What are Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)..?

The conflict between the proponents for economic development and those who aspire to an unsullied environment are raging with increasing intensity. While the need for development is not questioned by either party, this conflict, not only in Sri Lanka but in the global context has led the vast majority of the nations to agree to embark on a path towards Sustainable Development. Accordingly some 190 nations signed the Sustainable Development Agenda under the auspices of the United Nations on the 25th September 2015.

The agenda calls for the achievement of specific targets under the 17 Sustainable Development Goals identified. These goals by and large address the undoubtedly worthwhile goals to End Poverty, Protect the Planet and Ensure Prosperity for All. (Please visit : http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/ )

Sri Lanka was an early signatory of this Agenda and His Excellency the President himself attended the signing ceremony signifying our ready acceptance of the principle of Sustainable Development. Undoubtedly if these concepts are accepted then there is no option but to engage in development activities, particularly to attain the goal of Ending Poverty. As such the three pillars of Sustainable Development of triple bottom line comes into play, ensuring the balance of Environment, Economy and Social justice illustrated below.