SD Features
Poverty and SD
GDRC and Sustainable Development

The term 'Sustainable Development' has been used (and misused!) in a variety of ways by different groups and entities - and there is a constant need to rethink its basic meaning, and adopt/contextualize it to different situations and scales		 The objective of this GDRC Programme on
Sustainable Development is to function as a repository of key online information on the theme - since considerable information already exists on the web.

It also helps in contextualizing all other programmes of GDRC, which eventually, directly or indirectly, leads to sustainability.

The concept of sustainable development means sustainability in three areas - the environment, the economy and the community.

If development is sustainable, it empowers the people of the community, maintains or improves the economy, and treats the environment responsibly.

GDRC ENDORSES THE SDGs
Since 2015, GDRC has adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its targets and indicators, as guiding principles to develop its 15 programmes. This approach entails incorporation of the SDGs in all of GDRC's activities and programmes, including theme-specific goals and targets/indicators) to specific programmes.

GoalAbout the GoalRelevant GDRC Programme / sub-activity

Goal 1:
No Poverty 		Economic growth must be inclusive to provide sustainable jobs and promote equality. GDRC Programmes on
Sustainable Development / Poverty, and Microfinance

Focus on understanding the various dimensions of poverty and the role of microfinance in poverty alleviation

Goal 2:
Zero Hunger 		The food and agriculture sector offers key solutions for development, and is central for hunger and poverty eradication. GDRC Programme on
Sustainable Development / Food Security

Focus on ensuring zero hunger from the perspective of food security - both production and consumption.

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. GDRC Programme on
Sustainable Development

Focus on health and well-being from the perspective of broad sustainable development, particularly living environments and qualities of life.

Goal 4:
Quality Education 		Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development. GDRC Programmes on
Sustainable Development and Urban Environmental Development, and the Learning Lab

Focus on understanding the importance of education for sustainable development, particularly the appropriate learning systems that will enable them.

Goal 5:
Gender Equality 		Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. GDRC Programme on
Gender and Development

Focus on the criticality of incorporating gender perspectives in local management and community development programmes.

Goal 6:
Clean Water and Sanitation 		Clean, accessible water for all is an essential part of the world we want to live in. GDRC Programmes on
Urban Environmental Management / Water Resources Management + Sustainable Sanitation

Focus on the twin dilemma of ensuring clean and safe drinking water that goes along with adequate and sustainable sanitation.

Goal 7:
Affordable and Clean Energy 		dilemma is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity. GDRC Programme on
Urban Environmental Management / Sustainable Urban Energy Management

Focus on energy efficiency and the move towards increased use of renewable energy sources.

Goal 8:
Decent Work and Economic Growth 		Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs. GDRC Programme on
Informal Sector

Focus on decent work and economic growth, particularly in developing countries, by looking at strengthening the role of the informal economic sector.

Goal 9:
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure 		Investments in infrastructure are crucial to achieving sustainable development. GDRC Programme on
Sustainable Business

Focus on businesses adopting sustainability principles,and the enabling environment that needs to be put in place for this to happen.

Goal 10:
Reduced Inequalities 		To reduce inequalities, policies should be universal in principle, paying attention to the needs of disadvantaged and marginalized populations. GDRC Programmes on
Microfinance, Informal Sector and Sustainable Development

Focus on reducing inequalities, particularly in developing countries by enhancing the role of microfinance and the informal sector, and broader sustainable development.

Goal 11:
Sustainable 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. GDRC Programme on
Urban Environmental Management

Focus on urban areas as the intersection of natural, built, and socio-economic environments, that has to be managed to create sustainable urban ecosystems.

Goal 12:
Responsible Consumption and Production 		Responsible Production and Consumption GDRC Programmes on
Urban Environmental Management and Sustainable Business

Focus on responsible production and consumption from the perspectives of resource efficiency and 3Rs as well as the adoption of sustainability principles by businesses.

Goal 13:
Climate Action 		Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone, everywhere. GDRC Programmes on
Urban Environmental Management and NGOs

Focus on mitigation and adoption to climate change, and on disaster risk reduction, by enabling multistakeholder partnerships to enhance governance, education and technology systems.

Goal 14:
Life Below Water 		Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future. GDRC Programme on
Oceans, Coasts and Small Islands

Focus on the fragility of oceans, coasts and small island environments that will put them at the forefront in understanding the impacts of climate change and other global, particularly in understanding their role as "indicators" of how we are changing our environments.

Goal 15:
Life on Land 		Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss GDRC Programmes on
Urban Environmental Management and NGOs

Focus on broader issues of resource and energy efficiencies in moving towards broad sustainable development - and in reducing the risks from deforestation, electrification and degradation of our environment.

Goal 16:
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions 		Access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels. GDRC Programme on
Sustainable Development

Focus on the importance of peace, justice and strong institutions for sustainable development.

Goal 17:
Partnerships 		Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. GDRC Programme on
All 15 programmes

Focus on the multistakeholder partnerships from the government, business and civil sectors to develop appropriate and strong governance, education and technology systems for sustainability.

Return to Sustainable Development
 Return to Sustainable Development
Contact: Hari Srinivas - hsrinivas@gdrc.org