Sustainable Development

The 17th goal of the Sustainable Development Goals is centered on “establishing partnerships to achieve the goals”. This goal includes all the previous 16 Sustainable Development Goals, which cannot be achieved without cooperation between all countries. The existence of a global partnership is a way to promote and achieve sustainable development to build peaceful and just societies to live in.

To achieve this goal, the United Nations has presented the objectives of the 17th Sustainable Development Goal. In this light, we recognize the role of the High Commissioner in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to the fact of achieving these goals.

Objectives of the 17th Sustainable Development Goal

The 17th Sustainable Development Goal aims to achieve several goals and objectives. These purposes are as follows:

• The full implementation by developed countries of their commitments in the field of official development assistance. This includes the commitment of many of those countries to reach the target of allocating 0.7% of their gross national income to official development assistance. In addition, between 0.15 and 0.20% of gross national income is designated for development assistance to the least developed countries.
• Mobilizing additional financial resources from multiple sources for developing countries.
• Assist developing countries in achieving long-term debt sustainability by coordinating policies aimed to strengthen financing, debt relief, and restructuring. It is also carried out by addressing the issue of the external debt of heavily-indebted poor countries to get them out of the critical indebtedness situation.
• Adopting and implementing investment promotion systems for the least developed countries.
• Strengthening regional and international North-South and South-South cooperation. In addition to trilateral cooperation regarding science, technology, innovation, and access to them.
• Promoting the development, transfer, popularization, and dissemination of environmentally safe technologies to developing countries on favorable terms. Including concessional and preferential terms, as agreed.
• Full activation of the technology Bank and the mechanism for capacity-building in the fields of Science, Technology, and innovation for the benefit of the least developed countries.
• Promoting a global, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory, and equitable multilateral trading system within the framework of the World Trade Organization.
• Significantly increasing the exports of developing countries. In particular, to double the share of the least developed countries in world exports
• Achieving timely implementation of duty-free and quota-free market access for the products of all Least Developed Countries. This is done in line with WTO decisions.
• Strengthening macroeconomic stability at the global level. This is achieved through means including policy coordination and harmonization.
• Promoting policy coherence for Sustainable Development.
• Respect each country’s political and leadership space to develop and implement policies for poverty eradication and sustainable development. [1]

The work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the field of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has made a significant contribution to the process of preparing the 2030 Agenda and defining the Sustainable Development Goals. UNHCR seeks to ensure that the strategies and policies adopted to implement the 2030 Agenda remain rooted in human rights and include all without exception.

In the process of its mission, it cooperates with states and other elements of the UN development system. It also cooperates with National Human Rights Institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders in the following key areas:

• Intergovernmental engagement.
• Global politics.
• Implementation at the national level.
• Data and indicators.
• Accountability.
• Financing for development. [2]

Facts About the Reality of Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals can only be achieved with a strong commitment to partnership and cooperation at the international level. Official development assistance from developed countries increased by 66 percent between 2000 and 2014. The total Official Development Assistance amounted to 147.2 billion US dollars in 2017. In 2016, 6 countries achieved the international target of keeping development assistance above or at 0.7% of gross national income.

But humanitarian crises caused by conflicts or natural disasters still require more resources and financial aid. Many countries also need Official Development Assistance (ODA) to encourage growth and trade. The United Nations conference on trade and Development UNCTAD says that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will require an annual investment of 5 to 7 trillion US dollars. [1]

The Relationship of the 17th Goal with the Other Sustainable Development Goals

Wise governance must be based on the solid foundations of achieving gender equality (mentioned in goal 5) and reducing inequality (goal 10). In addition to the commitment to create just and peaceful societies (goal 16), establish global partnerships, and strengthen international cooperation (goal 17). Thus, the use of new digital technologies is considered one of the main tools for promoting wise governance.

For example, each member of the community will be provided with a unique electronic identity, taking into account personal privacy. This will enable governments to provide their main services in the digital space. Thus, access to services for all is ensured, and transparency and inclusive participation are achieved. [3]

In conclusion, we can say that the 17th goal of the Sustainable Development Goals is the only one that achieves these goals. Naming goals without global cooperation to achieve them is just a daydream. The achievement of these goals and their dissemination among states and individuals is a lofty task. At the USW initiative, we collaborate to spread these goals and encourage their achievement, even if only in small steps. We hope to achieve a peaceful, just, and safe society for all individuals.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

Also read:

• Sustainable Development Goal 9.
• Sustainable Development Goal 10.

• Sustainable Development Goal 11.

References: 

[1] UNDP

[2] OHCHR

[3] DPR

Sustainable Development Goal 16 is one of the goals set by the United Nations after the Millennium Development Goals (2000-2015). These goals call for eliminating poverty, inequality, and climate change and protecting the planet’s resources by 2030. Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals calls for peace and justice along with strong institutions.

Its importance comes from the fact that it complements the rest of the goals to achieve a sustainable future and peace for the Earth. Though, many societies still suffer from problems and crises based on failure to achieve peace and justice. Within this goal, we find many sub-goals set by the United Nations as a way to build peace and justice. At Uplifting Syrian Women, we strive to achieve even a part of these goals in our journey toward sustainable peace.

