“The SDGs are not a menu; they are a roadmap. We need to ask ourselves: Who can we do
this with, and who does this affect?” The above statement is rational since it seeks to
stimulate the thought of collaboration between all stakeholders to ensure that the desired
goals are met. By referring to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a road map,
the speaker meant that all goals form a strategic plan that defines the desirable outcome in
people’s lives and thus requiring collective action. In this regard, the phrase is rational as it
calls for collaboration between various parties to improve societal wellbeing.
The road map analogy makes more sense than menu. SDGs cannot be a menu since it
would imply a list of goals where one selects the one they want or that relates to them. For
example the medical personnel would select the health goal and leave the rest but it would
not be possible to meet one goal and leave the rest since different goals relate to each other.
For example Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation relates to health as it sets the necessary
conditions in terms of hygiene, safe drinking water and a clean environment for people to
have good health (Barbier & Burgess, 2017). Also, Goal 11 on sustainable cities and
communities that pertains to resilience, safety and environmental sustainability are pre-
conditions for good health as it relates to safety from hazards, and environmental pollution
among others (Barbier & Burgess, 2017). Therefore, it would not be possible to achieve the
health goals if these two and others are ignored. As a result, collaboration is necessary for
professionals whose work relate to the three goals.
Furthermore, quality education and gender equality are targets that would enhance the
achievement of health goal. The reason is that education promotes socio-economic
empowerment and also healthy lifestyles (Barbier & Burgess, 2017).. Also, gender equality
is important as it leads to empowerment of women who are strong family pillars and thus
enabling them to promote health for the children and the rest of the family (Barbier &
Burgess, 2017). Consequently, the connection between the SDGs is evident.
At the individual level, I have a responsibility to take actions that promote the achievement
of SDGs. An example is vaccinating myself and family against illnesses to minimize chances
of getting ill and facilitating the spread (The United Nations). Also, I am expected to
properly service my car to minimize tail pipe emissions that lower the air quality. Such
individual actions contribute to make the world better.
References
Barbier, E., & Burgess, J. (2017). The Sustainable Development Goals and the systems
approach to sustainability: Economics: The Open-Access, Open-Assessment E-Journal, 11
(2017-28): 1–22.
Response Post 2
Response on (Sustainable Development Goals)
The SDGs are interconnected in their creation, adoption, and implementation. At the core
of the SDGs are aspects considered as the chief driver of global sustainability, among other
collaborative policies, it has to base its decisions on universal accountability, and these
millennial goals are characteristically universal. Goals on climate action, food security,
sustainable cities, and communities are interconnected in achieving environmental sustainability
for their actualization.
I agree with the above post that the millennial (2030) agenda is an applicable worldwide
roadmap rather than a menu, considering diverse national practices and developmental standards,
and is considered to have different national strategies and needs. The SDGs are a shared roadmap
that requires global collaboration, with nations building up their pathways to national targets.
This requires reinforced administration practice and relevant organizations (Conti & Gupta.
2016). The 2030 Plan is integrative in its approach towards human life; it pays respect to
different aspects that sustain livelihoods. Approaches must adjust and coordinate the social,
ecological, and economic measurements, likewise taking into considerations into governance and
interconnecting the above aspects (Conti & Gupta. 2016).
Response Post 3
References
Conti, K. I., & Gupta, J. (2016). Global governance principles for the sustainable
development of groundwater resources. International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law
and Economics, 16(6), 849-871.