United Nations’SDGs requires a fundamental review- Ajero

As the United Nations (UN) approaches the critical 2030 deadline for its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a renewed focus is emerging around the need to fine-tune the ambitious objectives to include the often-overlooked human dimension.

In paper presented by Anthony Abanobi Ajero, titled: finetuning the sustainable development goals (SDGS) for holistic impact” argued that integrating human spiritual development and values is essential for the SDGs to achieve their intended impact.

Launched in 2015, the 17 SDGs were designed to address a wide range of global challenges, from poverty and inequality to climate action and sustainable economic growth. While these goals emphasize various aspects of human and environmental health, Ajero pointed out that the framework lacks a core emphasis on human transformation—a critical factor for ensuring long-term sustainability.

According to paper, “Humanity is the top disruptor of our planetary ecosystem. The SDGs must place humanity at the center of our quest for the ‘Future We Want,’ recognizing that our moral and spiritual development is vital for addressing ecological imbalances.” He emphasizes that without a focus on cultivating redemptive values, the SDGs risk remaining merely aspirational ideals.

The current SDGs cover vital areas such as agriculture, gender equality, and clean water. However, the absence of a targeted approach to human values and ethics leaves a gap in the framework. Ajeron also argues that discussions around values are often sidelined in a secularizing world, leading to missed opportunities for transformative change. “Values drive action,” he asserts, highlighting the necessity of incorporating moral considerations into global development agendas.

Religious organizations and community groups, which have historically played a role in promoting human values, are being called upon to collaborate with the UN. The paper suggests that these entities could help infuse moral energy into the SDG implementation process, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between human actions and planetary health.

He recommended that the SDGs should explicitly include the cultivation of human moral ecology as a strategic focus, encouraging individuals to embody the values necessary for sustainable development.

“The UN should partner with religious and non-religious organizations experienced in human formation to promote the values aligned with the SDGs, using their established trust within communities.

“National governments should incorporate SDG-related curriculums in educational systems, empowering future generations to take ownership of their sustainable development.”

“The four core values of the UN—Inclusion, Integrity, Humility, and Humanity—can serve as guiding principles for fostering global conversations on value-driven approaches to development”.