New UN goals aim to end poverty and hunger by 2030

World leaders have unanimously approved a new, United Nations plan to eradicate extreme poverty, combat climate change and address more than a dozen other global issues. They agreed to new Sustainable Development Goals that are expected to cost between $3.5 trillion and $5 trillion yearly until 2030.

The United Nations is asking Canada and other countries to spend 0.7 per cent of their Gross Domestic Product to help meet the new goals which replace the Millennium Development Goals set 15 years ago that expire at the end of this year. Canada now contributes 0.24 per cent of its GDP.

‘Some of the smartest global investments’

“These are some of the smartest global investments that we’ve made to date,” says Amanda Sussman, head of policy at Plan International Canada, which helps deprived children in developing countries.

“We are addressing underlying conditions of poverty, inequality that foster instability. And when we do address these goals and if we are able to achieve them, we will see a more secure, more stable, more prosperous world.”

Among 17 broad goals are the aims of reducing poverty and inequality and preserving the environment. They seek to ensure “healthy lives,” quality education for all, clean water, sanitation and reliable modern energy. Other goals include achieving gender equality, making cities safe and promoting economic growth.