The current 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were defined in 2015, based on Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with the goal of “putting the world on a path towards a better future for all by 2030” (UN) and represents an ambitious global vision to address interconnected challenges and achieve a more sustainable future.
The SDGs are a set of priorities and aspirations for 2030, which aim to guide all countries in addressing the world's most pressing challenges, namely that "the eradication of poverty and other deprivations must be accompanied by strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and stimulate economic growth – while combating climate change and preserving ecosystems" (BCSD, n.d.).
All countries, based on the 17 SDGs, seek to select those they consider to be strategic priorities. As such, Portugal has chosen to focus its efforts, without neglecting the others, on the following:
- SDG 4 - Quality education;
- SDG 5 - Gender equality;
- SDG 9 - Industry, innovation, and infrastructure;
- SDG 10 - Reduce inequalities;
- SDG 13 - Climate action; and
- SDG 14 - Protect marine life..
Education has become a priority for Portugal and should always be considered a goal to be developed, so that individuals living there can plan and build a conscious, civic, and responsible future.
According to the Sustainable Development Report world ranking, Portugal currently ranks 20th, with a high level of commitment to meeting the SDGs. Naturally, the goal is to improve all SDGs over time, especially those to which it has committed, including SDG 4 - Quality Education.
ISLA, following its PCA2030 certification process, selected the three priority SDGs through a group dynamic in which the perceptions of students, teaching and non-teaching staff, and top management were gathered:
SDG 4 – Quality Education – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities – Reduce inequality within and among countries
Learn more about the 17 SDGs here