START HERE: WHAT ARE THE SDGs?
Introductory episode — Learn With Grace

I keep seeing these everywhere.

But what exactly are the SDGs?

Looks like someone gave the whole world homework.

No, seriously. Look at them.

What do all these things have to do with each other?

That’s a very good question.

The SDGs are the Sustainable Development Goals.

They help us see how people’s lives and the health of our planet are connected.

So one problem can affect lots of other things?

Yes. Unsafe water can make someone ill.

Illness can keep a child out of school.

Paying for care can put pressure on a family.

Then clean water helps health and learning too.

And protecting our rivers helps people, fish and the food we eat.

Exactly. Connected problems need connected solutions.

The goals give us a shared direction.

In 2015, all United Nations member states adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

At its heart are 17 goals: a shared plan to improve lives and protect our planet by 2030.

So the whole world agreed on the direction?

Yes. Sustainable development means meeting today’s needs

while protecting the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

A better life now, and a future others can enjoy too.

The promise is to leave no one behind.

Governments, communities, businesses and people all have a part to play.

All right. Let’s meet the goals.

1. No Poverty.

2. Zero Hunger.

3. Good Health and Well-Being.

4. Quality Education.

5. Gender Equality.

6. Clean Water and Sanitation.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth.

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

10. Reduced Inequalities.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production.

13. Climate Action.

14. Life Below Water.

15. Life on Land.

16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

17. Partnerships for the Goals.

Seventeen goals. One shared future.

And they work together.

Progress in one can help move the others forward.

But what can we do while we’re still in school?

Start by noticing what your community needs. Ask questions, listen

to others and work with trusted adults.

We could help keep our surroundings clean and learn how

to protect our water.

We could share what we learn and include classmates who

need support.

I can start by wasting less. My lunch should not

come with a mountain of plastic.

Small actions matter, especially when we learn together and keep

going.

And if a problem is bigger than us?

Then speak up and find partners. Lasting change also needs

good services, fair decisions and resources. Young people can contribute

ideas and help shape those decisions.

Let’s choose one useful action and make a plan together.

For Grace Bakpa Heritage Foundation, this journey honours the legacy

of Elder Grace Flora Oji Bakpa.

Its priorities connect especially with Goal 3, Good Health and

Well-Being; Goal 4, Quality Education; and Goal 17, Partnerships for

the Goals.

Could that mean helping someone pursue nursing?

The foundation aspires to support nursing education, scholarships and

community health through partnerships. These are areas of possibility:

helping people learn, preparing future healthcare professionals and

encouraging healthier communities.

Education that can grow into care for others.

Her Legacy, Their Opportunity. Empowering Dreams, Elevating Healthcare,

Transforming Lives.

So it is homework. But we get to work together.

For our communities.

For a healthier, fairer world.

What is one thing you can do where you are?

Learn the goals. Choose an action. Find people to work

with. The future starts with us.

Seventeen goals. One world. Our future.