution towards making the sustainable growth of the world.
Academia
- Through a platform that provides knowledge on various SDGs and how to take action on them, SDGCC aims at empowering the youth and making them more conscious about the world around them. Furthermore, this platform helps people understand the small and big contributions they can make towards the cause.
E-modules
- People seeking formal training for SDGCC goals can obtain it online through e-learning modules offered by SDGCC. This digital learning platform allows youth to gain knowledge about the subject conveniently.
SDG Action Awards
The SDG Action Awards Punjab are given in five categories and seek nomination from people across the state. These categories are:
- SDG Action Award for Economic Sustainability.
- SDG Action Award for Social Upliftment and Welfare
- SDG Action Award for Environment Sustainability
- SDG Action Award for ‘Leaving no one behind’ spirit
- SDG Action Award for promoting integration, convergence, joint action and holistic solutions approach
These awards aim at acknowledging the efforts of change-makers who are making a positive difference in the lives of millions of people.
All of these initiatives have attained fervent momentum in the state of Punjab. They strive to reach out to every citizen, government official, media person, community leader and elected representatives. The SDGs are mandated to be achieved by 2030, and various government and international bodies are working towards making this possible. Sustainable development Goals Coordination Centre, Punjab, has played a pioneering role in instigating this change and working towards achieving the required targets. It will continue to extend its support towards achieving the SDG mandate.