Sustainable Development Goal 16

Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals includes:

• Achieving justice for every individual in society. 
• Building peaceful societies free of war, arms trafficking, and all kinds of intimidation and fear that may threaten the individual within the community. 
• Additionally, it calls for establishing effective institutions subject to laws and regulations. [1]

As our world is divided between regions that live in peace and stability, and others living within an endless cycle of wars, conflicts, and instability. Therefore, the United Nations set this goal to complement the rest of the goals and a condition to achieve the promised development.

The Importance of Sustainable Development Goal 16

This goal constitutes an important point among the group of other interrelated goals. Without peace, security, and human rights, the world cannot achieve sustainable development.

We find that many countries that suffer from poverty and hunger lack peace and citizen justice. Thus, the access point of financially sufficient and stable societies requires an impulse of peace. It is felt by the individual living in a society based on justice, guaranteed by institutions managed by law. Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals calls for:

• Ensuring all individuals’ access to justice.
• Establishing communities that do not marginalize anyone.
• Peace must accompany all classes of society, and not marginalizing vulnerable groups is one of the solutions to achieve peace.

Problems that stand in the way of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16

Insecurity, access to justice, and weak institutions remain major obstacles to achieving sustainable development. These numbers express the crises and conflicts experienced by individuals and societies:

• The number of people fleeing wars and conflicts exceeded 70 million in 2018. This is the highest number recorded by the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) in nearly 70 years.
• 50% of the world’s children are exposed to violence every year, and every 7 minutes a child is killed because of violence.
• Only 47% of African children have their birth registered, while the rest are not.
• The percentage of detainees who have not been sentenced reached 31% of the prisoners.
• 1 in 10 children is sexually abused before the age of 18. [2]

Sustainable Development Goals for Peace

Everyone can contribute and participate in achieving the global goals of peacebuilding. Here are some of the principles underlying Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals:

• Radically reduce all forms of violence and resulting deaths.
• Stop exploitation, trafficking, and torture against children.
• Build effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
• Reduce the spread of bribery and corruption in all its forms. 
• Provide legal identity for all, including registering all births.

Global Awareness Towards Spreading Peace and Justice

Everyone is becoming aware of the role of peace in building strong societies. Many countries organized conferences and lectures to promote peace and security. The United Nations established the International Day of Peace on September 21 of each year. It called for ceasing fire in all countries of the world for 24 hours. It condemned racism, as it spreads hatred and inequality between people. [3]

The Stockholm Peace and Development Conference is held annually. The conference focuses on transforming the human security crisis into an environment of peace.

At the Arab world level, the UAE has launched many initiatives to address global security challenges. Such as Urban Planning Manual for Security and Safety; Through this guide, the process of establishing safe and secure urban communities is directed and organized.

Sustainable Development Goal 16 emphasizes the need for peace for all. It also stresses the need for justice to be served to them through strong institutions that guarantee their rights. This is to advance societies and achieve Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Our initiative always calls for the revival of peace for women and all individuals in society.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

Also read:

• Sustainable Development Goal 13.
• Sustainable Development Goal 14.

• Sustainable Development Goal 15.

References: 

[1] UN Chronicle

[2] Joint SDG Fund

[3] UN Observances

Sustainable Development Goal 15 is the lifeline for life on land. One of the seventeen integrated goals is considered a means to achieve comprehensive development, starting with environmental, social, and economic development.

“We thought that energy and water would be the critical issues of the next century, and now we believe that water alone will be the decisive issue.”
– Dr. Mustafa Kamal Tolba. [1]

Sustainable development goal 15

The countries affiliated with the United Nations adopted this goal in 2015. They described it as a global call to end poverty and protect the planet.  In addition to ensuring that all people have peace and prosperity at the beginning of 2030.

The fifteenth goal, “Life on Land”, states:

• Protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
• Managing forests sustainably.
• Combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation, and halting the loss of biodiversity. [2]

Reasons for the emergence of Sustainable Development Goal 15

There are many ongoing environmental crises threatening our planet which have led to the emergence of this goal. Some of these crises include:

• Biodiversity Loss:
  The past fifty years have witnessed rapid growth in human consumption and population. Resulting in the use of Earth’s resources more than they can be replenished.
  A report by the World Wildlife Fund also found that the sizes of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians decreased by 68% between 1970 and 2016.  Also, there are about 500 animal species on the verge of extinction within 20 years if appropriate measures are not taken. [3]
• Elimination of Forests:
  A study revealed that every hour, forests the size of 300 football fields are being cut down. By 2030, the planet may have only 10% of its forests left. [3]
• Plastic Pollution:
  In the past seven decades, more than two million tons of plastic have been produced annually. By 2015, this production had doubled to 419 million tons!
  This has exacerbated plastic waste in the environment. A report from a science journal revealed that approximately 14 million tons of plastic make its way into the oceans annually. This is what threatens wildlife and what lives in it. This could also lead to an environmental crisis that could spell disaster for the planet because it takes 400 years for plastic to decompose. [3]

Scientific and technical methods that can benefit in achieving sustainable development goal 15

Several techniques have been found in order to achieve sustainable development goal 15:

• Use of nuclear techniques that include the isotopes of elements:
  These techniques assess soil quality and study how crops absorb nutrients. This is reflected positively in the continuation of agriculture while preserving soil resources. [4]
• Nanotechnology:
  Nanotechnology is used to manufacture pesticides and fertilizers with better efficacy and a larger surface area. It is also able to respond accurately to environmental stimuli (temperature, humidity, light). In addition, it is water-soluble, which in turn reduces environmental waste. It is also used to enhance plants’ resistance to pests. [5]

