Theme day challenges to take action for sustainable development

On 25 September, the anniversary of the goals of the UN's Agenda 2030, people across the world are encouraged to take concrete actions to promote sustainable development.

According to the development cooperation survey published in July, one half of Finns have already heard of the global Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030), an increase of almost 20 per cent from the previous year. Awareness of the goals has also strengthened internationally under umbrellas such as the UN SDG Action Campaign and Global Goals. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were agreed in 2015.

The responsibility for reaching the goals lies with all levels of society – states, municipalities, cities, companies, organisations and individual citizens. Sustainable development includes the eradication of poverty, hunger and inequality, achieving gender equality and finding solutions to climate and environmental challenges by 2030.

On 25 September, the anniversary of the goals, the UN SDG Action Campaign will encourage people and communities across the world to take concrete actions for sustainable development. On the website(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window) coordinated by the network, anyone can browse the events taking place in different countries on the theme day, tell others about their own actions or send messages about the topic in social media using the hashtag #Act4SDGs. A global expression of support will serve as a message to the world's decision-makers who will start the UN General Assembly in New York on the same day.

The follow-up report on Agenda 2030 published in May stated that although the health of mothers and children has improved globally and water and electricity are accessible to an increasing number of people, there is also a threat that many phenomena hindering progress will intensify and undermine the achievement of the goals. These phenomena include challenges such as climate change and increasing inequality.

In Finland, you can look for inspiration for activities that promote the SDGs – also after anniversary – on the sustainable development website commitment2050(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window), which lists operational commitments made by Finnish communities and individuals. Examples of how you can contribute to solving global development challenges in your own daily life can also be found on the maailma2030(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window) website (in Finnish) targeted at schools. The website is produced by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.


What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
Read more:
um.fi/agenda-2030-sustainable-development-goals