MY JOURNEY WITH THE SDGs: WHY THEY MATTER TO ME AND TO AFRICA.
As someone who’s passionate about creating a better future for all, I’ve had the privilege of working on various initiatives that aim to make a positive impact on our world. But one area that’s particularly close to my heart is the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
My journey with the SDGs began over a decade ago, in 2011, when I started working on my Master’s program. As I delved deeper into my research, I developed a keen interest in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were the precursor to the SDGs. I spent countless hours studying the MDGs, and by 2014, I had become quite knowledgeable on the subject matter.
My expertise didn’t go unnoticed, and I was soon invited to speak to a group of secondary school students on the subject at a Mushin Local Government event in 2014. I was honored to share my knowledge with the next generation of leaders, and it was a moment that solidified my commitment to advocating for the SDGs.
Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to say that I’ve been advocating and taking action on the SDGs for over a decade. My experience at the UNLEASH Innovation Lab, where I worked with 1000 talents from around the world to develop innovative solutions to achieve the SDGs, was a highlight of my journey.
The SDGs are a set of 17 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. They’re a call to action for governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to work together to create a better future for all.
But here’s the thing: many Africans see the SDGs as an isolated subject that doesn’t relate to their daily lives. They might wonder, “What do the SDGs have to do with me?” or “How can I contribute to achieving the SDGs?”
That’s why I’m excited to share this series of articles with you, where we’ll explore each of the 17 SDGs in a way that’s easy to understand and relatable to our daily lives. We’ll look at real-life examples of how individuals, organizations, and governments are working together to achieve the SDGs.
We’ll also discuss practical ways that you can get involved and make a difference. Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or simply a concerned citizen, there are many ways that you can contribute to achieving the SDGs.
So, join me on this journey as we explore the SDGs and how they can help us create a better future for all.
In the next article, we’ll dive into SDG 1: No Poverty. We’ll explore what poverty looks like in Africa, and how individuals and organizations are working together to eradicate poverty.
Stay tuned!
Dr Aderinsola- Adio-Adepoju