Measures were taken by Arab governments to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 15

Almost all Arab countries have signed the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention to Combat Desertification. Which serves the fifteenth goal of sustainable development goals. [6]

A number of Arab countries have increased the area of ​​forests dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity. The total area of ​​forests has also increased by 62% in the past 30 years. [6]

Global Environmental Initiatives

Many initiatives in the world have emphasized the importance of the fifteenth goal. Among them:

• Green Middle East Initiative. Saudi Arabia launched this initiative in October 2021. It called for the planting of 50 billion trees in the Middle East. In addition to restoring an area equivalent to 200 million hectares of degraded land. Reducing more than 60% of carbon emissions associated with hydrocarbon production in the region. [6]
• Tide Turners Initiative. It started with funding from the UK in 2018. It is part of the UN sea cleaning campaign. Its goal is to clean up a river filled with plastic waste running through the Indian state of Gujarat. [7]

We, as individuals, are responsible for our environment and it’s our duty to preserve it for the continuity of future generations and the lives of other beings. We can do this by avoiding littering in random places and sticking to landfills.  In addition, we can use recyclable cloth bags. This is all in order to reduce plastic pollution and rationalize water consumption.

Sustainable development goal 15 and the other 16 goals seek to improve our lives for the better, as the interest of our environment is the interest of our lives. In the hope that environmental peace will be achieved in order to achieve a better planet free of pollutants and waste.

In turn, the Uplifting Syrian Women initiative seeks to achieve peace in all its forms. It believes that the improvement of the environmental situation will positively affect the economic, living, educational and cultural situation of the community.  Which in turn is the aim of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Also read: Sustainable Development Goal 14.

References: 

[1] AZ Quotes

[2] UN

[3] Earth Organization

[4] IAEA

[5] FAO

[6] UNEP

It is not as you think, living below water is not a goal of the United Nations, perhaps some writers of science fiction novels or some researchers thought so. But the true meaning of this goal is cast in the essential goals of the United Nations, which is the sanctification of life in all its forms, including water life, reducing water pollution, and restoring balance to that nature. 

“The water and land resources are truly depleted, and nearly 87 million people lack access to drinking water.”
– Rola Dashti, Executive Director of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia. [1]

What do we mean by life below water?

The ecosystem keeps its components as balanced as possible, bringing them together in harmony, kindness, and purity. But when the destructive hand of man enters the work of the environment, of course, it wreaks corruption. We see water and air pollution, and the consequences of extinction and global warming. To conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources is the true meaning of Goal 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Because marine life and biodiversity are the livelihoods of more than three billion people on earth. However, we are witnessing excessive exploitation of about a third of the world’s fish stocks. [2]

What distinguishes these resources from others is that they are renewable, meaning that we can use them sustainably, but excessive use prevents their sustainability. Marine life is a real treasure. A valuable component of the ecological balance and its disruption, or the source of life for these organisms from polluting the waters and overfishing, will lead to unimaginable damages. 

What goals should we pursue to preserve “Life Below Water”?

 The problem is that pollution and its aftermath did not happen overnight. Rather, it has accumulated and amplified through time with the unconscious and unjust use of the services of nature, and the treasures it has provided us.

Did you know that the oceans cover 70% of the globe and contain nearly 200,000 living species? In contrast, 40% of the oceans are affected by pollution and overfishing, as they are the source of food and income for more than 10% of the population,  and other human activities. [2]

We must strive to achieve the following:

1. Prevent marine pollution of all kinds, especially from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution, by 2025. 
2. Manage coastal marine ecosystems sustainably and, of course, protect them.
3. The oceans can absorb an estimated 30% of the carbon dioxide produced by humans, so we must strive to minimize ocean acidification and address its effects. 
4. Preserve at least 10% of the national coastal areas under national and international law.
5. Effective regulation of fishing. 
6. Increase scientific knowledge and research capabilities, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanography Standards and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology. 
7. Enhance the access of small-scale professional fishermen to marine resources and markets. 
8. Promote the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources. [3]

What is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our path to “Life Below Water”? 

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the efforts of Arab countries to achieve the fourteenth goal of sustainable development goals. The decline in demand for seafood products, the disruption of international trade, and the movement of people. These matters have damaged the livelihood of many workers in the fisheries sector. The use of single-use plastic products to combat the pandemic has also been observed to increase pollution at the seabed and on beaches. In addition to the financial hardship, one of the collateral damages of the pandemic, prevented adequate efforts to be made in the face of marine pollution and the threat to the life of marine organisms. [4]

We shouldn’t forget about the environment; It is a treasure that man has surrounded himself with its blessings since ancient times, he lived on the food that was formed by the elements of nature. In the Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative, we believe that life is sacred in all its forms, and that nature is not a right for anyone. So it is unfair to wreak corruption on it and destroy it.

Also read: Sustainable Development Goal 13.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] UN

[2] Humans of Taiz

[3] Sustainable Future

[4] UNESCWA

How unsettling is the fact that this summer will be the coldest on Earth?
Severe droughts, storms, heat waves, rising sea levels, and many more climate impacts await us in the coming years if we don’t take climate change seriously. Combating climate change requires many drastic changes, starting with our daily lifestyle and ending with governmental and global decisions. Therefore, due to the sheer size of the problem and the lack of attention to it, it had to be made one of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Climate Changes

The term “climate change” refers to long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns. These changes may be due to natural causes related to solar circulation, but since the eighteen hundred, humans have been the main cause of climate change. One of the most important causes of climate change is the burning fossil fuels like oil and gas. [1]

In general, climatic changes are any events that occur in the atmosphere or environment that are different from those to which we are accustomed/ different to what we are used to, such as increased summer precipitation and intense heat waves in cold countries.

