How to save the world in 17 different ways. UN Sustainable Development Goals

We’ve all heard it before, the world is coming to an end, not necessarily in an apocalyptic way, but due to our own faults. It could be because of inequality, oppression, terrorism, war, climate change, or corruption amongst many many other reasons we can conjure of. It’s maybe even sadder that no one wants to do anything about it and even for those who do, do not know how to make a difference. We become apathetic and desensitized and let inaction guide our actions. While countries across the world suffer, others benefit and nothing seems to be changing. And because of this, we have ultimately accepted our faith in humanity to die in crashing burning flames.

But you didn’t come here to read this. You came to see if there’s something that can be done, what is being done, and what can be changed to motivate yourself. September 25^th to the 27^th 2015, marks a momentous day in history and you probably didn’t even know it.

ICSD conference I presented at
regarding the UN Sustainable Development Goals

That was the day all the countries in the world collective decided to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to attempt to solve the world’s problems. Yes, you read that right. We decided to try and solve world problems collectively. During the UN General Assembly during that weekend, the countries decided to take up another 15 years effort (the first 15 years being the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) which expired 2015). What are these problems in the world, you may ask? Well, I’ll reverse the question onto you. What do you perceive to be world problems? Poverty? Climate change? Inequality? War? 

Well, 17 goals that were signed on by all the countries aim to solve all these and more.

Back at it!

My students in Tanzania during my placement

It's been a while since my last post. And it was about due for the next one. Just to play catch up, I started Masters in Development Practice at University of Waterloo... that's about it!

Remember how I said I wanted to start travelling with a purpose... well, here's my working toward it!

Travelling and exploring the world took hold of me at a young age. My sense of adventure took me through Europe while in undergrad. International Development and Relief and Aid Work popped onto my radar when I was working in South Korea when Mt. Merapi exploded in Indonesia in 2010. As I was taking a trip down there in the next week, I looked to see if there was any way I can help out the communities that were affected. While there, I asked locals how I can contribute. But ultimately, to my failing, I couldn’t find anyway to help. Questions about how to engage myself, how to travel with a purpose, and personal philosophies of my participation as a global citizen came up. This began my journey and exploration into development.