Creating a Better World 17 Goals at a Time

  

This is a slightly different type of post for me (for this blog at least) but one that is really close to my heart. The world today faces a ton of problems, most of which, though it hurts to admit, are man-made. It is also worth saying that some of these concerns are denied of their existence and therefore denied of solutions as well. I believe that humans have advanced in all aspects of our existence except one, and that is caring for our own. The world is in decline, slowly, gradually, but it is happening unless we make an effort to stop it. These problems like poverty, war, inequality, starvation, and many others have been steadily increasing and raising concerns for all throughout the decades. It is heartbreaking to watch the news nowadays. And people need to make a stand, now.

I have always been vocal about supporting the right to quality education for everyone, just as much as I advocate (almost violently) the habit of reading to EVERYONE especially young people. And so when I saw this video by Tanya Burr , and this video telling people about an amazing project, I vowed to help spread the word and help make a change.

The Global Goals is a project where world leaders have committed to 17 goals to end extreme poverty, fight injustice and inequality, and fix climate change. This is a 15 year project wherein the Global Goals can achieve sustainable development for all people. And so, in order for these goals to be achieved, EVERYONE has to know about them and support them. So let us help spread the word and be parts of this wonderful movement. In a world where communication is at the push of a button, and worldwide awareness can be achieved in seconds, let us use this power for the greater good, help those in need, and save this place we call home.

THE GOALS:

1 – No Poverty
2 – Zero Hunger
3 – Good Health and Well-Being
4 – Quality Education
5 – Gender Equality
6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10 – Reduced Inequalities
11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
13 – Climate Action
14 – Life Below Water
15 – Life On Land
16 – Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
17 – Partnerships for the Goals

Of these 17 goals, I have chosen 5 which are very close to my heart.

I am assuming that all of you are new to this little speck of internet I call my blog, so I know that none of you know that I am a registered nurse (unless of course you read my About page). Since I was young, I knew that my calling as a professional would be in health care, and I was not wrong. I learned to love being a nurse more and more as I practiced my craft. I cannot tell you how many heartbreaking moments I have witnessed, from families losing a loved one, to an individual losing the fight to an illness. Even more heartbreaking was witnessing, and hearing stories of people unable to avail of quality medical services, of treatments to ailments, and of humanitarian health care. I live in a developing country, and though we are not a super power, the health care policy of our government covers everyone and I am thankful for that. However, that is not the case for other countries in similar or worse situations. A lot of people do not have access to even basic health care. Let us all help spread the word to help stop people from dying of accidents, of preventable diseases, of sexually transmitted diseases, or women and children dying of childbirth.

I don’t think there are words to describe how strongly I feel about this. The right to education is universal, that is a fact, and deliberately denying a person from availing it is a crime against humanity. The capacity to progress and bring forth positive change to the status quo can never be achieved without proper education being afforded to everyone, even to those who live in the most desolate areas. The right to education does not stop at your gender or your ethnic background. Children across the globe deserve to learn about the endless possibilities the world can offer them. Honing talents, even at a young age, to help in nation-building. I have been very lucky, luckier than most, to have had the kind of education I’ve received. I went to good schools, outstanding schools, and was even afforded the chance to pursue graduate studies. Realizing how fortunate I was about my life and my education is not a recent thing. I’ve always believed that if only everyone is given the chance to quality education, then the world’s problems will be resolved. There will be no discrimination, or violence, or injustice or war. No one will take advantage of anyone. The world will be such a wonderful place to live in.

Why? WHY? I could not for the life of me think of a solid, acceptable reason why someone is treated less of a human as another. Male or female, no one deserves to be treated as less than what he or she deserves. No one, NO ONE, deserves to be maligned, judged, mistreated, or stereotyped based on gender. A person is a person, what is so difficult with that? Have we become too intelligent for this simple idea? A woman must not be judged weak or incapable, just because she IS a woman. Just as much as a man should not be branded as brute, or careless, or unfeeling, just because he is a man. How many times has a woman led an organization to huge success? How many men have raised kids with gentle care and love, and respect? The beautiful Emma Watson talked about this, together with the HeforShe Movement. Do yourself a favor and read her speech. You’re welcome. No woman should ever be subjected to violence or be seen as sexual objects for sale. Women deserve equal economic and political rights because they are humans as well, not some special kind of species. Let us help empower women, and make them realize how independent and talented women can help shape future.

The issue of inequality, I think, is a global concern and we see proofs of it everyday. Life as we know it has been a constant struggle with economic stifles, and unsafe job environments, and forced labor, and racism to only name a few. The gaps between economic growths of countries have never been bigger, and the distance between the poor and affluent is constantly growing wider. Inside this issue are vast domestic and international concerns that we are all facing as citizens. We must all fight for equal rights, and the social, and economic inclusion of all people regardless of age, sex, race, economic status, ethnic background, etc.

Earth is a beautiful place to live in. Let’s protect it. It has provided everything man needed to sustain life comfortably. However, as we progress as a race, the planet has received huge blows and we have not given it enough time to replenish and recover. We are taking too much, too fast. We started, as a matter of fact, taking our home for granted, and now, it has started to make us pay. Disaster after disaster, we see how our actions has affected nature and how it rebounds on our daily lives. Climate change exists, and we should all take accountability for it. Our daily lives are consumed with bright ideas of ensuring maximum comfort but at what cost. I know I will not be able to make a big impact on how we can address climate change. But every little thing helps. Small steps. Let’s talk about it, discuss it, see where we stand and what we can do to help. That’s all it takes really. Let’s not wait for more to perish before we act.

” If the goals are going to work, everyone needs to know about them. You can’t fight for your rights if you don’t know what they are. You can’t convince world leaders to do what needs to be done if you don’t know what you’re convincing them to do. It’s the same wherever you are in the world.”

I hope that you guys join this cause and let me know down in the comments which of these goals you are passionate about, closest to your heart, or wish to support. You know what let’s make this a tag shall we?

I tag all of you…

to write about, or post a picture, or create an artwork, or however you want to express your support on this awesome project.

Please, please, please link your creations in the comments below, or in the my social media accounts. I am sooooo curious to see all your works! Also, I urge everyone to tell everyone you know about this movement. It’s not really that hard you know 🙂

Here are some of the links to help you decide 🙂

http://www.globalgoals.org/

http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

http://www.heforshe.org/

Instagram – @globalgoals

Twitter – @TheGlobalGoals / @GlobalGoalsUN

#globalgoals