The Need To Address Climate Change

Climate change is affecting all countries around the world and all aspects of life The climate crisis continues unabated and becomes more and more dangerous over time, while the global community is moving away from the full commitment required to reverse it. The decade 2010–2019 was the warmest ever recorded, causing wildfires, massive hurricanes, droughts, floods, and many other environmental disasters.

If left unchecked, climate change will cause average global temperatures to rise to more than 3°C, and will adversely affect every ecosystem. Indeed, we are seeing how climate change can exacerbate storms and disasters, and threats such as food and water scarcity, which can lead to conflict.

Doing nothing will end up costing us a lot more than if we take action now. We have an opportunity to take actions that will lead to more jobs, greater prosperity, and a better life for all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience to climate change. [2]

The world is already reeling from the effects of extreme climate change, and there is no greater incentive to act than seeing global concerns about environmental changes beginning to come true. Therefore, based on the climatic reality of the world, we must realize the importance of addressing climate change.

Suggested Actions

Despite the minimal actions taken to tackle climate change, we cannot claim that the rest of the world is completely oblivious to the problem. efforts have been made, and several proposals and agreements, on what can be changed to limit the effects of climate change, the most important of which is the Paris, adopted in 2015, which aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping the rise in global temperature in this century well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

The agreement also aims to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change, through appropriate financial flows, a new technological framework, and an enhanced capacity-building framework. The Coronavirus pandemic crisis the world has witnessed gave us a new opportunity to build our economy in a more eco-friendly manner to stop climate change. The United Nations Secretary-General has proposed actions for governments once they begin to rebuild their economies and societies:

• Green transition: Investments must accelerate decarburization in all aspects of the economy.
• Green jobs and sustainable and inclusive growth.
• Green economy: making societies and people more resilient through a transition that is fair to all and leaves no one behind.
• Investing in sustainable solutions: fossil fuel subsidies must end and polluters must pay for their pollution.
• Confronting all climate risks.
• Cooperation is essential; no country can succeed on its own. [3]

Contributions to Climate Change Mitigation

There is no doubt that we are all affected by the fires that break out annually around the world, especially forest fires, and we suffer from heat and cold waves that are worse every year. But are we making any effort to combat climate change as individuals? The answer is often no because we believe that no matter how much we try, our efforts will have no effect.

In fact, preserving the safety of our planet remains everyone’s responsibility and any effort made in this way will inevitably have an impact, so here are a few suggestions of what you can do as individuals to contribute to achieving the thirteenth goal:

1.       Save energy at home.
2.       Walk, bike, or take public transport.
3.       Eat more vegetables.
4.       Throw away less food.
5.       Reduce, reuse, repair, and recycle.
6.       Rely on renewable sources of energy at home.
7.       Use electric vehicles.
8.       Use environmentally friendly products.
9.       Raise awareness of climate change. [4]

If you feel that climate change does not concern you or you do not feel any responsibility to change something, remember that this summer will be the coldest summer you will ever have and last winter was the warmest winter of your life. To save ourselves and future generations, let us all act responsibly towards the environment in which we live.

And we, at Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative, always strive to raise awareness of these important and crucial issues, and we support all efforts made to reach them, with regard to this goal and other sustainable development goals, because it is our only means of achieving a safe and just life, ruled by peace.

Also read: Sustainable Development Goal 12.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] UN- Climate Action

[2] UN- Sustainable Devlopment.PDF

[3] UN- Climate Changes

[4] UN- Act Now

Some patterns of behavior we all do and can contribute to eradicating poverty in the world, so what are they?

Our consumption increases in the summer, in contrast to responsible production and consumption, specifically during the summer holidays. Trips, social events such as weddings, graduations, etc, we witness in the summer many forms of consumption that do not stop at its individual but turns into a culture of society, which has a positive and negative impact on the economy’s environment and development.

Therefore, achieving responsible production and consumption patterns yields gains in terms of efficiency and productivity, and ensures that our consumption remains within the absorptive capacity of our planet’s resources while respecting the rights of future generations. [1]

This is what Sustainable Development Goal 12 “Responsible Production and Consumption” aims at.

The concept of responsible production and consumption

Responsible production and consumption: by enhancing the efficiency of a resource, energy, and sustainable infrastructure consumption, in addition to providing access to basic services and green jobs – which means working in environmental sectors to serve the sustainable development goals – and improving the quality of life for everyone. [4]

We are going to achieve more in a better way and at a lower cost. [2]

here the cost is not limited to the material aspect but rather exceeds it for what is more important than it, because we incur environmental losses and an increase in social or class differences without responsible production and consumption.

The shift to a sustainable approach depends on our production and consumption activities, the use of services and products, the minimization of the use of natural resources and toxic substances, as well as the emission of pollutants and waste over the life cycle of the service or product so that the needs of future generations are not jeopardized. in simpler terms; For example, the culture of factory production today is not considered responsible or sustainable production. Looking at the products of factories, we do not deny the benefit of these services and products, but behind the curtain, there are effects that we do not pay attention to, such as wasting natural resources and harming the environment and health.

