The connection between SDGs and social work explained here

1. SGD- SOCIAL WORK PRIORITIES AND PRACTICES
Sherry Joseph MSW, M Phil, PhD

2. FORERUNNERS OF ‘SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT’
1972
• UN Conference on the Human Environment
• SDG thinking
1987
• World Commission on Environment and Development- Brundtland Report
• Our Common Future as 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs'.
1992 • UN Conference on Environment and Development
• Earth Summit/ Rio Declaration
Brundtland Report introduced the need for the integration of economic development,
environmental protection, and social justice and inclusion.

3. RIO DECLARATION 1992
• Recognized the right of states to economic and social development and
contained 27 principles of sustainable development, including the well-
known precautionary and polluter pays principles;
• Endorsement of the Forest Principles, which recognized the importance
of forests for economic and social development, indigenous communities,
biodiversity and maintaining ecological processes;
• Signing of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Framework
Convention on Climate Change; and
• Agenda 21, which was a voluntary SD plan of action, for implementation
by national, regional and local governments.

4. RIO, 1992
Precautionary Principle
• Risk of a human activities may cause ‘morally unacceptable harm’ .
• Lack of full scientific certainty (of cause or effects) should not be used as a reason for
inaction.
• It is commonly used in arguments for taking action on climate change.
Polluter Pays principle
• Third parties do not bear the external costs of other people’s activities such as air pollution or
the impacts of climate change, where these are a by-product of certain business activities.

5. MILESTONES TO SDG
1993
Commission for Sustainable
Development to monitor Agenda 21
1997
Earth Summit +5
Renewed commitment to
Agenda 21
2000
Millennium Summit
UN Millennium Declaration
2002
World Summit on Sustainable
Development
Millenium
Development Goals
(MDGs)

6. MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND THE SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT GOALS
• Goals: MDGs have eight goals, while SDGs have 17.
• Targets: MDGs have 20 targets, while SDGs have 169.
• Indicators: MDGs have 60 indicators, while SDGs have 232.
• Scope: MDGs focus on developing countries, while SDGs apply to all countries.
• Themes: MDGs focus on poverty reduction, while SDGs include new themes
that consider the environment, economy, and society as embedded systems.
• National ownership: SDGs are nationally-owned and country-led, while MDGs
are not.

7. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs. (Brundtland Report)
It contains within it two key concepts:
• the concept of 'needs', in particular the essential needs of the world's
poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and
• the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social
organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future
needs.
Economic
Ecological
Social
17 Goals
169 indicators to address change
All goals and indicators are of equal rank and are interrelated

8. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
• living within environmental limits;
• integrated decision making (policy and legislation that works in a
complementary way);
• ‘good’ governance that is democratic, transparent, inclusive,
participatory and accountable; and
• responsible use of robust and credible scientific evidence in decision
making.

9. PLANETARY BOUNDARIES, 2009
1. Climate change
2. Change in biosphere integrity (biodiversity loss and
species extinction)
3. Stratospheric ozone depletion
4. Ocean acidification
5. Biogeochemical flows (phosphorus and nitrogen
cycles)
6. Land-system change (e.g. deforestation)
7. Freshwater use
8. Atmospheric aerosol loading (microscopic particles
in the atmosphere that affect climate and living
organisms)
9. Introduction of novel entities (e.g. organic
pollutants, radioactive materials, nanomaterials,
and micro-plastics).
• The Stockholm Resilience Centre defined nine Planetary Boundaries
• The boundaries represent Global Earth Systems and processes within which there is a safe living space for humans
and wildlife.
• The Global Earth system may shift into a permanently less hospitable state if exceeded by one or more of these
boundaries.

11. SDG AND SOCIAL WORK

12. INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS (2021)
• PEOPLE and is the heart of development to promote human dignity, well-
being of all, combat inequalities, end poverty and gender equality.
• PLANET—and champions combating climate change, promoting
sustainable use of earth’s resources and sustainable patterns of
consumption and production.
• PROSPERITY, specifically focuses on inclusive and sustainable economic
growth.
• PEACE—promote life free from fear, coercion and violence, access to
justice and human rights for all
• PARTNERSHIP, calls for global solidarity and people—centred approach to
development. All these are at the heart of social work theory and practice
as can be seen by the IFSW/IASSW definition of social work
People
Planet
Prosperity
Peace
Partnership

13. SDG AND SOCIAL WORK
• The International Federation of Social Workers, the International Association of Schools of Social Work and the
International Council on Social Welfare jointly initiated a global agenda between 2012 and 2016.
• ‘The Global Agenda for social work and social development commitment to action’ agreed to undertake five
strategies, namely
• promote social and economic equalities,
• ensure the dignity and worth of the persons,
• promote sustainable communities and environmentally sensitive development,
• promote well-being through sustainable human relationships, and
• ensure an appropriate environment for practice and education.
• The organisations jointly stated ‘we would strive with others for a people-focused global economy that is
regulated to protect and promote social justice, human rights and sustainable development’. They also
pledged that their organisations will ‘promote education and practice standards in social work and social
development that enabled workers to facilitate sustainable social development outcomes’.

14. SDG AND SOCIAL WORK
• Social workers understand sustainability as patterns and policies that establish
long-term solutions for the wellbeing of the entire ecosystem, including humans
and nature, for current and future generations
• Reduce aspects of our ‘ecological footprint’ or consumption patterns
Sustainability
• Climate crisis- The planet has undergone water, land, and air contamination
from travel, industrial pollution, toxic agricultural practices, soil erosion,
desertification and destruction of the natural environment generally.
• People should give back to nature as much as they take
Climate change
• The best for people (the whole society), peace and planet must be the focus of
all activities. Profit of a minor amount of people on the shoulder of the majority
of people, is a negative sign of economic-only driven development.
• Social worker’s actions are driven by principles of social justice, human rights and
holistic and sustainable development to reach freedom and wellbeing
Development

15. SOCIAL WORK AND SDG
• To partner means sharing knowledge and insights and collaboratively and coherently
creating and establishing solutions. work jointly with UN agencies and governments,
enabling engagement between communities, the SDGs and other UN agendas.
• Together with individuals, groups and the civil society, social workers are building the
bridge between theory and practice and between local and national authorities.
Partnership
• Social workers understand that the combination of their bottom-up approach along
with the UN SDGs more top-down approach represents the great potential to bridge
the gaps between governmental regulatory efforts (i.e. policy papers, global
agendas) and practice (i.e. daily work with people and civil societies, operational
implementation).
Bottom-up and top
down
• The current inequitable global capitalism has to be transformed to a new
sustainable global financial system, that bans exploitation of both people and
planet, that is based on solidarity, fairness, and the betterment of the whole
society and environment
Equity

16. SDG AND SOCIAL WORK
• The words ‘development’ and ‘transformation’ are closely linked
• While development is process-oriented, the aim of transformation is a complete change to an
unprecedented situation/circumstance.
• Both need a vision, and a holistic society approach, where communities are involved in ALL steps of
creation, planning, acting and evaluation.
• Our social work approach mainly creates goals in a participatory manner from the bottom-up
(community and people-driven) including the knowledge and needs from people (leave no one behind).

17. SDG AND SOCIAL WORK
• The human rights approach adopted in the SDGs especially in defining the issues as well as
governing implementation has relevance for social work profession
• The SDG and social work values concur: For instance, the Agenda 2030 uses terms such as
human dignity, inclusivity, respect diversity, equality and non-discrimination, empowerment,
reliance, resilience, and self-help and realization of full potential. Social workers identify with
these values for practice.
• There is also a close parallel between social work target groups and those identified in the
SDG agenda. Among the specific target groups are women, children, and youths, persons
with disabilities, older persons, indigenous peoples, internally displaced people, migrants and
refugees.

18. • IFSW is a non-governmental organization that has been granted Special Consultative Status by the Economic and Social Council
(ECOSOC). In a submission to the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2023
Call for considerations
• Urgent need for collaborative action to achieve the SDGs.
• The need to co-develop new practices that separates people’s health and social development from geo-political sanctions.
• Social workers understand that to achieve the SDGs we need a combination of a bottom-up approach, where people are part of the
process and must have a much greater say, along with the UN SDGs more top-down agenda. The IFSW knows that the social work
profession can and shall be a strong and recognised partner, however, a comprehensive approach must begin with structural changes
that recognises and protects the democratic right of individuals, groups and communities in the region to be active partners in the
process.
• There is an urgent need to advance progress on environment and development challenges in the region. Central to this is focusing on
the role of civil society, including social workers, in enhancing cooperation, supporting strengthened public collective action and
providing a platform for listening to 3 people’s voices
• The People’s Charter comes from the People’s Global Summit, ‘Co-Building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind’, held
online on 29 June – 2 July 2022. The People ́s Global Summit was initiated by 26 diverse global organisations representing hundreds
of millions of people. Representing different faiths, philosophies, rights movements, workforces, generations, traditions andcultures.

19. SDG AND SOCIAL WORK
• The need to co-develop new practices that separates people’s health and
social development from geo-political sanctions
• Sanctions, implemented to express international disapproval of a
government’s actions have unintended consequences for the people of that
country, driving them into further poverty and isolation. We need new
practices for sanctions that do not disproportionately target those that are
most marginalised further entrenching poverty and inequality

20. PERFORMANCE OF THE GLOBAL GOALS
India ranked at 112 out of 166
(United Nations SDG Index and Dashboard report, 2023)
Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany ranked 1st to 4th
India’s SDG Index score = 66 (2020) (Niti Ayog/GoI)
= 63.5 (2023) (UN)
Finland’s SDG Index score = 86.76

21. AVERAGE
PERFORMANCE
OF SDG, INDIA

22. INDIA SDG DASHBOARD AND TRENDS, 2023

23. Which goals are in a decreasing trend?
• 10- Reduced Inequalities
• 15- Life on the land
Goals that are on track?
• 1 – No Poverty
• 12- Responsible Consumption and
Production
Goals achieved?
• 2- Climate action
• 12- Responsible consumption and production
Goals having major challenges?
• 2- Zero Hunger
• 3- Good Health and Wellbeing
• 5- Gender equality
• 6- Clean water and sanitation
• 9- Industry, Innovation and infrastructe
• 11- Sustainable cities and communities
• 14- Life below water
• 15- Life on Land
• 16- Peace, justice and strong institutions
Goals achieved?
• 2 climate action
• 12 Responsible consumption and production

24. GOAL-WISE PERFORMANCE- NATIONAL, 2020
• No goals achieved
• 6 front runner (65-99)
• 5 Performer (60-64)
• 2 Aspirant (0-49) Hunger and
Gender equality

25. STATE WISE PERFORMANCE ACROSS SDGS- KERALA & BIHAR
Kerala
Top performing state
• 1 goal strong institutions achieved- Affordable
and clean energy
• 3 goals below 50%
• Poorest- Industry, innovation and infrastructure,
followed by Zero Hunger and Peace, Justice and
Bihar
Lowest performing state
• 5 goals are above 50% (Aspirants!)
• 3 goals are performers
• No data on Life below water
• The best goal is Clean water and Sanitation (91),
followed by Peace and Justice (73)

26. ZERO HUNGER
• Percentage of beneficiaries covered under National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013
• Percentage of pregnant women aged 15-49 years who are anaemic
• Rice and wheat produced annually per unit area
• Percentage of children under five years who are underweight
• Percentage of children under five years who are stunted
• Percentage of adolescents aged 10-19 years who are anaemic
• Gross Value Added (constant prices) in agriculture per worker (in Lakhs/worker)
https://sdgindiaindex.niti.gov.in/#/ranking

27. SDG AND SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
Micro-level practice
By providing direct services to individuals and families who are affected by the
social, economic, and environmental challenges that the SDGs aim to address.
• Social workers can help people access basic services, such as health care, education, and social
protection, that are essential for achieving the goals of no poverty, zero hunger, good health and
well-being, and quality education.
• Social workers can also support people in coping with the impacts of climate change, such as
disasters, displacement, and health risks, that threaten the goals of clean water and sanitation,
affordable and clean energy, and climate action.
• Social workers can empower people to exercise their rights and participate in decision-making
processes that affect their lives, which are key for achieving the goals of gender equality, reduced
inequalities, and peace, justice, and strong institutions.

28. SDG AND SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
Mezzo-level practice
By engaging in community development and organizing activities that mobilize
collective action and resources for social change.
• Social workers can
• facilitate community-based initiatives that address the root causes of poverty, hunger, and ill-
health, such as land reform, food security, and health promotion, that are relevant for the goals
of no poverty, zero hunger, and good health and well-being.
• collaborate with community groups and organizations to advocate for environmental justice and
sustainability, such as waste management, renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation,
that are related to the goals of clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, and life
on land
• support community empowerment and participation in governance and accountability
mechanisms that promote the goals of gender equality, reduced inequalities, and peace, justice,
and strong institutions.

29. SDG AND SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
Macro-level practice
By influencing social policy and social development agendas that shape the structures and
systems that affect human and planetary well-being.
• Social workers can
• participate in policy analysis and formulation that address the structural determinants of poverty,
health, education, and gender equality, such as taxation, social protection, health systems, and
education systems, that are crucial for the goals of no poverty, good health and well-being, quality
education, and gender equality.
• engage in policy advocacy and lobbying that challenge the policies and practices that contribute to
environmental degradation and climate change, such as fossil fuel subsidies, deforestation, and
emissions trading, that are detrimental to the goals of clean water and sanitation, affordable and
clean energy, and climate action.
• contribute to policy implementation and evaluation that ensure the effectiveness and
accountability of the SDGs, such as monitoring and reporting, capacity building, and stakeholder
engagement, that are essential for the goals of reduced inequalities and peace, justice, and strong
institutions.

30. THANK YOU……
sherryjoseph@gmail.com
9818277842