What is Sustainable Development?

Sustainable development “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

It follows a multi-stakeholder approach that integrates economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.


UN and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • Defines broader objectives of society through 17 goals and 169 targets.
  • The SDGs are a global blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030.
  • Aims to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all.
  • Covers poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and strong institutions.
  • Adopted by all 193 UN member states on 25 September 2015.


The Pressing Need for the SDGs

  • 783 million people live in extreme poverty globally.
  • 263 million children and youth are out of school.
  • 5.6 million children die each year from preventable causes.
  • 155 countries have laws that impede women’s economic opportunities.
  • 1 billion people lack access to reliable and affordable electricity.
  • Climate-related disasters caused USD 300 billion in economic losses in 2017.
  • Climate change contributes to hunger, conflict, drought, and disasters.
  • 1.3 billion tons of waste are generated annually.
  • 25% of mammals and 13% of bird species face extinction.


Relevance of SDGs for Investing

  • UN estimates USD 5–7 trillion in annual investment is required to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
  • Achieving SDGs could unlock USD 12 trillion in market opportunities and create 380 million jobs.
  • Acts as a long-term capital allocation guide aligned with global growth drivers.
  • Helps mitigate operational, regulatory, and reputational risks.


SDGs vs ESG

  • SDGs are thematic and outcome-oriented, while ESG is more corporate and compliance-driven.
  • SDGs provide long-term direction beyond risk management.
  • Universality ensures standardized language and impact measurement.
  • Applicable across governments, NGOs, and businesses regardless of scale.


The 17 Sustainable Development Goals

S.No Goal Description
1 No Poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2 Zero Hunger End hunger and promote sustainable agriculture
3 Good Health & Well-being Ensure healthy lives for all
4 Quality Education Ensure inclusive and equitable education
5 Gender Equality Achieve gender equality and empower women
6 Clean Water & Sanitation Ensure access to water and sanitation
7 Affordable & Clean Energy Ensure access to sustainable energy
8 Decent Work & Economic Growth Promote inclusive economic growth
9 Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure Build resilient infrastructure
10 Reduced Inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries
11 Sustainable Cities Make cities inclusive and sustainable
12 Responsible Consumption Ensure sustainable consumption
13 Climate Action Combat climate change
14 Life Below Water Conserve oceans and marine resources
15 Life on Land Protect ecosystems and biodiversity
16 Peace & Justice Promote strong institutions
17 Partnerships for the Goals Strengthen global partnerships


Goals Prioritized by Fingpay

  • SDG 1: No Poverty
  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities


Shortlisted Targets from the 169 SDG Targets

  • 1.4 – Equal access to economic resources and financial services
  • 8.1 – Sustain per capita economic growth
  • 8.2 – Improve productivity through innovation
  • 8.3 – Support MSMEs and entrepreneurship
  • 8.10 – Expand access to banking and financial services
  • 9.3 – Improve financial access for small enterprises
  • 10.1 – Increase income growth of bottom 40%
  • 10.2 – Promote social, economic, and political inclusion