September 5th is the International Day of Charity. This day was established to highlight the need to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities. The day was chosen to commemorate the passing of Mother Theresa of Calcutta, who was awarded the Noble Peace Prize in 1979 for her work in overcoming poverty and distress.
A charitable act is one where a volunteer gives help to those in need. Charity provides opportunities of:
‘social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and resilient societies.’
(United Nations)
Charity can assist in health care, education, housing and child protection. Charity can assist in protecting cultural and natural heritage. It can also stimulate the rights of the marginalised and underprivileged and highlight the need for humanity in conflict situations.
The Agenda on Sustainable Development has set forth 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an effort to transform lives by providing the framework for institutions to enable all people to contribute to charitable works in our world.
GOAL 1: NO POVERTY
Economic growth must be inclusive to provide sustainable jobs and promote equality.
GOAL 2: ZERO HUNGER
The food and agriculture sector offers key solutions for development, and is central for hunger and poverty eradication.
GOAL 3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development.
GOAL 4: QUALITY EDUCATION
Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development.
GOAL 5: GENDER EQAULITY
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
GOAL 6: CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION
Clean, accessible water for all is an essential part of the world we want to live in.
GOAL 7: AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity.
GOAL 8: DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs.
GOAL 9: INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Investments in infrastructure are crucial to achieving sustainable development.
GOAL 10: REDUCED INEQUALITIES
To reduce inequalities, policies should be universal in principle, paying attention to the needs of disadvantaged and marginalised populations.
GOAL 11: SUSTIANBALE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.
GOAL 12: RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
Responsible production and consumption is a driving force of the global economy and relies on the use of the natural environment.
GOAL 13: CLIMATE ACTION
Climate change is a global challenge that effects everyone, everywhere.
GOAL 14: LIFE BELOW WATER
Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future.
GOAL 15: LIFE ON LAND
Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss.
GOAL 16: PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
Access to justice for all and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.
GOAL 17: PARTNERSHIPS
Revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development.
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