In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It established 17 Sustainable Development Goals that address critical areas of economic, social and environmental development that impact billions of people.
These SDGs were ratified by 193 governments and apply to every country—including the United States.
The categories are: no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, strong institutions of peace and justice, and partnership to achieve these goals.
Alarmingly, three years into the project’s 15-year timetable, the U.N. reports little progress. Funding is trillions of dollars short. The United States ranks last among the G20 nations in achieving the SDGs and 36th among all the countries in the world.