Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – UPSC Economy Notes

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The SDGs, also known as “Transforming Our World,” were adopted by all 193 Member States of the United Nations in 2015. These goals are designed to address a wide range of interconnected global challenges and promote sustainable development in economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Each goal is accompanied by specific targets, totaling 169 across the 17 goals. The SDGs are as follows:

1. Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
2. Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
3. Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
4. Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
5. Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
6. Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
7. Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
8. Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
9. Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
10. Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries.
11. Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
12. Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
13. Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
14. Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
15. Goal 15: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
16. Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
17. Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

The SDGs aim to guide global efforts over the next decade and a half to address critical challenges and create a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030.

Similarities and Differences between MDGs and SDGs:

Similarities:

1. Zero Goals: Both MDGs and SDGs share the overarching aim of addressing global challenges to improve living conditions and achieve sustainable development. However, the SDGs aim to completely eradicate certain issues rather than achieving partial progress.
2. Global Agendas: Both initiatives represent global commitments and agendas endorsed by the international community, emphasizing collective efforts to address shared challenges.
3. International Collaboration: Both MDGs and SDGs call for international collaboration, partnerships, and cooperation to achieve their respective targets.

Differences:

1. Participatory Process: The process of creating the SDGs involved a more inclusive and participatory approach, engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, civil society, businesses, and academia. The MDGs, in contrast, were developed in a more top-down manner.
2. Holistic Approach: SDGs adopt a more holistic and interconnected approach to sustainable development, recognizing the interdependence of social, economic, and environmental factors. MDGs were often criticized for their siloed approach.
3. Separation of Goals: SDGs distinguish between hunger and poverty, treating them as separate issues. MDGs combined these elements under a single goal (MDG 1).
4. Funding Strategy: While the MDGs relied heavily on aid flows, the SDGs emphasize sustainable, inclusive economic development and stress the role of countries in generating their revenue to address social challenges.
5. Inclusion of Peace-Building: SDGs incorporate the goal of peace-building, recognizing the critical link between peace and the success of ending hunger and poverty. MDGs did not explicitly address peace-building.
6. Data Revolution: SDGs place a strong emphasis on a “Data Revolution,” calling for improved monitoring, evaluation, and accountability. This was not explicitly addressed in the MDGs.
7. Quality Education: Unlike the MDGs, which focused on quantitative aspects like enrollment rates, the SDGs introduce a focus on the quality of education and learning outcomes. The SDGs highlight the role of education in creating a more humane world.

Overall, the SDGs represent a more comprehensive and evolved framework, building on the lessons learned from the MDGs and incorporating a broader understanding of sustainable development.

NITI Aayog and SDGs:

1. Coordination Role: NITI Aayog has been assigned the role of coordinating efforts for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India. This involves not only data collection but also proactive pursuit of the goals and targets.
2. Collaboration with MoSPI: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is involved in the coordination efforts alongside NITI Aayog, indicating a collaborative approach in managing and monitoring SDGs.
3. Mapping of Schemes: NITI Aayog has mapped various Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs), including ‘core of the core,’ ‘core,’ and ‘optional’ schemes implemented by the states. This mapping aligns these schemes with the SDGs and ensures their contribution to the broader goals.
4. International Commitment: As a signatory to the SDGs, India, through NITI Aayog, is committed to participating in the international review of progress on SDGs. The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) serves as the central platform for international follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda.
5. Voluntary National Review (VNR): NITI Aayog, representing India, has presented the Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of SDGs at the HLPF. The VNRs are crucial for showcasing the country’s progress and achievements related to SDGs on the global stage.
6. Core Objectives: The report highlights various measures and programs implemented across India to achieve the core objectives of the 17 SDGs. These include initiatives related to poverty eradication, economic growth, ending hunger, achieving food security, gender equality, sustainable industrialization, and climate action.
7. Key Programs Highlighted: The report specifically mentions key programs and initiatives such as the ‘Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act,’ ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,’ ‘Sagarmala,’ ‘Clean India’ campaign, and the Aadhaar Act. These programs contribute to addressing specific SDGs and align with the global goals.

NITI Aayog’s involvement signifies a comprehensive and strategic approach to integrate the SDGs into national policies and programs, ensuring a concerted effort to achieve sustainable development in India.

India’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) on SDGs:

Overview: India’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasizes the significance of SDG 1 (No Poverty) and recognizes the importance of sustained economic growth to achieve this goal. The review outlines key programs and initiatives aligned with various SDGs, showcasing India’s commitment to sustainable development.

Key Programs for Respective SDGs:

1. SDG 1 – No Poverty:
   • Programs: PM Jan Dhan Yojana (world’s largest financial inclusion program), National Rural Drinking Water Programme, Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission), Housing for All by 2020, PM’s rural roads program.
   • Emphasis on continued economic growth for poverty eradication.
2. SDG 2 – Zero Hunger:
   • Programs: Doubling farmers’ income by 2022, Integrated Child Development Services, Public Distribution System, mid-day meal program.
3. SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being:
   • Programs: National Health Mission, National Vector Borne Disease Programme, Ayushman Bharat, National Programme for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases.
4. SDG 5 – Gender Equality:
   • Programs: Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child, Maternity Benefit Programme, Women Transforming India, Stand Up India.
5. SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure:
   • Programs: Saubhagya (electricity for all), e-vehicles, Atal Innovation Mission.
6. SDG 14 – Life Below Water:
   • Programs: Mangroves for the Future, National Policy on Marine Fisheries 2017, Sagarmala (port-led development).
7. SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals:
   • Emphasis on global partnership for sustainable development.
   • India’s expectation for developed countries to support developing nations, particularly in curbing illicit financial flows.

Overall Commitment: India’s VNR demonstrates a commitment to addressing a wide range of SDGs through targeted programs and initiatives. The emphasis on economic growth, poverty eradication, gender equality, health, innovation, and global partnerships reflects a holistic approach to sustainable development in the country. The VNR also highlights the interconnectedness of these goals and the need for collaborative efforts to achieve them.

FAQs

1. What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

• The SDGs are a set of 17 interconnected global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. They provide a blueprint for addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice by 2030.

2. Why are the SDGs important?

• The SDGs are important because they serve as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. They provide a framework for governments, businesses, and civil society to work together towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

3. How are the SDGs interconnected?

• The SDGs are interconnected because progress in one goal often depends on progress in others. For example, achieving gender equality (SDG 5) can contribute to poverty reduction (SDG 1) and economic growth (SDG 8). Similarly, addressing climate change (SDG 13) can have positive impacts on health (SDG 3) and biodiversity (SDG 15).

4. Who is responsible for implementing the SDGs?

• Implementing the SDGs is a shared responsibility among governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals. Governments play a crucial role in creating policies and allocating resources, while businesses can integrate sustainability into their operations and supply chains. Civil society organizations and individuals can advocate for change, raise awareness, and take actions to support the SDGs.

5. How can individuals contribute to the achievement of the SDGs?

• Individuals can contribute to the SDGs in various ways, such as adopting sustainable lifestyles (e.g., reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste), supporting responsible businesses and products, advocating for policy changes, volunteering for organizations working on SDG-related issues, and raising awareness in their communities about the importance of sustainable development and the SDGs.

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