The Social Good Summit kicked off yesterday and one of the most interesting introductions was the release of the new SDGs in Action app. GSMA announced the app and a collaboration with the United Nations and Project Everyone to increase awareness of and engagement with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, featuring the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, was unanimously adopted by world leaders at a historic UN summit in September 2015. By aligning national priorities with the 2030 Agenda and working together with the private sector and civil society, governments have started mobilizing efforts to end poverty, address inequalities and tackle climate change by 2030.
“The agenda set forth by the Sustainable Development Goals is far-reaching and ambitious, from ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, to achieving gender equality, to making cities and settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, to helping to combat climate change and its impacts,” said Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA.
The app brings the Goals closer to people and help make them more understandable and relatable to everyday life,” said Cristina Gallach, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information. “So many people and groups around the world are already undertaking innovative projects in support of the Goals. What is special about this app is that it connects people and activists who want to make a difference in this world. I’m looking forward to seeing and reading about all these grassroots projects and achievements.”
The app is filled with detailed information on each of the 17 Goals, which also includes SDG targets, explanatory videos, key data, and suggestions on how people can take action to help achieve them. The app is meant to be a collaborative tool that puts a spotlight on how innovation is helping to achieve the SDGs. The app includes the latest sustainable development news from around the world and case studies that illustrate the mobile industry impact in achieving the goals.
Users can tailor their experience based on the SDGs that are of the greatest interest to them and can sign up to receive notifications about those specific goals. Users can also interact with others around the world, find nearby events to join in supporting the goals, and create ‘actions’ in their community and invite others to join.
