Sustainable Development Goals

By: Phalguni R Tejaswi

In 2015, the United Nations created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These goals are like a plan a roadmap to make the world better by the year 2030. They include ending poverty and hunger, ensuring quality education, protecting the environment, fighting climate change, achieving gender equality, and much more.

Each goal is important because our future depends on it. Imagine a world where no one goes to bed hungry, everyone goes to school, there is no pollution, and nature is respected that is what SDGs aim to achieve.

India is working very hard to reach these goals. According to the Sustainable Development Report 2024, India is ranked 109 out of 166 countries, and our overall SDG Index Score is 63.99. This means we have completed about 64% of the global targets.

Also, as per NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index, India has improved its score from 57 in 2018 to 71 in 2023-24. This shows that we are moving forward, but we still have a long way to go.

Some of the areas where India is doing well are:

• Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) – with a high score of 96.

• Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) – score of 89.

• Sustainable Cities (SDG 11) – score of 83.

But we also face challenges in areas like:

• Gender Equality (SDG 5) – where we scored just 49.

• Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10) with a score of 65.

As citizens of India, we can:

• Save electricity and water

• Reduce plastic use

• Plant trees

• And spread awareness about these goals in our schools and communities.

Remember, the future is not something we wait for. It is something we build with knowledge, effort, and care for others.

Let’s join hands and support India in achieving all 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Thank you