What are the SDGs?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

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.

"The private sector is an indispensable partner for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Businesses can contribute as part of their core business. We therefore call on companies around the world to measure the impact of their actions, set ambitious targets and communicate their progress transparently."

– Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations

The process that led up to the adoption of the 17 sustainable development goals in September of 2015, was more inclusive than ever before.  The goals clearly defined the world we want and set a path on how to reach those goals. Quickly, it became clear that businesses would have an important role to play, not only because SMEs represent half of the developing world’s workforce and will therefore have a significant impact on the SDGs but also because the private sector clearly demonstrated that they wanted to be more actively involved. 

In order to further drive business awareness and action in support of the SDGs, the UN Global Compact was created. With its ten principles the Global Compact sets the stage for all businesses, large and small, to adhere to, and work with, the 17 sustainable development goals. 

On May 28, 2021, the UN Business & Industry Major Group (also called the Voice of the private sector at the UN) declared that ‘new and concrete engagement mechanisms’ are needed in achieving the SDGs.

Target Aid appreciates the importance of the SDGs and notes the calls for action. We have also taken to heart that many of the users of our platform represent SMEs. In addition to our main charity categories we also decided to base the platform’s  structure in accordance with the 17 SDGs. We want to ensure that the sustainable development goals are at the core of any company’s CSR and that everyone works through the same framework because without a common framework and common goals, it will be difficult to reach a sustainable future. 

Read more on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.