Sustainable Development

One of the most important pursuits of Sustainable Development Goals is to meet the needs of present generations without compromising future ones or depriving them of a clean world and healthy societies. This is exactly what the Seventh Sustainable Development Goal is about, aiming to provide clean, affordable, and renewable energy that most countries can benefit from.

What is the Concept of Clean Energy?

Clean and sustainable energy is renewable and inexhaustible energy and has no harm to the environment. Unlike most current energy sources such as fossil fuels and gas that are vulnerable to future drainage.
The most common resources of clean energy are water, wind, and solar power, and some countries are trying to extract clean energy from the ground.[1]

Why is Affordable and Clean Energy one of the Sustainable Development Goals?

Many people, as well as countries, think that clean energy is nothing but a waste of money and resources and that the future generations’ problems don’t concern us. That is why it is necessary to shine a light on the importance of providing clean energy, as it wasn’t in vain to be a goal of Sustainable Development.

1 in 7 people lack electricity, and most of them live in rural areas in developing countries. Energy is the main contributor to climate change, it produces around 60% of greenhouse gases. While more efficient energy standards can reduce building and industry electricity consumption by 14%. Also more than 40% of the world’s population -3 billion- rely on polluting and unhealthy fuels for cooking. The renewable energy sector employed a record of 10.3 million people in 2017. In addition, since 1990, global emissions of CO2 have increased by more than 46%. [2]
These numbers are enough to show the importance of clean energy and why it is one of the Sustainable Development Goals, as it is not only a problem of future generations but ours too.

As explained, current energy sources are one of the most important causes of climate change; such as global warming, caused by gas emissions resulting from the extraction and use of non-renewable energy. Moreover, contrary to popular belief, clean energy will help by creating more job opportunities and reducing energy consumption. So, it is safe to say that the world’s trend towards clean energy sources will have positive effects at all levels.

What are the targets of the 7th Sustainable Development Goal?

Under this goal there are five sub-targets that we all hope to achieve:

• By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
• By 2030, increase substantially the percentage of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
• By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.
• By 2030, expand the infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States, and land-locked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programs of support. [3]

Also read: Sustainable Development Goal 6.

What is being done to achieve Clean Energy?

Despite having a long way to go to achieve all the previously mentioned targets, no one can deny the efforts made so far around the world to achieve clean energy.
The world is making much progress towards the 7th goal, with encouraging signs that energy is more sustainable and widely available.
As of 2015, more than 20% of power has been generated by renewable energy sources. Governments around the world are committed to providing electricity to more than 166 million people worldwide, and private companies have committed to reaching over 200 million people. In addition, governments committing to generate an additional 689 gigawatts(GW) of renewable energy from solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower.

Power utility companies undertook to generate an additional 823 GW, all by 2030. Across the Arab world, the UAE has committed to providing 100% of its population with electricity and primary reliance on clean fuels for cooking by 2030. The State has also undertaken to generate 2.5 GW of solar power in the construction sector by 2030. [4]

All these commitments are promising to achieve a clean energy world if implemented, which most developing countries seek. There will always be sunshine, fresh wind, and heavy rain, so let us take advantage of what nature has given us, and turn our planet into a clean and safe place for us and for generations to come.

♀️ 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.

«There is no “Plan B” for climate action as there is no “Planet B”»
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon 2007-2016 [1]

What we seek today is to concentrate our efforts on conserving natural and human resources, and utilize them optimally for the interests of the current and future generations.
Following this, the concept of Sustainable Development emerged, as a universal socio-economic term aimed at improving living conditions, developing the means of production, and improving the utilization of natural resources.

