Agenda 2030: Tasks and Goals

•  The Sustainable Development Goals have actually set the framework, but scientists have been implementing them for a long time – in their research and by educating specialists aware of the challenges humanity faces. 
• Goals can be implemented by everyone – by reducing the carbon footprint, limiting the use of plastic, promoting sustainable transport, or gender equality. 
• Agenda 2030, i.e., what tasks are included in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the UN.

The Sustainable Development Goals – these words mean reducing inequalities, combating hunger, protecting natural resources and species, in a word, stopping the negative processes brought by the development of humans. Contrary to how they look, these global goals, which seem distant from everyday life, have a specific dimension both at the individual level and at the level of institutions operating at the most local level possible.

The Sustainable Development Goals were presented in the "Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" resolution where representatives of 193 countries identified areas essential for maintaining a balance between economic, social, and environmental development. These are 17 main directions, which have been recognized as global goals, containing 169 related tasks in areas of key importance for humanity.

Deans about Sustainable Development Goals

Prof. Bogdan Stępień: – When we started our separate existence as a university, we were an Agricultural College. It can be said that for many years we were largely associated with agriculture. These associations were of course different, often disparaging because at the other extreme were technology, industrialization, and urbanization, although at the same time, a lot of attention was paid to at least a declarative fight against hunger, which after all cannot be fought without well-functioning agriculture. The Goals adopted in 2015, in my opinion, directly showed not only decision-makers but also scientists and societies that agriculture with all aspects, including environmental protection, which it affects, is key to the survival of our species.

Prof. Barbara Żarowska, Dean of the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences: – Practically all the work of our scientists fits into the adopted Sustainable Development Goals. It's not just research focused on ensuring high-quality food, including functional food. It is also a presence in the so-called external environment, because workshops with preschoolers or school students, during which we teach them how not to waste food and why it is worth eating rationally and healthily, are just such small steps to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Prof. Bernard Kontny, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Geodesy: – The Anthropocene is a fact. Man is the species that has the strongest impact on the environment in every dimension and aspect. And only man can reduce or eliminate unfavorable changes resulting from his activity. The adopted Sustainable Development Goals are something like the azimuth set for the entire human community. Not only to governments, states, and smaller or larger groups but in fact to each of us. Because it depends on us whether we understand that soil is a non-renewable resource, and therefore requires protection, that we can and should save water, and that the water footprint or carbon footprint are not some abstract concepts.

Prof. Adam Roman, Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Animal Breeding: – It is not the case that only after the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals at the forum of the United Nations suddenly the world accelerated, everyone was "enlightened" and all actions focused on their implementation. As scientists, for decades we have been aware of many adverse changes, trends, or phenomena that have occurred and are occurring on Earth. Many of us have already conducted research on water purity, food safety, or the development of a sustainable model of consumption and production, especially animal – looking at the specifics of our faculty. We also dealt with and still deal with the protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems. We promote sustainable methods to counteract environmental degradation processes and stop the loss of biological diversity. Indeed, the adoption of these 17 main goals and the nearly 170 areas associated with them, where specific tasks were set, specified various scientific intuitions and set directions in which we should act. I do not hide that it also opens up new opportunities for external financing of research in the field of sustainable development.

Prof Stanislaw Dzimira, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine: – We talk about the great extinction of species, every now and then the media give calculations which, although shocking in numbers, remain some kind of abstraction for the ordinary person. But we, scientists, have the tools to save those species that are endangered. In 2019, we established the Wrocław Semen Bank for Companion Animals and Wildlife, headed by Prof. Wojciech Niżański, which contributes to the conservation of species included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, such as the Eurasian lynx or the European bison. And this, among other things, is our contribution to sustainable development.

Prof. Beata Raszka, Dean of the Faculty of Spatial Management and Landscape Architecture: – I have no hesitation in stating that the establishment of our faculty is, in fact, directly inscribed in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. After all, our scientists are carrying out projects concerning the study of the carbon footprint, the short supply chain, and the food security of cities, but they are also contributing to the process of changing thinking about greenery in the city or the management of space. It is, for example, the campaign for socially supported agriculture promoting short supply chains – in this particular case, using the capacities of the UPWr Research and Teaching Stations, which is also evidence of the joint action of the faculty I head and the Nature and Technology Department. Finally, it is research into new urban management, recycling of space, and demographic change.

