Our society is facing various challenges which require long-term effective, integrated, positive and

green Thinking and Acting. The essential question which emerges is about sustainability.

Sustainable Development concept appeared in 1980’s to connect conservation and development

objectives. Since that time, it has evoked lots of discussions. The most widely used definition of
Sustainable Development is the definition of the Brundtland report, which says:

“Sustainable Development is a development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The aim of SD is to
balance our economic, environmental and social needs.

In 2015 first actions were taken by the United Nations General Assembly. In September, the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development was formally adopted by presenting a set of 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). These goals are being implemented and achieved in every country from
the year 2016 to 2030.Basically, the 2030 Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity.
The goals set under this agenda are as follows:
1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all
5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and
decent work for all
9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (in line with the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change)
14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests,
combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all
and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable
development

Sustainable Development Goals and India

According to the speech made by Syed Akbaruddin, India’s top envoy to the UN, India is pushing ahead
on it’s national efforts to meet Sustainable Devolvement Goals by undertaking one of the highest rates
of renewable energy expansion and building 11 million homes under the world's largest affordable
housing program.

In addition to this, a total of 72 million household toilets have been constructed to improve hygiene
an in aim to make the country open defecation free by October 2, 2019. Also, by 2022, India plans to
produce 175 GW of renewable energy.