The UN Sustainable Development Goals You Should Know Before Applying For A Grant In Nigeria (Full List And Explanations)

 Have you heard about the United Nations sustainable development goals and wondering what they are?

Here is a complete list of all the UN sustainable development goals you should know before applying for a grant as a Nigerian or African. This page explains every one of them. Read on!

What does sustainable development goals mean?

The term “sustainable development goals” refers to a list of 2030 global development goals set by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

The sustainable development goals, also referred to as SDGs, are focused on developing the 5 most important Ps for human existence and well-being: people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnerships.

The motive behind the 2030 agenda by the UN is to promote good health, quality education, gender equality, wipe out poverty and hunger.

The vision is that by 2030 none will be left behind in terms of development. Including persons living with disabilities.

Since the SDGs were put out by the UN, governmental and non-governmental organisations have adopted and fitted them into their systems.

If you are applying for grants like the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Foundation competition, which gives $5000 seed capital to young African entrepreneurs, it is important you spend time learning about these goals.

The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals And Their Explanations

Check out the full list of the SDGs by the United Nations and their detailed explanations below.

1. No Poverty

This goal is geared towards ending poverty and lack across the world. It is aimed at making education, health services and security available to all persons. Including those with disabilities.

2. Zero Hunger

It is  estimated that one in every nine persons globally are undernourished. This goal aims to bring a solution to that.

3. Good Health & Well-being

Like the name suggests, this goal focuses on making quality health care available to everyone. Thereby increasing life expectancy.

4. Quality Education

This is aimed at combating illiteracy across the world, especially in developing nations. Persons with disabilities are also in focus here.

5. Gender Equality

No one should be discriminated on the basis of their gender. Whether at work or anywhere else. The United Nations support equal rights for everyone. This is what this goal is about.

6. Clean Water & Sanitation

It is shocking to know that 3 in every 10 persons lack access to real clean water. The UN hopes that by 2030, this will be a problem solved.

7. Affordable & Clean Energy

Energy is one of the most important things to our survival today. Yet not many people have access to it. That’s the reason for this particular goal.

8. Decent Work & Economic Growth

This has to do with the creation of jobs and supporting businesses across the world. Especially those owned by young entrepreneurs in developing countries.

9. Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure

This goal like the name suggests, is focused on encouraging infrastructure and innovation. It is interlinked with the number 8 SDG.

10. Reduced Inequality

This sustainable development goal promotes the economic, social and political inclusion of all persons. Irrespective of their disability, age, gender, ethnic group, race and so on. The society should be a place where everyone is treated equally.

11. Sustainable Cities & Communities

So many people in different communities still don’t have access to shelter, good transportation systems and much more. This goal is geared towards helping to create affordable housing for everyone.

12. Responsible Consumption & Production

By 2030, the UN hopes to have a world where responsible production and consumption takes place. This means the use of eco-friendly materials and processes to manufacture products.

13. Climate Action

This goal has to do with developing measures to respond to and combat natural disasters, climate change and so on. It also has to do with educating people on this climate change.

14. Life Below Water

This has to do with protecting our marine and coastal ecosystem. Water pollution and illegal fishing activities are part of the problems this hopes to solve.

15. Life On Land

The protection of our terrestrial ecosystem is very important. This goal seeks to address activities that promote desertification and so on.

16. Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions

Violence related deaths, child trafficking, all forms of abuse and other criminal activities are the main vices this goal is meant to combat.

It is also meant to promote peace, justice, law and order across the world.

17. Partnership To Achieve The Goals

If all the goals must be achieved by 2030, there must be partnership between organisations, communities and nations. Adequate finance and other resources must be provided for that. That’s the aim of this very goal.

Final Words

Before applying for any grant online, it’s important you take some moments and study these goals. Whether you are operating an NGO or a profit-oriented business.

90 percent of the time, you will be asked which of these sustainable development goals your organisation or business idea falls under.

As a student, it is also important you get to know and understand these 17 goals. They will go a long way to help you.