United Nations – Sustainable Development Goals

It’s been 6 years since the United Nations General Assembly established the Sustainable Development Goals that were adopted by all 193 United Nations Member States, including Canada.

The goals set a timeline to end poverty, improve health and education, reduce inequality, spur economic growth and address climate change by 2030. There are 17 goals and a total of 169 specific, measurable targets that will help achieve the SDGs.

Globally, there has been considerable activity with respect to achieving the targets, which includes over 3000 events, 1254 publications and 5400 actions taken. Sadly In recent months progress has slowed due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

The responsibility to achieve these goals falls not just on countries, but on companies, organizations and individuals too. At Threads of Life, our mission and vision align closely with some of the goals and targets:

SDG 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth – Target 8-8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants and those in precarious employment.

This fits closely with our mission to help families heal through a community of support and to promote the elimination of life-altering workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths. And our vision to lead and inspire a culture shift as a result of which work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths are morally, socially and economically unacceptable.

SDG 3 – Good Health & Wellbeing – Target 3.6: By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents. Knowing that the road is a workplace for those in a number of sectors, we recognize the role we can play in supporting this target.

SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing – Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination. Exposure to chemicals and pollution in the workplace is a cause of work-related illness and death. Our efforts to raise awareness of the need for prevention of all types of workplace tragedy support this target.

We also recognize the role that volunteering plays in helping to achieve Goal 10 – Reduce Inequalities Within and Among Countries. The following quote was shared during 2019 International Volunteer Day:

“Volunteering provides opportunities for people, particularly those often excluded, to concretely impact their own lives and play a constructive role in their communities by volunteering their time and skills. Through volunteerism, communities around the world often experience strengthened solidarity and inclusion.”

Our volunteers, through their support of others experiencing a workplace tragedy, and the sharing of their personal stories of loss through presentations and written articles, contribute to their own healing, and the healing of others, and make a significant difference in their communities. We are grateful to them for their contribution to the mission and vision of Threads of Life, and the part they play achieving those SDG targets.

For more information, please see:

United Nations: Sustainable Development Goals

Canada’s Efforts to Address Global Issues