Another example is the transformation made by fast food restaurants into burger, which was essentially a piece of meat on a loaf of bread. Now it includes 7 or more ingredients instead of 2 (minced meat, cheddar cheese, ketchup, mayonnaise, onions, lettuce, and tomatoes and bread). It achieves the same goal in both ways, which is to supply the body with energy. As for the second method of preparing burgers, it almost generalizes with the irresponsible production and consumption systems in our lives. And all of this is for marketing purposes and a huge waste of resources.

How do we shift to responsible and sustainable production and consumption?

Shifting to sustainable production and consumption patterns involves increasing efficiency and productivity along the supply chains in industries for the life cycle of products, from raw materials to the final product. [1]

Starting by encouraging sustainability in the consumption of resources and energy, facilitating access to basic services, providing decent work opportunities that are not harmful to the environment, spreading a culture of rationalizing consumption, and improving the quality of life for the benefit of all. [2]

By shifting to what is sustainable in the agricultural sector (organic fertilizers, biologic control, modern irrigation systems, etc.). The next step, is the transformation to sustainability in industry and production using renewable energy sources, bio-treatment of waste, and ensuring a healthy environment for workers.

Finally, and most importantly, obtaining a sustainable and environmentally friendly product. And it doesn’t stop here; Production and consumption can be made sustainable in the tourism sector, public procurement practices, buildings, and food systems. [2]

Indeed, of their cross-cutting nature, responsible production and consumption address multiple sectors, from the economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainable development. SDG 12 covers both the efficient use and management of natural resources (target 2) and environmental impacts such as waste management (target 5), and the release of pollutants, particularly chemicals (target 4). This goal engages all actors to contribute to sustainable development, including the private sector (target 6).

The goal also highlights the importance of providing information to and educating consumers about sustainable development and lifestyles (target 8). The goal also defines the role of the public sector through sustainable public procurement practices (target 7), as well as the shift towards sustainable consumption and production in the food system (target 3) and the tourism sector. Consumption and production activities are the basis of the global economy. But current patterns are rapidly depleting natural capital, degrading ecosystem services, and undermining countries’ ability to meet their needs sustainably. [1]

Also read: Sustainable Development Goal 11.

Experiences in responsible production and consumption

“Sustainable consumption according to the pillars of sustainable behavior, a field study of the consumer of sargas in Constantine – Algeria” This study aims to present the reality of sustainable consumption according to the pillars of sustainable behavior among consumers of sergas in the city of Constantine, as the pillars of this behavior were divided into four behaviors, pro-environmental behaviors, rationalization behaviors, altruistic behaviors, and fairness behaviors.

This study was accomplished by distributing a questionnaire to a sample estimated at 386 respondents from SERGAS users in three service stations in Constantine, and the statistical analysis was done using the SPSS statistical package. The study concluded that the sample items tend to support sustainable consumption behaviors that are built according to the pillars of sustainable behavior. [3]

This statistical study indicates the possibility of a shift to sustainability in the field of production and consumption, and the tendency of humans toward these behaviors if they spread instead of the prevailing consumption culture. Goal 12 remains essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as it enables many of them to be achieved. The shift towards sustainable consumption and production patterns has already begun in many parts of the world.

Our initiative supports this goal, like all sustainable development goals, and works to achieve it through awareness of the dangers of environmental pollution, and the importance of protecting the environment. The initiative also offers many training courses that support businesses that may constitute real steps in the field of achieving responsible production.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] UN

[2] UNESCWA

[3] UMC

[4] Beeatna

Sustainable development seeks to create a world that is more resilient to the challenges that stand in its way, in particular the challenges of poverty, hunger, and inequality in order to protect the planet as long as possible and sustainably. One of these goals is to make cities, communities, and human settlements inclusive, safe, and resilient.

Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals

Half of the world’s population, 3.5 billion people, lives in the cities that occupy just 3 percent of the Earth’s land, consuming 60-80 percent of energy. They generate up to 70 percent of global carbon emissions, which come from human activities. [1]

Even though cities have become the primary centers for education, trade, culture, development, and production, however, it has become vulnerable to major problems such as climate change, natural disasters, and the spread of communicable diseases; the most recent of which is Covid-19. This is why “Make cities and human settlements sustainable, inclusive, safe and resilient” has become SDG 11, which the United Nations seeks to achieve in the near future.

The challenges faced by cities, and ways to overcome them

Modern and sustainable urban planning begins by addressing cities’ problems, such as:

• First: is pollution, as 75% of carbon emissions come from cities, and therefore 9 out of 10 people living in urban areas breathe air that does not meet the World Health Organisation’s air quality guidelines. [1]

So, what is the main source of pollution? And what are the means to reduce it?
A question whose answer is not far from our minds, is the huge amount of gas emissions from transportation, as the shift to sustainable transportation boosts the economy and respect for the environment and issues such as health, social justice, and the link between urban and rural areas to keep them productive.

The pursuit of sustainable cities means: Achieving sustainable energy use in transportation systems, for example, trains that operate with alternative energies. Provide an attractive, safe, and pedestrian-friendly environment to reduce accidental death rates for children and the elderly. Support and encourage local communities to use bicycles and walk. [1]

• Second: Our Green Zone is Under Threat.

Despite the role played by green spaces and public places, they are at risk due to conversion to residential housing and businesses. Without a strong commitment from Governments to preserve, protect, and value these spaces they will be lost forever.