The United Nations identified a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals and called on the entire world to work to end poverty, protect the planet, and achieve peace and prosperity for all people by 2030.
In this article, we will address the 6th goal of Sustainable Development: Clean Water and Sanitation. [2]

The Concept of Clean Water and Sanitation

There is no doubt that water is among the most important elements of life, if not the most important of all, therefore, the availability of clean water that is accessible to everyone is an essential part of the world we want to live in. However, the main problem lies in the methods of dealing with water and preserving it.
There is enough fresh water on the planet. Yet, as a result of poor economic programs and infrastructure, millions of people, mostly children, die each year from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene. [3]

Why is Clean Water and Sanitation among the Sustainable Development Goals?

Water scarcity affects more than 40% of people around the world, an alarming figure that is projected to increase with rising temperatures due to climate change.
In 2011, 41 countries experienced water stress, ten of which almost completely depleted their renewable freshwater supplies. By 2050, it is anticipated that at least one in four people will be affected by recurring water shortages 2050.

The Arab region suffers the most from water shortages; hosting 14 of the world’s 20 most water-stressed countries, where the average person has access to only about 12% of the renewable water levels of an average global citizen.
Wars and conflicts also play a role in increasing water insecurity in the Arab region. In Syria, for example, 70% of the Syrian population is without regular access to safe drinking water. [4]

As for sanitation and hygiene, a quarter of healthcare facilities lack basic water services, and over two billion people do not have access to basic sanitation services.
The covid-19 pandemic has shown the critical importance of sanitation, hygiene, and adequate access to clean water for preventing diseases and handwashing.

Also read: Sustainable Development Goals- Goal 5

What is being done to maintain Clean Water and Sanitation?

The United Nations has paid special attention to the matter and sought to make the issue of water and sanitation among the most important Sustainable Development Goals, and 80% of countries laid the foundations for Integrated Water Resources Management.
Ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030 requires:

• Providing sustainable sanitation facilities.
•  Improving water quality by reducing pollution and eliminating hazardous waste and chemical dumping.
•  Promoting hygiene at all levels.
•  Encouraging more international cooperation to improve water efficiency, support treatment technologies in developing countries, and utilize water to the full extent 80% of wastewater goes into waterways without adequate treatment. [5]

Despite all efforts, the water crisis still poses a serious threat to many countries: why do you think that is?
Is there anything you can suggest to support water security and sanitation?

♀️ 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

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
– Peter Drucker. [1]

What is sustainable development?

It is the development that aims to meet our current needs as human beings, and the word (sustainable) means achieving these needs while preserving the natural resources for the succeeding generations who are as entitled to them as we are.
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call for action to end poverty, protect the planet, and improve the lives and prospects of everyone and everywhere.
All member states of the United Nations adopted the 17 goals in 2015, within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which resulted in a 15-year plan to achieve these goals. [2]

17 goals for people and the planet.

What is the concept of Gender Equality?

It is for both men and women to have equal rights, conditions, and opportunities to shape their lives in the way they want regardless of their gender, to equally contribute to the development of society, and to end all kinds of gender-based violence against women. 
In light of the recent improvements in the conditions of women around the world, many would believe that gender equality has been achieved, and they might even say, in jest or in earnest, that it is time for men to obtain equality with women. [3]

Unfortunately, this remains a minor improvement, as according to the statistics of the United Nations Development Program:

• About 750 million women and girls today were married before the age of 18.
• Women represent 13% of agricultural landholders.
• In 18 countries, husbands can legally prevent their wives from working.
• 49 countries lack laws that protect women from domestic violence.
• Only 52% of married women are free to make decisions about sexual relations, contraceptive use, and health care. [3][4]

Why do we need Gender Equality?

Gender Equality ensures a great economic and intellectual development of the society, as it appears that societies with more gender equality tend to be happier and more economically prosperous because equal opportunities between women and men allow making full use of women’s potential.
Gender inequality is also a form of violence and racism that must be morally ended. [4]

Causes of Gender Inequality

It started with the beginning of the evolutionary journey of humans when males had to go hunting and do the most physically difficult tasks, while women had to take care of children and the things that didn’t require much physical capacity, but after the social and technical development of human society, physical strength was no longer the measure of the ability to work but rather the mental capacity.

