Hunters Furniture has adopted the UN SDGs

Welcome back to The Breakout Area, a brand-new sustainability blog by Hunters Furniture. In this article, we’ll dive into The United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (UN SDGs), and how we have integrated them into our own sustainability strategy.

The SDGs are a set of 17 goals adopted by all UN Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals aim to address global challenges and provide a blueprint for building a better and more sustainable future for all. The UN SDGs cover a wide range of interconnected issues, including poverty eradication, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean energy, sustainable cities, and climate action, among others.

A Brief History of the UN SDGs

The United Nations Sustainability Development Goals are not a standalone initiative but build upon previous global development agendas. In 1992, the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro led to the adoption of Agenda 21, a comprehensive plan of action for sustainable development. In 2000, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were established, focusing on poverty reduction and other key social issues. The MDGs made significant progress in areas such as poverty alleviation and access to education and healthcare.

In 2012, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) called for the development of a set of  UN SDGs to build upon the MDGs. This led to the creation of a 30-member Open Working Group, which developed a proposal for the SDGs. In 2015, the 193 UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with the SDGs at its core.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals

The UN SDGs cover a broad range of social, economic, and environmental issues, aiming to create a more equitable and sustainable world. Here are the 17 SDGs:

1. No Poverty

End poverty in all its forms everywhere. This goal focuses on eradicating extreme poverty, improving social protection systems, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

2. Zero Hunger

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. This goal aims to ensure access to nutritious food for all and promote sustainable farming practices.

3. Good Health and Well-being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. This goal focuses on improving healthcare access, reducing maternal and child mortality rates, and combating communicable diseases.

4. Quality Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. This goal aims to provide quality education, vocational training, and equal opportunities for all individuals.

5. Gender Equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. This goal focuses on eliminating gender disparities, ending violence against women, and promoting equal access to education and economic opportunities.

6. Clean Water and Sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. This goal aims to provide access to clean water, improve sanitation facilities, and promote water conservation.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. This goal focuses on promoting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and expanding access to electricity in developing countries.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. This goal aims to create job opportunities, improve labor rights, and foster entrepreneurship and innovation.

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation. This goal focuses on developing sustainable and resilient infrastructure, promoting technological advancements, and supporting industrial diversification.

10. Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries. This goal aims to address income inequality, promote social inclusion, and ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. This goal focuses on improving urban planning, providing access to affordable housing, and promoting sustainable transport and infrastructure.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. This goal aims to promote sustainable resource use, reduce waste generation, and encourage sustainable practices in business and daily life.

13. Climate Action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. This goal focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting climate resilience, and supporting climate change adaptation efforts.

14. Life Below Water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. This goal aims to protect marine ecosystems, reduce marine pollution, and promote sustainable fishing practices.

15. Life on Land

Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt biodiversity loss. This goal focuses on preserving biodiversity, restoring degraded land, and promoting sustainable land use practices.

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. This goal aims to reduce violence and promote the rule of law, good governance, and transparent institutions.

17. Partnerships for the Goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development. This goal focuses on enhancing global cooperation, mobilising resources, and fostering partnerships to achieve the SDGs.

Progress and Challenges

Since the adoption of the SDGs, efforts have been made to monitor and assess progress towards achieving these goals. The UN Secretary-General presents an annual SDG Progress report based on global indicators and data collected by national statistical systems.

While progress has been made in some areas, significant challenges remain. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated existing inequalities and disrupted efforts to achieve the SDGs. Challenges include poverty, hunger, gender inequality, climate change, and inadequate infrastructure in many regions.

To achieve the SDGs by the 2030 deadline, a collective effort from governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals is required. Partnerships and collaboration are crucial for mobilising resources, sharing knowledge, and implementing effective strategies to address the complex and interconnected issues covered by the SDGs.

Businesses and the SDGs

Businesses play a crucial role in achieving the UN SDGs. Many companies have recognised the importance of sustainability and have integrated the SDGs into their corporate strategies and operations. They are aligning their business practices with the goals to create positive social and environmental impacts.

Here at Hunters, we are aligned to 11 of the UN SDGs. We have a sustainable furniture document compiled by our design team that includes UN SDG 9. By having a grasp on the furniture industry, we can advise our clients on recent innovations. For example, many suppliers are using fixing pins in task chair castors, with end-of-life disassembly in mind.

Companies can contribute to the SDGs by adopting sustainable practices, promoting responsible consumption and production, reducing their carbon footprint, supporting gender equality and diversity, and engaging in partnerships for sustainable development. By integrating the SDGs into their core strategies, businesses can drive innovation, enhance their reputation, attract investors, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

We believe businesses should strive for holistic and meaningful contributions to the goals, considering their social and environmental impacts across their entire value chain.

In conclusion, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges and building a more sustainable future. These 17 goals cover a wide range of interconnected issues, and achieving them requires collective action from governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals.

While progress has been made, significant challenges remain. Businesses have a vital role to play in contributing to the SDGs, but it is important to ensure that their actions align with the overall spirit of the goals and prioritise long-term sustainability.