Therefore, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces, in particular for women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. Public and green spaces offer opportunities to improve health and the quality of life for all people living in cities, which will improve our psychological health, strengthen our communities, and make our cities and neighborhoods more attractive places to live and work. In addition to achieving the purpose of reducing the incidence of non-communicable diseases under SDG 3 (Ensuring healthy lives) by providing places for people to be physically active.

Green spaces can help contribute to SDG 7 (Ensure energy for all) by lowering city temperatures. They help achieve balance by Cooling the air, providing shade, and absorbing air pollutants. [2]

Achieving the goal of sustainable cities and human settlements, Why is it a need not a luxury?

It will be the cities that determine if we achieve inclusive economic growth or yield to greater inequality. It is in cities where people will seek opportunities for higher education and employment. And, it will be cities that determine if we will continue our steadily increasing usage of the world’s resources or if we can realize a more sustainable path. Finally, the cost of the change is small in comparison with the benefits, for example, there is a cost to create a functional public transport network, but the benefits will be huge in terms of economic activity, quality of life, environment, and the overall success of a connected city with rural as well. [1]

Also read: Sustainable Development Goal 10.

Sustainable cities at present

Sweden, which is an example of sustainable transportation through buses, trains, and boats, depends on renewable energy for transportation. The Swedish city of Gothenburg (göteborg), Scandinavia’s largest coastal city, is behind this initiative through a collaboration between Business Region Göteborg, Volvo Cars, and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, to create the first completely zero-emission zone.

The ‘Gothenburg Green City Zone’, an initiative that started in 2021 aims at establishing selected areas within the second largest city in Sweden, to be completely emission-free by 2030. To achieve that, Gothenburg uses a variety of climatic-neutral transportation and smart infrastructure. Some examples of techniques to be tested:

• It can include ️solutions and geographical empowerment services, which ensure that cars in the area only operate electrically and travel within specific speed limits. The advanced traffic infrastructure can contact safety factors within cars and exchange information between road users.
• “Mobility Hubs” is fully electric; (Mobility axis: It is a place where you can reach a group of different means of transportation, in addition to the presence of integrated facilities around you).
• The full charging network is easy to use for electric cars.
• Self-driving taxi. [4]
• Another example is to maintain the green spaces that makeup half of the city of Vienna to compensate for the oxygen in exchange for what is possible from the carbon dioxide.

How can we be partners in achieving SDG 11?

Our initiative sees a solution in the youth entrepreneurial vision that proposes real and effective alternatives to avoid the problems of cities. Such as sustainable transportation that fits with the nature of the city, recycling, and alternative vital industries. 

Women are encouraged to adhere to a healthy lifestyle approach that, even if individually, will truly make a difference if we all work together. Most important of all, the initiative strives to enhance human resources and build the capabilities of individuals, as a first step in providing any solutions.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

[1] UN- Sustainable Development

[2] UN- Chronicle

[3] Going Green

[4] Swedish Institute

Goal 10 of the Sustainable Development Goals calls for equality within and among countries. As we have seen in the rest of the Sustainable Development Goals, all goals are fixed to serve one interest; achieving international peace and security.

“A nation will not survive morally or economically when so few have so much, while so many have so little”
-Bernie Sanders. [1]

What is the tenth Sustainable Development Goal?

Goal 10 seeks to reduce inequality among and within countries; inequality in income and wages, inequalities related to age, gender, disability, race, origin, religion, economic status, or any other status within a country. This goal addresses inequalities among countries including representation, migration, and development assistance-related inequalities. [2]

Despite all international efforts made to save people from poverty and the remarkable progress in this regard, there are still many countries and societies that still suffer from poverty and the difficulty of securing health supplies, quality education, and other elements of development, which means the persistence of inequality on a large scale, thereby confirming the need for this goal.

What are the Targets of the tenth Goal?

This goal includes ten targets, of which:

• By 2030, gradually achieve and sustain income growth for the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average.
• Ensure equal opportunities and reduce inequality of outcomes, by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and procedures in this regard.
• Improve the regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions and strengthen the implementation of such regulations.
• Ensure enhanced representation and voice of developing countries in decision-making in international economic and financial institutions in order to provide more effective, credible, accountable, and legitimate institutions.
• Facilitate orderly, safe, and responsible migration and mobility of people, by implementing planned and well-managed migration policies. [3]

Also read: Sustainable Development Goal 9.

What Can Be Done to Achieve the tenth Goal?

To reduce inequality, we must first understand its causes and consequences, which can be complex and deeply rooted in social, economic, political, and environmental systems and resources. Therefore, the approach of the European Union is multifaceted. It supports and advocates for actions that:

• Empower women and create opportunities for youth and disadvantaged communities.
• Increase economic inclusion and create decent work and higher income.
• Strengthen social services and ensure access to social protection.
• Facilitate safe migration and movement and tackle irregular migration.
• Promote pro-poor financial policies and develop fair and clear tax systems.
• Encourage local resources and stimulate the development of the public and private sectors. [4]

By taking and achieving these seemingly simple measures, which require a lot of work and years of planning and implementation, equality can be achieved on a large scale in societies. To achieve equality among countries, measures such as securing better education in different countries, providing subsidies, increasing incentives for innovation, and improving trade policies can be taken.

