What is a sustainable development goal (SDG)?

A sustainable development goal (SDG) refers to a shared global objective that is established to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges. The United Nations formulated these goals as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, comprising 17 goals that aim to foster peace and prosperity for people and the planet. These goals encompass a broad range of issues, including poverty alleviation, education, gender equality, clean water, climate action, and sustainable economic growth.

By framing the SDGs in this way, the objective is to tackle complex global challenges through a collective approach, encouraging countries, organizations, and individuals to collaborate towards achieving these targets. This multifaceted framework emphasizes inclusivity and sustainability, aligning with the overarching purpose of creating a better future for all.

The other provided options fail to encompass the holistic and global nature of the SDGs. For example, while corporate objectives might focus on profit maximization, they do not address the broader societal and environmental goals integral to sustainable development. National laws targeting emissions reduction, while important, are limited in scope compared to the expansive focus of the SDGs. Local initiatives promoting waste generation would be contrary to the principles of sustainability, which emphasize waste reduction and resource conservation. Therefore, the characterization of SDGs as