In 2015, the United Nations created the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The centerpiece of that agenda was the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which it has said are “an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership.” The goals range from ending poverty to preserving oceans and forests.

As more and more companies focus on sustainability and social responsibility, they’ve often used the 17 SDGs as a blueprint for their own environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts. Here’s a closer look at each of the goals, along with tips on how promotional products suppliers and distributors can implement them in their own operations.

Goal 1: No Poverty

Ending poverty goes hand in hand with promoting sustainability. For example, poverty and inequality often exacerbate environmental challenges, with poorer communities frequently experiencing inadequate access to clean water, sanitation and healthy living conditions.

Goal 2: Zero Hunger

This goal is about achieving food security and improved nutrition as well as promoting sustainable agriculture. The U.N. notes that one in 10 people worldwide is suffering from hunger and nearly one in three lacks regular access to adequate food.

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Secure healthy living and well-being, as well as access to healthcare, for people at any age of life.

Goal 4: Quality Education

Everyone deserves inclusive and appropriate education. This goal encompasses everything from ensuring that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood care to increasing literacy and numeracy in children and adults.

Goal 5: Gender Equality

Promote gender equity and empowering women of all ages. The U.N. notes that it would take 40 years, at the current pace, for women and men to be represented equally in political leadership, for instance.

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Everyone deserves access to clean water and proper sanitation. According to the U.N., more than 733 million people live in countries with high and critical levels of water stress.

Goal 7: Clean Energy

Create access to reliable, affordable and renewable modern energy for all people. Renewable energy use has been growing, but still represents only about 17.7% of total consumption, according to the U.N.

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Promote inclusive and renewable economic growth, along with constructive employment for all people.

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Promote resilient infrastructure along with sustainable and inclusive industrialization and the ability to foster innovation.

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

This goal seeks to minimize inequalities globally. The U.N. notes that between 2015 and 2021, the number of refugees outside their own country increased by 44%.

Goal 11: Sustainable Communities

Develop cities and communities that are safe, renewable and inclusive for all.

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Secure sustainable production globally. Reliance on natural resources rose 65% globally from 2000 to 2019, according to the U.N.

Goal 13: Climate Action

Take realistic and timely action to combat climate change globally. The U.N. calls climate change “humanity’s ‘code red’ warning,” noting that the “window to avoid climate catastrophe is closing rapidly.”

Goal 14: Life Below Water

Conserve the oceans, along with other bodies of water, for sustainable development. More than 17 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2021 – a figure that’s projected to double or triple by 2040 under current conditions, according to the U.N.

Goal 15: Life on Land

Provide protection and restoration of all ecosystems. Reserve land, combat deforestation and stop biodiversity loss.

Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Provide peaceful societies with renewable development and access to justice for all. Build accountable institutions at all levels for all people.

Goal 17: Partnerships for Goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the U.N. Global Partnership for Sustainable Development. Among the targets for this goal is to mobilize financial resources for developing countries.

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