It is worth noting that the world was making remarkable progress towards achieving the tenth Goal, but the Corona pandemic has significantly hindered this. Because of the pandemic, movement and migration were adversely affected through closure measures with great human and economic costs, and the epidemic also caused an economic crisis of great proportions with an Increasing impact on developing countries has put a large number of people in poverty, for the first time in three decades poverty is increasing. The economic consequences are also large and widespread, affecting all areas of the economy, including capital flows, business operations, employment, and jobs. [5]

We still have a lot to recover from the effects of the pandemic, but we hope that this will not stand in the way of achieving the sustainable development goals by 2030, and there are many international efforts to do so.

Also read: Sustainable Development Goal 8.

What is the Relationship Between this Goal and the Rest of the Sustainable Development Goals?

Goal 10 is closely linked with all other Sustainable Development Goals, such as the Eradication of Poverty and Hunger (Goals 1 and 2), Good Health and Well-Being (Goal 3), Quality Education (Goal 4), Gender Equality (Goal 5), and Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Resilient Infrastructure and Inclusive Industrialization (SDG 9) as well as more Inclusive Cities (SDG 11)  and Sustainable Ecosystems (SDG 15). [4]
This confirms that all Sustainable Development Goals are aimed at one greater goal;  to secure developed and balanced societies for current and future generations.

We, at Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative, are trying our best not to leave anyone behind and to provide help in all possible ways in an attempt to reduce the various inequalities in our society.
Let’s all try to reduce inequality too by spreading awareness and helping out however we can.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] Bernie Sanders

[2] United Nations- OOSA

[3] SDG Tracker

[4] European Commission

[5] Springer Link

The Ninth Sustainable Development Goal

Infrastructure is the cornerstone and the basis of the economy in any society and its presence is a prerequisite for achieving all sustainable development goals. [1]
Because more than half of the world’s population today lives in cities, investment in infrastructure is very necessary [2]. i.e. investment in transport, irrigation, energy, information, and communication technology. [3]

Also, technological progress is essential to finding lasting solutions to economic and environmental challenges, such as increasing resources and enhancing energy efficiency [4], as well as providing new job opportunities. Promoting sustainable industries, and investing in scientific research and innovation are all important ways to promote sustainable development. [2]

Also read: Sustainable Development Goal 7.

Targets of the Ninth Sustainable Development Goal

• First, build good quality, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and cross-border infrastructure.
• Second, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization. A significant increase by 2030 in industry, employment, and the gross domestic product, doubling the above in the least developed countries.
• Third, increasing the opportunities for small-scale industrial enterprises and other projects – especially in developing countries – to access financial services.
• Fourth, improving infrastructure and modernizing industries by 2030 in order to achieve their sustainability. In addition to increasing resource use efficiency, and increasing adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
• Fifthly, strengthening scientific research and improving technological capabilities in industrial sectors in all countries, especially developing countries.
• Sixth, facilitating the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure in developing countries; by improving the financial, technological, and technical support provided to it.
• Seventh, support the development of domestic technology, research, and innovation in developing countries.
• Eighth, to significantly increase access to information and communication technology, and to provide opportunities for universal and affordable access to the Internet in the least developed countries. [4]

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

Global manufacturing growth has declined steadily, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the pandemic hit manufacturing hard and caused disruptions in global value chains and product supply.
ICT was on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. Which has accelerated the digitization of many companies and services. For example, telework and video conferencing systems inside and outside the workplace, as well as access to health care, education, basic goods, and services.

The pandemic has changed the way we work, live, and adapt many people to this change. But the pandemic has highlighted a significant digital gap, with 6.3 billion people still offline. They are also unable to access online education, employment, or important health, and sanitation advice. The 2020 Sustainable Development Finance Report provides political options to harness the potential of digital technologies.
Once the acute phase of the COVID-19 crisis is over, governments will need more infrastructure investment than ever before to accelerate economic recovery, create jobs, reduce poverty and stimulate productive investment.

The World Bank estimates that developing countries need to invest about 54% of their GDP to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals while limiting global warming by only 2 °C. [4]

Also read: Sustainable Development Goal 8.

Facts and Figures

• More than 4 billion people do not have access to the Internet (90% of them are in developing cities).
• 2.3 billion people lack access to basic sanitation.
• In some low-income African countries, infrastructure constraints have reduced corporate productivity by nearly 40%.
• 2.6 billion people in developing countries do not have access to constant electricity.
• The renewable energy sector currently employs more than 2.3 million people, and the number could reach 20 million by 2030.
• In developing countries, 30% of agricultural products undergo industrial processing, compared to 98% in high-income countries. [2]
• 16% of the world’s population lacks mobile broadband networks.
• The share of investment in research and development as a percentage of GDP increased from 5.1% in 2000 to 7.1% in 2015 and remained almost unchanged in 2017, but it was less than 1% only in developing regions. [4]

The Role of UNCITRAL

The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) supports the SDGs. UNCITRAL’s contribution to achieving the SDGs continues on several fronts and touches on a number of different and interrelated areas.
UNCITRAL works to promote many actions in various fields; such as commercial dispute resolution, e-commerce, privately financed infrastructure projects, and many more; These works aim to simplify the process of establishing small-scale projects and facilitate their work. Such as facilitating access to secured credit and benefiting from dispute settlement mechanisms. As well as providing legal frameworks for regulating international sales deals, and simplifying the procedures available to face financial hardships. [1]

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] United Nations

[2] UNDP

[3] ESCWA

[4] United Nations- Sustainable Development

“Through job creation, quality public services and better working conditions, people, communities and countries can lift themselves out of poverty, improve livelihoods, engage in local development and live together in peace. This happens only when work is decent- environmentally sound and productive- provides fair wages, and is underpinned by rights.” [1]
-Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation and former president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions.

