Q: What are the 17 goals?
Q: What are SDGs?
【April,2023】Is it too late to ask?! This and That on Sustainability: the SDGs edition
May.8, 2023 at 9:45 JST
Recently, there are more opportunities to learn about SDGs, so in this month’s issue we are going to once again explain what they are and their significance.
（Sustainability Promotion Department）
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A: First, “sustainability” refers to developing a sustainable world from three perspectives: environmental, social, and economical. Based on that definition, the SDGs define what a sustainable world will look like in 2030 and are a universal measure of sustainability with set goals to be achieved.
Explanation:
To be specific, they are Sustainable Development Goals described in the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” which was adopted by the UN Sustainable Development Summit held in September 2015.
The SDGs are an action plan and are international goals consisting of 17 goals and 169 targets with the aim to solve issues concerning the environment, discrimination, poverty, human rights, and more by 2030 to transform our world. There are no certifications like the ISO certification and it is not required by law to follow the SDGs, but all 193 Member States of the United Nations, developing or developed, have adopted these goals to change the world into one supported by SDGs.
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Q: How do the SDGs relate to corporations?
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A: By utilizing SDGs, new business can be created, new clients and business partners can be acquired, and more. They can lead to the creation of innovations and partnerships that have previously not existed. In other words, they are a business opportunity.
Explanation:
Corporations grow by accurately understanding social needs and developing businesses to meet those needs. As explained previously, the SDGs show a future worldview. It could also be said they are a list of social needs.
The following sentence is found in the agenda: “We call on all businesses to apply their creativity and innovation to solving sustainable development challenges.”
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A: The 17 goals cover a wide range of issues, including environmental and social areas.
Explanation:
The relation of each goal can be seen in the “SDGs wedding cake model*” illustration on the right. The bottom layer is the biosphere, above that is society, and economy is on the top.
To put it simply, the model shows the biosphere is the foundation that supports society and the money-generating economy.
*The illustration was thought up by Professor Johan Rockstrom and other professors at the Stockholm Resilience Centre.
The SDGs play a big role when thinking about the future of business.
Please take some time to look through the 17 goals and 169 targets.
The documents and websites below are good references.
● “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”
The 17 goals and 169 targets are posted.
● The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, “JAPAN SDGs Action Platform”
This website introduces the efforts of the Japanese government, corporations, and organizations.
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