Get to grips with the Global Goals with these top resources

Published by Carolin Cordes on May 25, 2018May 25, 2018

May 25th, 2018

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, are a new milestone in our history, the universal plan of action for people and our planet.

In 2015 the United Nations, together with active citizens around the world, agreed upon 17 goals in order for us to create a happier, healthier and more sustainable way of life for all by the year 2030.

Ireland has officially committed to achieving these goals within this timeframe, so that we will urgently address poverty, combat climate change and ensure that we leave peaceful, just and equal societies for future generations.

But reaching the targets of the global goals is not down to governments alone. Each one of us needs to do our bit to ensure these goals become a reality.

Below are some useful resources to get informed about the Global Goals. From free apps, online courses, toolkits and many local workshops around Ireland, there are lots of ways to get involved!

Mobile Apps

#GlobalGoals by Global Citizen

This is a handy and free app which enables you to specifically discover the goals and targets with one touch. It also enables you to get involved through social media and links you with organisations to support. The app provides you useful tips for everyday life that can really make a difference.

SDGs in Action

This free app helps you to easily explore each goal and to learn about specific targets, statistics and case studies. It also includes a Global Goals Newsfeed with SDG-related news from around the world. More importantly, you choose your own goals amongst the 17 so that the app can tailor related actions happening near you, helping you to connect with like-minded people and making your voices heard.

Online Courses

The SDG Academy is for the real knowledge thirsty among us. It’s an amazing open online education platform, which offers free, fully interactive and self-paced courses in which you can meet and learn from leading experts amongst fellow students!

Among the diverse range of topics related to sustainable development, you will find an Introduction to the SDGs, as well as courses on sustainable food systems, resilience thinking and sustainable cities.

Even if you do not have much time on your hands, you can enjoy beautifully crafted documentaries, such as on early childhood development and human rights.

Websites

The Global Goals website is an extremely comprehensive toolkit packed with resources for organisations, employees, teachers and faith leaders. You will find social media ideas, explainer videos, as well as presentation aids on the SDGs. It includes ways to be involved with specific goals plus suggests campaigns you can support.
The World’s Largest Lesson: Teachers and students alike will be particularly excited about this new and massive international project aiming to bring the goals to life in classrooms all around the world. The World’s Largest Lesson offers a wealth of resources and lesson plans for teachers and is supported by celebrities like Emma Watson and Malala.

The UN’s SDG online portal provides a wealth of information on the SDGs, including statistics and targets for each goal, as well as a live format of interviews, panel discussions and other digital content.

The Be the Change Initiative provides an opportunity for all of us to better “walk the talk” when it comes to the SDGs. This initiative guides and encourages us to live more sustainable in work and at home by changing our consumption patterns, using active transport such as cycling, and buying local foods

An easy way to start being the change is to check out the Lazy Person’s Guide to Saving the World. It suggests simple actions you can take graded to your energy levels and time – whether they are from your coach, at work or in your community

SDG Challenge

Most importantly if you feel like meeting people with the same passion as you in Ireland – go ahead and take the SDG Challenge! Developed by Development Perspectives, an Irish development education NGO, the #SDGChallenge aims to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and motivation to take informed action on the global goals.

For more information about the SDG Challenge or to sign up, visit www.sdgchallenge.net

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