Explained: European Sustainable Development Week and its goals

What is the European Sustainable Development Week? What is this continent-wide initiative seeking to achieve? And what are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, set forth by the United Nations, that find themselves at the heart of this collective project?

European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) aims to raise awareness among the general public about the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Jointly founded by France, Austria, and Germany in 2015, it has since been embraced by numerous other European nations. This year, 39 countries will host more than 2,850 events as part of ESDW.

The 2024 edition of ESDW will span 21 days, beginning on September 18th and continuing until October 8th. It will bring together countries across the EU under a unified platform to inspire the public to make changes in their daily lives that contribute to a more sustainable future.

Through flagship conferences, workshops and peer-learning events, ESDW seeks to engage the public on issues critical to the planet’s future. Events can be hosted by various parties, including government agencies, research centres, educational institutions, museums, foundations, associations, businesses and even individual citizens.

France alone is hosting 263 events. In the Riviera, Cannes will feature “plogging” sessions—where joggers pick up litter during their runs—and film screenings. Mandelieu-La-Napoule will offer composting workshops, while Le Plan du Grasse will open the doors to Aquaviva, the world’s first carbon-neutral sewage treatment plant. A complete list of events can be found here.

Sustainable Development Goals

Building awareness of the UN’s 17 SDGs is a crucial aspect of the event. These goals include: ending poverty in all its forms; achieving zero hunger; ensuring good health and well-being; providing quality education and lifelong learning opportunities; establishing gender equality; ensuring clean water and sanitation; providing access to clean and affordable energy; promoting decent work and economic growth; fostering industry, innovation and infrastructure; reducing inequalities; building sustainable cities and communities; encouraging responsible consumption and production; taking climate action; protecting ‘Life below Water’, a focus of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation; supporting ‘Life on Land’; promoting peace, justice and strong institutions; and fostering partnerships to achieve these goals.

In line with the UN’s ‘Life below Water’ SDG, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is spearheading the ReOcean Fund, a €100 million private equity initiative aimed at reducing ocean pollution, protecting marine ecosystems and transforming sustainable sea travel and the ‘blue food chain’. Photo credit: FPA2

How to help

While global challenges can seem daunting, individuals can make a meaningful impact through small, manageable actions. Personal choices, such as opting for eco-friendly products, reducing plastic waste, buying local food or purchasing fair-trade goods from developing countries, can drive change. Volunteering for a cause you believe in will also contribute to positive action.

To learn more and explore the full roster of the United Nations’ SDGs, click here.

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Photo source: Noah Buscher, Unsplash