Big goals, tangible actions

The key areas of research and teaching activities of the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences are agriculture and related environmental issues, food quality, functional food, strategy for fighting hunger, analysis of the effects of climate change and the possibilities of minimising it, protection of water resources, promotion of the idea of a short supply chain, modern waste management, but also research into the biological conditions of social phenomena, especially those related to the ageing process, or in the area of translational medicine, especially important from the point of view of the threat of civilisation diseases. The university is also active in the field of sustainable cities and communities and life on land. Researchers from UPWr carry out international projects directly inscribed in the CZR and supported by the European Union, such as BeCoop, FootShift 2030, or GrowGreen. The objectives are also pursued by student scientific circles - involved, for example, in building community gardens and seeking innovative solutions for renewable energy sources, water management, or food production. But equally important is the external impact - through training on sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, or waste management.

Prof. Anna Chełmońska-Soyta, Vice-Rector for Internationalization: – The Sustainable Development Goals are on the one hand, of course, many actions directly related to the research of our scientists, but also the Gender Equality Plan adopted by us and all anti-discrimination actions that led to us being awarded the European Charter for Researchers or the consistently implemented plan to introduce subsequent renewable energy sources at the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences. Because it's not about preaching to others, above all, you need to be a role model for others, showing that instead of complaining, you can act.

Prof. Jan Kazak, leader of the Leading Research Team Sustainable Cities and Regions: – The Sustainable Development Goals seem to be something distant, some records set by important politicians eight years ago and told people "now do it." However, on the one hand, knowledge about the Goals is simply small, but on the other – each of us can implement them every day.

Prof. Katarzyna Tokarczyk-Dorociak, Head of the Department of Landscape Architecture: – A lot of research and projects carried out at the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences are consistent with the SDGs, and their results allow for better implementation of sustainable development. However, it is also worth caring about grassroots activities, so to speak, "from the ground floor," even if they seem like small steps in the face of a global perspective. However, it's about seemingly small actions changing our attitudes, shaping certain behaviors, and building awareness. We should act as broadly as possible – from teaching about sustainable development (we conduct education as part of academic subjects, actively support the education of society by conducting classes within the framework of the DFN, conducting workshops in kindergartens and schools), through conducting scientific research, to shaping our own daily behaviors. I would like UPWr as an organization to be a model in this respect. Let other institutions compare themselves to us as a good (best) example.

Dr. Paweł Szyszkowski from the Research and Development Center of UPWr: – Goals also include our Race to Zero campaign for sustainable transport. A few months ago, we conducted a survey among employees and students. We wanted to know how they get to work, by what means of transport, and how long it takes them. These are the small steps, because such an analysis, also reaching for urban traffic intensity studies in areas where our campuses are located, is a step towards further actions: building bicycle storage, changing rooms with showers for cyclists, and a whole support system for those who consciously reduce their carbon footprint by giving up such means of transport as, for example, combustion engine cars.

Prof. Katarzyna Tokarczyk-Dorociak: – Each of us can reduce that footprint. It is enough that you climb to the first or second floor of the building using stairs instead of an elevator. Hence our idea is to create an information system in the form of pictograms, explaining why it is worth giving up the elevator or drinking tap water. We have more and more of these small, local good examples – part of the staff uses vegetables and fruits from RWS, we make sure that our conferences do not have disposable dishes, and the snacks are based on seasonal and local products, we consider whether we can get to the conference by train, and if a flight is necessary – we try to achieve various goals during one trip (present research results, conduct talks about cooperation). We remember that the SDGs are not only environmental aspects. Vice-Rector Chełmońska-Soyta has already mentioned our involvement in social and economic goals. Let's pay attention that this compliance with the SDGs should not treat one of the 17 challenges selectively; supporting implementation should go harmoniously in all areas.

Prof. Anna Chełmońska-Soyta, Vice-Rector for Internationalization: – In October 2021, during the forum of the Association of European Life Science Universities (ICA), rectors and deans of European natural science universities signed a declaration on climate change and the development of a sustainable bioeconomy. We are signatories of this declaration. And if I add that we were the first university in Poland to launch a course in renewable energy sources and waste management, then we have a clear situation – the Sustainable Development Goals for us are not just records, declarations, and resolutions, but above all concrete actions often looking to the future.

