What are the Sustainable Development Goals and why does SCU work to support them?
In 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted a new set of guidelines, otherwise known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 goals were designed to tackle key global issues like ending poverty, reducing inequality and building more peaceful, prosperous societies by 2030.
At Street Child United (SCU), we are strongly committed to these goals; they are a driving force in our advocacy programmes and much of our work is actively aimed at supporting them, including our involvement with the UN’s ‘Football for the Goals’ initiative.
So, what exactly are the SDGS, and why does SCU take action to support them?
Breaking down the Sustainable Development Goals
Specifically, the 17 SDGs are as follows (more detail on these can be found on their official website):
- 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
- Reduced inequality
- Sustainable cities and communities
- Responsible consumption and production
- Climate action
- Life below water
- Life on land
- Peace, justice, and strong institutions
- Partnerships for the goals
For vulnerable populations like street-connected children, these goals coming to fruition is critical. These children are often among the marginalised groups that face the worst of global crises, from poverty and hunger to inequality and lack of access to education.
Why SCU supports the SDGs
At SCU, we believe the SDGs provide a clear roadmap to address the root causes of the issues street children face. Achieving the SDGs will create a fairer, healthier world where everyone, regardless of background, has ample opportunities to thrive.
Through our advocacy, sports diplomacy, and partnerships with global organisations, we are ensuring that street-connected children are a part of the conversation.
Our SCU’s work aligns with several SDGs. Most notably, our mission has helped further progress on goals relating to poverty, access to education, equality, and institutional support – issues at the heart of improving street-connected children’s day-to-day lives.
Goal 17, ‘Partnership for the Goals’, has also been key, as we believe collaboration is a vital part of achieving the SDGs. Partnering with organisations across the globe has allowed us to amplify our missions and global impact, working to create positive change for street children globally and drive collective progress towards the SDGs.
SCU and the 'Football for the Goals' initiative
One of our most notable partnerships is with the United Nations’ ‘Football for the Goals’.
The ‘Football for the Goals’ initiative provides a platform for organisations across the global football community to advocate for the SDGs, using the sport’s global, unparalleled reach as a tool to engage communities worldwide.
Football plays a huge role in SCU’s strategy for raising awareness and advocating for street-connected children, so this partnership was a natural step.
2030 and beyond...
Several years into the timeline for the guidelines, it’s clear that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 (and maintaining them beyond) will take global cooperation and continued advocacy en masse. SCU will continue to wholeheartedly support these goals, however long they take to come to fruition.
If you’re keen to help Street Child United further the Sustainable Development Goals, find out how to get involved!