The Reason Behind the Eighth Sustainable Development Goal

Tens of millions of people around the world still do not have access to employment. [2]
According to the statistics of the United Nations Development Program:

• An estimated 172 million people around the world were unemployed in 2018- an unemployment rate of 5%.
• Around 700 million workers lived in extreme or moderate poverty in 2018, with less than 3.20US$ per day. [3]

The Importance of Decent Work and Economic Growth

Sustainable Development Goals urge for steady economic growth, productivity and technology creativity levels increase. Sustainable Development Goal 8 seeks to: “promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.”

For the International Labour Organization (ILO) Goal 8 includes the following priorities:

• Full and productive employment and decent work.
• The gender pay gap youth unemployment.
• Ending all forms of child labour formalizing the informal economy
• Entrepreneurship and micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises.
• Protecting labour rights and promoting safe, secure working environments.
• Migrant workers. [4]

Also read: Sustainable Development Goal 6.

The Positive Effects of Economic Growth on Individuals and Society

High economic growth leads to an increase in companies’ profits, which allows for more spending on research and development. This can lead to technological developments that would remove obstacles in many fields, for example; medical field improvements and more eco-friendly technologies development. In addition, sustainable economic growth increases trust and encourages companies to innovate and take risks. It was not a coincidence that the global economy witnessed the worst case of unemployment during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

Unemployment is highly dependent on economic activity; in fact, growth and unemployment can be thought of as two sides of the same coin: when economic activity is high, it leads to more overall production, and more people are needed to produce higher amounts of products and services. When economic activity is low, firms cut jobs and unemployment rises.
In that sense, unemployment is countercyclical, meaning that it rises when economic growth is low and vice versa. [5]

The Negative Effects of Unemployment on the Youth and Society

According to a 2020 report from the International Labour Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, the global youth unemployment rate is 13.6%. The contributing factors to this high rate of global youth unemployment are mostly the lack of job opportunities but also include barriers to entering the labour market, such as the limited work experience and the increasing size of the population- worldwide, there are approximately 1.3 billion young people between the ages of 15 and 24.

A large number of unemployed youth can have a negative effect on the economic growth and development of society. If youth unemployment was left without deterrence, it can lead to adverse social consequences, as unemployed youth tend to feel neglected, which leads to social elimination, anxiety and lack of hope for the future.

Given that almost 90% of all young people live in low-income countries, not feeling that a better life is possible can result in millions of young people stumbling in poverty and frustration- bringing fragile countries down with them. [6]

Also read: Sustainable Development Goal 7.

The Importance of Decent Work

While unemployment is a negative experience nearly all over the world, therefore, it is associated with negative effects, especially poor mental health outcomes, but employment can be positive or negative, depending on the nature of the job (e.g. stability, stress, work hours, salary, etc.).

Studies on work and health found that the quality and stability of work are key factors in the work-health relationship: research found that low quality, unstable or low-paid jobs lead to or are associated with adverse effects on health. Therefore, combating unemployment alone is not enough; rather, providing decent work for all as well. [7]

The Positive Effects of Decent Work

Having a job provides you with many benefits, most clearly: income.
Being employed gives the person a sense of purpose, routine and a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It also enhances social relationships and delivers a sense of accomplishment. [8]

There are several studies that show links between quality of work and health. These studies found that those who occupy higher positions were less likely to die of heart disease than those in lower positions. It is thought that those in higher positions are able to make meaningful decisions in their work and have a greater level of control in their life. This seems to have a protective effect on their health.

We also know that income and social status, often defined by the jobs we have, are closely linked to health outcomes. All evidence indicates that good work is crucial in promoting health. [9]

Women’s Situation in the Labour Market

According to UNDP statistics, women’s participation in the labour force was 48% in 2018, compared with 75% for men. Around 3 in 5 of the 3.5 billion people in the labour force in 2018 were men. [3]

Even if more women participate in the labour market, the burden of private and care responsibilities, the unpaid work, still rests largely on their backs.
Women’s increase in working hours doesn’t automatically lead to a more balanced sharing of domestic and caregiving work between women and men. Overall, women work more when combining the amount of time dedicated to unpaid labour (day-to-day, domestic duties, including care), personal activities and leisure time.

Women are increasingly well qualified: more women than men graduate from universities in Europe. However, many women don’t feel as free in their choice of jobs or do not get the same job opportunities as men. This is often due to their responsibilities as a parent or as a carer of family relatives. For the same reason, women are more likely than men to work part-time jobs.

Work is the best way to empower women economically. It is therefore necessary to increase women’s labour market participation. [10]
Our initiative seeks to achieve the eighth Sustainable Development Goal by providing the youth with training courses that allow them to enter the labour market and succeed in educational attainment. The focus on women is greater in an attempt to bridge the gender gap in the labour market.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] Inspiringquotes.us

[2] France Diplomacy

[3] UNDP

[4] United Nations

[5] International Monetary Fund

[6] Mercy Crops

[7] Kaiser Family Foundation

[8] Future Learn

[9] The Health Foundation

[10] European Commission