What is it? 

The UN is an international organisation of many, MANY countries. 193, to be exact. Now, what did I mean by nature’s hero? Well, climate change is ruining the atmosphere, so the UN has come up with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to be achieved by 2030, in order to stop climate change. However, our deadline isn’t very far away, but that isn’t the UN’s main function. It was created on the 24th of October, 1945, after world wars 1 and 2. The SDGs aren’t all about stopping climate change, most of them are about having a peaceful planet, and stopping war-starting conflicts from happening. If the UN thinks something needs changing, the members that have ideas on how to change it can show them to others and then all the Member States get one vote per person, and vote on the best option. 

Goal 16 

There is one SDG that is very important. Goal 16, peace, justice, and strong institutions. Some things to help this include making videos to stand up for peace, and finding value in different people‘s faiths and beliefs. This goal is really important because peace makes sure wars don’t start, justice makes sure people don’t get away with bad things. All three of the things in Goal 16 wrapped up creates a safe atmosphere with peace and equality. 

In school, our topic is sticks and stones which is about war. If goal 16 had been achieved, the wars would not have happened and thousands of lives could have been saved, and not lost. 

How you can help 

The UN has released a website which includes ways to help achieve the SDGs. In between the goals there is an inspiring message; 

If you care about the future, be the change. Help to end poverty, to reduce inequalities, and to tackle climate change. Together, we can transform the world.

By Georgina