SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

General Education Department

THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

LESSON 9 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Drivers and promoters of globalization have always

emphasized the economic benefits it brings to nations that
open their borders to global flows of products. This portion
of the module will provide a discussion on how an
interconnected world can aid in the sustainable development
and eventual promotion of food security. As the world
becomes smaller because of globalization, nations become
reachable and accessible. But can globalization really sustain the global development and food security
to every nation-state around the globe? In this lesson, we will focus first on sustainable development and
the discussions on food security will follow in the next lesson.

What is sustainability?

We define the word sustainability, in a general sense, as the tendency to continue, indefinitely, the
economic, social or environmental activities or processes. It can have varied meanings and nomenclature
according to different people but the most commonly cited definition is that of the ‘Bruntland’
Commission (or the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development 1987) as
development that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs”. It speaks about something or an activity, which promises or
envisions financial viability, environmentally friendly, long-term outlook, or whether such activity or
process can be prolonged indeterminately.

How is sustainability different from stability?

Sustainability differs from stability in its subtlety. While sustainability precedes stability, the reverse may
not be feasible. Stability is only an offshoot of sustainability, but not the latter from the former. If there is
one element that makes the two concepts different, then that is the idea of resiliency. No man-made nor
natural environmental challenges can shatter a resilient environment, which is the ultimate objective of
the Sustainable Development Goals.

LEARNING ACTIVITY NO. 1

The Sustainable Development Goals
The following activities jump starter to the discussion on Sustainable Development Goals
1. Read relevant information from this site to prepare you for the KILLER QUIZ on the next item.
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2015/sep/25/sustainable-deve
lopment-summit-2015-quiz-global-goals
2. Watch this video, so that you will have a hint on the topic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-xdy1Jr2eg
3. Answer the KILLER QUIZ on this site. https://blog.pwc.lu/sdg-the-killer-quiz/
4. Screenshot your score and send it to me.

In 2015, leaders from the United Nations came up with an ambitious plan to liberate the world
from famine, poverty, conflict and devastating effects of climate change. They adopted the following
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Goal
SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES SUSTAINABLE OBJECTIVES
No.
1 NO POVERTY End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
2 ZERO HUNGER End hunger, achieve food security and improved
nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
3 GOOD HEALTH AND Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all
WELL-BEING
4 QUALITY EDUCATION Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and
promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
5 GENDER EQUALITY Achieve gender equality and empower all women and
girls.
6 CLEAN WATER AND Ensure availability and sustainable management of
SANITATION water and sanitation for all.
7 AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and
ENERGY modern energy for all.
8 DECENT WORK AND Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable
ECONOMIC GROWTH economic growth, full and productive employment,
and decent work for all.
9 INDUSTRY, INNOVATION Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and
AND INFRASTRUCTURE sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
10 REDUCED INEQUALITIES Reduce inequality between and among countries.
11 SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND Make cities and human settlements, inclusive, safe,
COMMUNITIES resilient, and sustainable.
12 RESPONSIBLE Ensure sustainable consumption and production
CONSUMPTION AND patterns.
PRODUCTION
13 CLIMATE ACTION Take urgent action to combat climate change and its
impacts.
14 LIFE BELOW WATER Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and
marine resources for sustainable development.
15 LIFE ON LAND Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of
terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests,
combat desertification, and halt and reverse land
degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
16 PEACE, JUSTICE AND Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for
STRONG INSTITUTIONS sustainable development, provide access to justice for
all and build effective, accountable and inclusive
institutions at all levels.
17 PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE Strengthen the means for implementation and
GOALS revitalize the global partnership for sustainable
development.
“No Plastic Bag Policy”: An Embryonic Practice in some Cities of Mindanao on Environmental
Sustainability

Cagayan de Oro City, General Santos City, and Koronadal City are the few cities in Mindanao region,
which have taken the initial steps towards responding to the call for
worldwide participation addressing the environmental sustainability. This
is a proactive initiative of these cities, anticipated to be imitated by the
rest of the cities in the region. While this action can be one of the cities’
best practices, it is hoped this can stand through time and will continue
forever in order for the next generations to benefit the beautiful
consequences of this responsible governmental action. Can you tell other
cities or municipalities practicing implementing the same policy? Does your own place observe the same
practice? For how long can the cities sustain their moves to conserve and preserve the environment?

LEARNING ACTIVITY NO. 2

Photography Analysis
Capture a photo in your locality that depicts global problems or social issues like food security, poverty,
health, and environment. Then explain: Which SDG addresses this problem?

PHOTO SDG EXPLANATION