The 2030 Agenda - find out about the Sustainable Development Goals

Agenda 2030 is the world's development strategy up to 2030. It contains 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was adopted in 2015 when all 193 UN member states unanimously adopted the resolution 'Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development'. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals contained in Agenda 2030 can be divided into 5 areas. These are the so-called 5xPs: people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership. For each Goal, there are specific tasks to be achieved by 2030 – a total of 169 tasks. Each of the Agenda's tasks has been assigned indicators to measure progress in achieving them – a total of 231 indicators. Governments are responsible for their reporting. In this way, progress towards the Targets is continuously monitored around the world. The European Union has also prepared its own EU set of Agenda 2030 indicators for EU countries, which are reported by Eurostat. Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go to achieve the Targets, as the reports indicate.

Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Tasks include, by 2030, eradicating extreme poverty for all people everywhere (currently defined as living on less than .25 a day); reducing at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children living in poverty; and ensuring equal rights to economic resources, basic services, ownership, and control over land and other property, inheritance rights, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance.

Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture

This addresses climate changes increasing the risk of natural disasters like droughts and floods and acknowledges the threats posed by low food security and related severe malnutrition. An estimated 810 million people worldwide are currently starving. By 2050, the number of undernourished is expected to rise by another 2 billion. Each year, over 3 million children die due to undernutrition and hunger. 66 million primary school children in developing countries are hungry, with 23 million in Africa alone. Meanwhile, 40% of the current global population is sustained by agriculture, the largest source of income and jobs for poor rural households. Tasks include eliminating all forms of malnutrition by 2020, doubling agricultural productivity, and the incomes of small food producers.

Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

This includes reducing the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030; ending the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases; and combating hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases. It also includes reducing by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promoting mental health and well-being, along with strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful alcohol use.

Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes; eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.

Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Tasks include ending all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere and eliminating all forms of violence against them in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. Also, eliminating harmful practices such as early and forced marriages, child marriages, and female genital mutilation, and recognizing and valuing unpaid care and domestic work.

Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water; reduce pollution, eliminate dumping, and minimize the release of hazardous chemicals and materials. Additionally, halve the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increase recycling and safe reuse globally.

Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all

Tasks include ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services, increasing substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, and doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all

Tasks include maintaining per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances, achieving higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation. Focus on high-value-added and labor-intensive sectors, and support domestic technology development, research, and innovation in developing countries.

Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation

This involves developing quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being. Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises to financial services, and integrate them into value chains and markets.

Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries

Tasks include progressively achieving and sustaining income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average; and empowering and promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all.

Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable

Tasks for this goal in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development include ensuring access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services; providing access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, and improving road safety.

Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Tasks for this goal include implementing the 10-year framework of programs on sustainable consumption and production, sustainable management, and efficient use of natural resources; halving per capita global food waste, and substantially reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.

Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Tasks for this goal include enhancing adaptive capacity and resilience to climate-related hazards and natural disasters, increasing awareness on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impacts, and early warning systems; promoting mechanisms to raise capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least-developed countries, including focusing on the needs of women, youth, and local and marginalized communities.

Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development

This goal involves preventing and significantly reducing marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. It also aims to minimize the impacts of ocean acidification, enhance scientific cooperation, and end overfishing and destructive fishing practices. It calls for conserving at least 10% of coastal and marine areas, in accordance with international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Goal 15: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss

UN-assigned tasks include protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, particularly forests, wetlands, drylands, and mountains. This also involves stopping deforestation, restoring degraded forests, combating desertification, restoring degraded land and soil, and protecting mountain ecosystems.

Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels

Tasks include significantly reducing all forms of violence and related death rates, ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children; promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice for all; and substantially reducing illicit financial and arms flows.

Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

This goal encompasses a range of tasks across several areas: finance, technology, capacity-building, trade, policy and institutional coherence, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and data, monitoring, and accountability. These include assistance to developing countries in achieving long-term debt sustainability, facilitating access to technology, building capacity in the least developed countries, promoting a non-discriminatory and equitable world trade system under the World Trade Organization, and enhancing policy coherence for sustainable development.