SDGs and Human Rights
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) lay the blueprint to create a more fair, just, and equitable world containing action statements. Explore the SDG that we focus on and how this connects to TechWidards.
Introduction to SDG 17
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 established by the United Nations in 2015 is officially worded as: “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development”. In 2022, a staggering estimated 66% of the world’s population used the Internet, compared to 40% (3 billion) in 2015. This rapid increase in usage also comes with an increase in duplicity and deception. It is for these reasons that we must be aware of our digital rights. In fact, despite a 65% improvement in Internet access since 2015, progress in bridging the digital divide has slowed down post-pandemic. Continued efforts are a must to ensure equitable access to the Internet for all.
Technology and SDG 17’s Link
In terms of the goals regarding technology in SDG 17, there are three main ones. Firstly, sharing knowledge about science, technology, and innovation and improving coordination amongst existing mechanisms will create a more cohesive world while also limiting disparities and inequities in subject proficiency. Secondly, the promotion of the development of environmentally sound technologies (EST) to developing countries on favourable terms is key. ESTs are capable of reducing environmental damage through processes and materials that generate fewer potentially damaging substances. Lastly, the full optimization of the technology and innovation sector by enhancing the use of technology can help create a more equitable world.
Connection to Cyber Peacebuilding
So what do these goals have to do with cyber peacebuilding? Once we create an expectation of unity and solidarity in our digital world, we can use mutual knowledge and expertise to develop cohesion. This is intrinsically and inherently linked with human rights as Internet access should be safe and secure to all. SDG 17 balances the economic, social, and ecological dimensions of sustainable development, and elevates the fight against poverty and sustainable development while simultaneously putting these aspects on the same agenda for the first time.
