Learning Lab

Your future career will benefit from understanding the principles and practices that form the basis of the United Nation's (UN) approach to building a sustainable future with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

There are many ways to think about and act on sustainability issues. Sustainability can mean different things to different people and at different times. What seems like a sustainable solution in one area of life, may not be sustainable when applied to another part of life. 

What are the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?

The UN have ambassadors from every nation-state. Together, these ambassadors make international decisions. They work on many topics that affect people across the world, Human rights, Peace, Waste, Weapons and much more. The UN was formed in 1945, joined by 170 member countries. that number has increased over the years to the current 193 nation-states.

Initially, there were eight United Nations sustainable development goals, called the Millenium Development Goals, which started in 2000 and finished in 2015. The Millenium Development Goals were redeveloped into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs have a timelilne for completion by 2030.

There are currently 17 goals, 169 targets and 232 indicators. Providing the details of targets and indicators helps people measure the progress of each goal. Creating goals that are Strategic, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely (SMART goals) is a great way to make sure any goal will be completed and measured. 

RMIT University, like other institutions, has chosen to use the UN SDGs to guide its sustainability plans.

The 17 UN SDGs

1. No poverty

2. Zero hunger

3. Good health and
well-being

4. Quality education

5. Gender equality

6. Clean water and
sanitation

7. Affordable and
clean energy

8. Decent work and
economic growth

9. Industry, innovation
and infrastructure

10. Reduced inequalities

11. Sustainable cities
and communities

12. Responsible
consumption and
production

13. Climate action

14. Life below water

15. Life on land

16. Peace, justice and
strong institutions

17. Partnerships for
the goals