The lessons we will learn from this time remain to be seen. I’m sure there will be many. What is already clear, is that when borders are reopened, schools and businesses are back and social distancing measures are lifted, the world will be a very different place. We will be different. Now is a great time to look at models like the Sustainable Development Goals, to help us with recovery.
During economic crises, while we’re all dealing with the immediate and sudden changes to life as we knew it, it is easy to forget about long-term sustainability. Routines have changed, social interactions are different, uncertainty is an ever present bedfellow with whom we need to make peace. And all the while, those long-term issues still need to be addressed. While the first world is trying to get a handle on food waste, other nations are still suffering from hunger and poverty. Recent reports indicate the Great Barrier Reef has suffered its third mass coral bleaching event in five years. Climate change is still very real.
There is No Planet B
For a long time at World’s Biggest Garage Sale, we have talked about the need for business to put people and planet first – before economic growth. This time that we all have now, is an opportunity to reset the compass on both business and government policy. To reflect on what really matters and to build foundations that consider social, environmental and economic concerns in equal measure. In the words of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres,
“let’s #buildbackbetter and turn the recovery into a real opportunity to do things right for the future”.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres
It is also essential that government policies and decision-making are informed by science and evidence.
A great way to start this journey for your business, your government sector and at home, is to familiarise yourself with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and incorporate them into your business.
“A universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere.”
These 17 goals are multifaceted and interconnected. By addressing one, you will quickly find you actually need to address more, as the complex way in which society operates now, means that various levers need to change in order to address particular goals.
To start, try the following:
- Review your core business and see which sustainable development goals align best. Visit – About the Sustainable Development Goals.
- As an example, World’s Biggest Garage Sale is strongly aligned with SDG 12. Responsible Consumption & Production.
- Read up on that goal on the United Nations website to understand the goal and why it matters. Each goal has great resources such as Why it Matters, Infographics and Targets.
- Dive deeper and understand the Facts and Figures for a specific goal’s targets and integrate these with your business strategy.
- Track and Measure using the SDG Action Manager to monitor your business progress against the SDGs.
As I love to say:
“What gets measured gets done.”
We can create more more sustainable, resilient and inclusive societies moving forward. We’d love to hear how your organisation is working on the Sustainable Development Goals and helping the world reach the 2030 target! To further show your support, we have SDG pins on sale at our online store. Wear one today to demonstrate you are an ambassador for the SDGs, you GSD for the SDGs and lead with love!!