Sustainable development in the 21st century | Ahmed Al Hajari | TEDxUMiami

Summary

This speech highlights the urgency of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. It underscores the challenges facing the world, such as poverty, lack of education, and inequality, and calls on youth to drive change. The speaker stresses the power of Generation Z, which is the largest and most connected generation, to challenge norms, fight for justice, and promote sustainable practices. By emphasizing the impact of quality education and global collaboration, the speaker urges individuals to take action and become 'dominos' for change, ultimately working towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The world can be transformed into a better place where everyone has access to education, clean water, and equality, though it may be challenging, it is not impossible.
• 🌍 The United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established in 2015 to address the most pressing global issues and create a world with no one left behind by 2030.
• 👶 Currently, 200 million children are not attending school, and 1 billion people live on less than $2 a day, showing the need for urgent action to meet the SDGs.
• 💪 The power of youth is central to achieving the SDGs. The younger generation, especially Generation Z, is the largest, most connected, and ready to take action.
• 🌱 Personal involvement can drive change—one individual can start a chain reaction, becoming a ‘domino’ that inspires others to act.
• 🎓 Education is key to sustainable development. By ensuring quality education for all, millions of people could be lifted out of poverty, and hunger could be significantly reduced.
• 📊 Generation Z has the potential to be a force for good. They are more willing to challenge fake news, fake leaders, and are determined to see science-backed solutions prevail.
• 🌐 The global community, especially youth leaders, has demonstrated their capacity to push forward the SDGs through activism and participation in international platforms like the UN Youth Summit.
• 🕊️ The success of past global goals, such as the Millennium Development Goals, proves that progress is possible, but there’s still much more work to be done, especially to eradicate poverty.
• ⚡ Immediate action is required to meet the SDGs by 2030. If we continue with business as usual, the goals will not be achieved. Youth have the energy, trust in the UN, and willingness to drive necessary changes.
• 💡 Small individual actions, such as starting local initiatives, educating others, or advocating for specific SDGs, can have a big impact when combined across a generation determined to make a difference.

Q & A

What is the main message of the speaker in this transcript?

The main message of the speaker is to encourage youth, particularly Generation Z, to take active roles in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to recognize their power in driving global change.

What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The SDGs are a set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015 to address the most pressing issues worldwide, including poverty, hunger, education, gender equality, clean water, climate action, and economic growth. They aim to create a better world by 2030.

How does the speaker describe the potential of youth in creating change?

The speaker believes that youth, especially Generation Z, have immense potential to drive change. They are highly connected, engaged, and willing to challenge traditional systems. The speaker emphasizes that the transformative power of youth is unstoppable and essential to achieving the SDGs.

Why is education highlighted as a critical factor in achieving the SDGs?

Education is highlighted because it directly impacts many of the SDGs, including poverty reduction, gender equality, and economic growth. The speaker points out that just one year of quality education can significantly improve income and quality of life, while also fostering innovation and reducing inequalities.

What are some of the statistics mentioned in the transcript regarding global challenges?

The transcript mentions that 200 million children are not attending school, 1 billion people live on less than $2 a day, and 42 extremely wealthy individuals control as much wealth as the entire bottom half of humanity. These statistics illustrate the deep inequalities and challenges facing the world.

What was the outcome of the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015?

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) aimed to reduce the proportion of people living under the poverty line. By 2015, they succeeded in exceeding their target, reducing the global poverty rate to 12% from the baseline of 36% in 1990. However, the speaker notes that there is still significant work to be done.

How does the speaker view the role of Generation Z in shaping the future?

The speaker views Generation Z as a key driver of change, highlighting their willingness to challenge 'fake leaders' and 'fake news,' and their desire to take action for causes they believe in. The speaker calls on Gen Z to use their voices, social media platforms, and collective action to push for global transformation.

What does the speaker mean by the concept of being a 'domino' for change?

Being a 'domino' for change refers to the idea that one person's actions can inspire others to follow suit. The speaker encourages individuals to take the first step in making a positive impact, with the hope that their actions will create a ripple effect that leads to broader societal change.

What actions does the speaker encourage individuals to take to support the SDGs?

The speaker encourages individuals to reflect on their own lives and identify how they can contribute to the SDGs. This can include supporting causes, starting campaigns, educating others, volunteering, or simply raising awareness about the issues that matter most to them.

What is the significance of the speaker's experience with Model United Nations and the UN Youth Summit?

The speaker's experience with Model United Nations (MUN) and the UN Youth Summit helped them engage with young leaders and influential figures globally, solidifying their belief in the power of youth to drive change. These experiences also allowed them to advocate for the SDGs and empower others to get involved in global solutions.