Many studies have proven that both genders are similar in terms of cognitive ability, personality development, and leadership skills, and the concept of gender discrimination is purely inherited cultural concept, meaning there are no scientific reasons or logical social necessity to differentiate between the sexes; as the differences that we sometimes observe result from learning these differences rather than being real differences.

We notice how the media always emphasizes the different nature of men and women and the expected roles of each of them. Since childhood, we see girls’ toys are kids’ dolls limiting their role to motherhood only, compared with boys whose toys are cars and violent games and sometimes toys that depend on intelligence development.

Consequently, sexual violence and exploitation, the unequal burden of domestic work and unpaid care work, and discrimination in public office all remain huge barriers to achieving gender equality in many countries and societies, reinforcing the prevailing stereotypes against women. [3]

Benefits of Gender Equality

According to a study conducted at the University of Minnesota in America on data collected from countries such as Canada, Portugal, America, Denmark, and others, they found a clear correlation between the rate of happiness and life satisfaction in societies and gender equality. 
The greater the equality, the higher the level of life satisfaction.

Some may argue that this level comes from the high level of satisfaction among women at the expense of men, however, when the test was conducted after separating people according to their gender, they found that the level of satisfaction among men was also elevated.
Therefore, gender equality doesn’t reflect positively on women only, but also on men. 

Having equal responsibilities and the ability to choose the lifestyle and interests beyond the influence of society, gives freedom to both parties.
Besides, living with a partner with whom we share responsibilities, rights, and interests and communicate properly based on respect and equality, rather than living in the manner of owner and commodity, strong and weak, gives a sense of security to both parties and helps them achieve their goals, thus creating a cohesive and balanced society. [4]

What is being done to end Gender Inequality?

Progress has been made in supporting women and girls around the world. According to UNICEF, in 1995, 65 million girls were out of primary school, this number went down to 32 million in 2020.

1 in 4 girls was forced into an underage marriage which now decreased to 1 in 5.
As for the Arab region and the labor market, despite the narrow educational gap between the two parties, there still is a significant disparity in the labor market.

According to the statistics of the United Nations Development Program, the unemployment rate among women witnessed a slow decline from 22.4% in 2000 to 19.96% in 2015. However, this number is still double the region’s unemployment rate among men is 8.96% and three times the global rate of 6.2% in the same year.[6][7]

In addition to the efforts of the international organizations and the attempts of many countries to amend their laws in order to achieve gender equality, there are many community initiatives that seek to raise awareness and make a change on this matter, and our initiative is a perfect example of this, as we aim to make a difference in the lives of many women by offering free courses to help them enter the labor market and become financially independent or scientifically advanced, and to influence the society as a whole through clarifying many concepts related to equality in order to rise with the society.

Also read: Sustainable Development Goals- Goal 4

♀️ 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.

Since “Good Health and Well-Being” come as a result of achieving “No Poverty” and “Zero Hunger”. It was ranked the third of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The need for it arises from the fact that in spite of all the progress the world is achieving in the social and health areas. It continues to suffer from unequal health and well-being opportunities.

“When we achieve human rights and human dignity for all people – they will build a peaceful, sustainable, and just world”
– Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Why do we need Good Health and Well-Being?

According to the United Nations, at least 400 million people don’t have access to primary health care. 40% of them have no social security benefits. And every two seconds a person between the ages of 30 and 70 dies prematurely of non-infectious diseases. Such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory disorders, diabetes, or cancer.

More than 1.6 billion people live under fragile conditions as protracted crises along with insufficient national capacity form quite a challenge to global health. And perhaps what we, as Syrians, endured as a result of the war, has greatly affected our health sector.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most significant risks to global health at present. And despite the vaccines available in some countries and the large proportion of their fully-vaccinated population. There are still many countries awaiting to obtain the first dosage of the vaccines.

