Act on the Sustainable Development Goals
End extreme poverty. Fight inequality and injustice. Fix climate change. Whoa. The Sustainable Development Goals are important, world-changing objectives that will require cooperation among governments, international organizations and world leaders. It seems impossible that the average person can make an impact. Should you just give up?
No! Change starts with you. Seriously. Every human on earth—even the most indifferent, laziest person among us—is part of the solution. Fortunately, there are some super easy things we can adopt into our routines that, if we all do it, will make a big difference.
Youth Solutions Report The Youth Solutions platform showcases and supports transformative youth-led initiatives in business, education, charity, and research which highlight the innovative approach that young people are taking in solving the multiple challenges of sustainable development. The platform provides young innovators with a powerful tool that addresses the difficulties they face in securing funding, building capacity, communicating their experience and ultimately scaling their efforts.
As part of the Youth Solutions platform, SDSN Youth publishes a yearly Youth Solutions Report, which identifies 50 youth-led solutions that have demonstrated the clarity and viability of their strategy; their potential to be scaled and expanded, and their capacity to contribute to positive environmental and social outcomes.
Organizations around the world, many of which are led by youth, have been contributing to the implementation of the SDGs in a big way. Find organizations in your area that are working on the SDGs.
SDSN Youth Member Organizations SDSN Youth runs a membership program that is home to 600+ member organizations around the world. These organizations are youth-led and youth-focused groups taking action on the SDGs in all parts of the world - such as NGOs, university societies, and think tanks.
Maybe you’ve asked yourself before: ‘What can I, as a student, do about the SDGs?’ Maybe you’re not sure how to contribute, what actions could help, or simply where to start. Here are some ways you could get started:
SDSN Member Institutions Find out if your university/ institution is a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)! SDSN is home to a global network of 700+ universities, research centres, and think tanks.
Many of the Sustainable Development Goals call for long-term attitude and behaviour changes. Volunteers facilitate changes in mindsets by raising awareness or championing those changes and inspiring others. The 2030 Agenda recognizes volunteer groups as key stakeholders to achieve the 17 goals. Volunteerism is a powerful means of implementations, as it helps expand, mobilize and engage people under a common objective. The UN Volunteers is calling for individuals to bring their skills and expertise to contribute to meaningful and rewarding roles.