17 Religions and 17 Sustainable Development Goals
Mentor Information
Adib Farhadi (Department of Religious Studies)
Description
The United Nations started the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a way to balance the needs of the human population and the environment on which all known life depends. There are 17 goals in total, including issues such as poverty, climate change, healthcare, and sustainable consumption. The SDGs are designed to be implemented not only by governments, but also by businesses and individuals. Many religious communities, therefore, form a vital part in the enactment of these goals. Faith communities are extremely important for the mitigation of social issues. As about 85% of the global population belongs to a religion, belief systems are vital forces in the world. For the purpose of this research, religion, including its synonyms faith and belief systems, was defined as a system of beliefs and practices which binds a group of people together in their search for ultimate meaning. By their very nature, religions provide a framework for establishing meaning and a value system. Religions also help provide the necessary motivation, funding, and human power to create systematic change. As a result, faith traditions can be extremely effective purveyors of sustainable development. In this research, the efforts of 17 different religions aiding the SDGs were explored.
17 Religions and 17 Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations started the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a way to balance the needs of the human population and the environment on which all known life depends. There are 17 goals in total, including issues such as poverty, climate change, healthcare, and sustainable consumption. The SDGs are designed to be implemented not only by governments, but also by businesses and individuals. Many religious communities, therefore, form a vital part in the enactment of these goals. Faith communities are extremely important for the mitigation of social issues. As about 85% of the global population belongs to a religion, belief systems are vital forces in the world. For the purpose of this research, religion, including its synonyms faith and belief systems, was defined as a system of beliefs and practices which binds a group of people together in their search for ultimate meaning. By their very nature, religions provide a framework for establishing meaning and a value system. Religions also help provide the necessary motivation, funding, and human power to create systematic change. As a result, faith traditions can be extremely effective purveyors of sustainable development. In this research, the efforts of 17 different religions aiding the SDGs were explored.
