How Do Young People Plan to Tackle the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals?

In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly set an agenda for a more sustainable future by identifying 17 global goals known as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development or SDGs. By 2030, these 17 goals intend to transform the world: no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure; reducing inequality, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land; peace, justice, and strong institutions, and partnerships for goals.

Prior to the launch of the SDGs four years ago, 189 countries signed the historic Millennium Declaration at the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were eight international development goals for the year 2015 with measurable targets and deadlines aimed at improving the lives of the world’s poorest people.

Earlier this year in April, the Global Festival of Action for Sustainable Development held over three days in Bonn, Germany. It was a UN forum devoid of “fancy suits and long speeches” that brought together 1,500 participants from over 100 countries to showcase the latest innovations, tools and approaches that will make sustainable development a reality, according to a statement on UN’s website. 

Young people had a valuable place in the festivities by showcasing their artistic creations through film and by taking home critical awards to tackle the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

MY World 360° playlist—a collection of youth-produced immersive stories from around the world that spotlight issues most relevant to young people and their communities – was released. The release marks the first anniversary of the launch of MY World 360°, a partnership between United Nations SDG Action Campaign, Digital Promise Global, and Oculus, supporting young people worldwide to develop their digital skills, share their perspectives, and advance positive action toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Watch the videos here. 

Youth and educators around the world are invited to use the free resources to learn about the SDGs and develop the skills needed to capture, edit, and share 360° media that represents their perspectives and communities in immersive and compelling ways.

The second notable presence of young people began at the 2018 Summit, continuing to work today.  Nigeria's Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI) a UN SDG Action award winner (Innovator Category) was incorporated to promote sustainable development goals towards the achievement of agenda 2030 through active education and creative development, innovation and entrepreneurship in children, youth and women. The goal of CYCDI is to pursue, promote and implement sustainable projects that will boost community growth whilst curbing corruption, substance abuse, child abuse and any other menace that can undermine national and global development, general health and well-being. 

Solution17 for Sustainable Development Goals is a model initiative to proffer solutions to the world's most pressing problems through the application of the 17 SDGs. The model is hinged on youth development through education, creativity and innovation to tackle problems, their effects; whilst creating solutions towards a healthy, liveable, prosperous and sustainable planet.  Download the brochure.

Several other creative youth programs were also winners or finalists for the SDG awards: