At the United Nations' General Assembly on September 25, 2015, 193 countries adopted a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)  to "end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all," as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved by 2030. 

The SDGs are unique in that they call for action by all countries, poor, rich and middle-income to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.

Co-operatives are a natural fit for sustainable development, and a major contributor to it. After all, they are active in many different global industries, including finance, housing, agriculture and energy, to name a few. Governed by seven guiding principles, co-operatives across the world humanize our economy. They know how to run successful businesses, large or small, that are diverse and inclusive.

OCA is committed to help achieve these goals. At the 2017 Annual General Meeting, our membership moved to adopt a Resolution to support the SDGs. We continue to support them through our daily work and mission: to help develop, promote and advocate for the co-operative business model, and to provide quality education and training on and for co-operatives. By supporting the very co-operatives that have the power to achieve the UN's 2030 goals, we are doing our part to help.

For the goals to be reached, however, everyone needs to do their part: governments, the private sector, civil society and even you. A great place to start is to help spread the word and tell everyone about them! Follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Share the goals on your social media using the #globalgoals hashtag. The UN has also assembled a list of actions that you can take in your everyday life to contribute to a sustainable future. Visit their site to learn more - and click on each of the SDGs individually to read more. Or, watch this video on the 17 Goals to Transform Our World...