What is being done to achieve Good Health and Well-Being?

The United Nations aims to put an end to the deaths of newborns and children under the age of five, malaria, AIDS, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, and hepatitis, ensure everyone has access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, increase funding for the health sector and employ, train and retain workforces in this sector in the developing countries.

Do you think that one day we will be able to achieve this goal and reach a state of equality among people all over the world regarding health and well-being?

Also read: Sustainable Development Goals- Goal 2

“Eradicating Poverty” may be inseparable from “Ending Hunger”, considering that food is a necessity and a basic human need, therefore “Zero Hunger” had to be the second goal of the Sustainable Development Goals.

In 2020- the most difficult year the world has witnessed due to the COVID-19 pandemic- the United Nations issued a report, the first of its kind during the pandemic, stating that the year 2020 had seen a significant increase in rates of hunger worldwide, as a result to the repercussions of COVID-19 pandemic.

About a tenth of the world’s population- nearly 811 million people- suffered from undernutrition over the past year, and this number indicates that the world needs to make a considerable effort to fulfill its commitment to end hunger by 2030.

Zero Hunger is the second of the Sustainable Development Goals

Based on plans developed for the Sustainable Development Goals to completely end hunger, and in the light of proposed solutions to address this global issue, by ensuring food security, and improving food quality and sustainable agriculture, we believe that rapid economic growth along with increased agricultural productivity over the past few years have contributed to the reduction of a number of people suffering from hunger.

Sustainable agriculture is mainly the focus, having the ability to meet the needs of current and future generations while ensuring profitability, environmental health, and social and economic equity.

FAQ promotes agricultural sustainability to help countries around the world in achieving the second goal “End Hunger”.

Natural resources should be organized in a way that preserves ecosystems to always support human needs while harnessing smart and dynamic production systems to manage water at a time we also suffer from a lack of water resources, in addition to optimal energy use and promoting research in theses fields by developing more productive strains using bioengineering technologies and applied microbiology; a field if adequately pursued will lead the world to faster ways to achieve the “Zero Hunger” goal.

Also read: Sustainable Development Goals- Goal 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.

Humans have always sought to secure a happy and carefree life; in terms of accommodation, food, medication, communication, and education.

They keep renovating and taking different forms to cope, which is why six years ago the United Nations Member States joined efforts to renew hope- especially upon the progressive and industrial revolution that created a fracture within societies- hence developed a set of goals called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as a universal calling to end poverty and hunger, aiming to guarantee a better life for all people.

Following the order of the sustainable development goals, the foremost among which is “End poverty”.

End Poverty is the first of the Sustainable Development Goals.

As one of the most difficult things for humans to deal with is poverty, leaving one helpless and incapable of handling life’s hardships, Gandhi once said: “The rich must live more simply so that the poor may simply live”.

On humanitarian grounds and in the pursuit of improvement, the United Nations declared the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, as a global advocate for peace and prosperity for all individuals by 2030, and ensuring to leave no one behind.

Countries have committed to accelerating evolution for the developing and third-world countries, through this set of seventeen goals that begin with ending poverty as the most challenging issue facing humankind.

Despite the decrease in a number of people living in extreme poverty by half (1.9 billion to 836 million people), there are still many struggling to meet their basic human needs, and the Corona pandemic caused between 143 and 163 million people to fall under the poverty line this year alone, not to mention the war we survived in Syria, which doubled the rate of poverty only to rise again from 3.8% up to 7.2%.

The first of the Sustainable Development Goals stipulates.

This goal represents a serious commitment to eradicate poverty, targeting the more vulnerable population, increasing their access to resources and basic services, and supporting the local communities affected by exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events.

Sustainable Development and its varying goals revolve around preserving human beings no matter what gender, race, or color they are, aiming for a better life and a secure future, as everyone deserves to live in a healthy environment free of physical, psychological, and social diseases.

♀️ 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.