Sustainability is an environmental, economic and social issue
The Global Goals represent a set of 17 ambitious sustainable development goals established by the United Nations 2030 Agenda. These objectives (also called SDGs, Sustainable Development Goals) were formulated to address the most urgent global challenges to build a sustainable future for all.
In addition to mitigating climate change and protecting the environment, the Global Goals also include key aspects such as poverty reduction, the fight against hunger and food waste, access to quality education, gender equality and economic independence, the promotion of health and well-being, the creation of decent work. To create a sustainable future it is necessary to pursue all 17 goals which are closely connected to each other, since the achievement of each goal has repercussions on all the others.
In fact, sustainable development, as our mascots For and Mica explained well in the seventh episode of the CasaMica podcast, involves different areas and cannot be pursued by focusing exclusively on the environment. An integrated perspective and a systemic approach that also considers economic and social aspects is necessary.
In other words, the Global Goals encourage economic growth that takes into account natural resources and promotes social inclusion and the improvement of people’s living conditions, in particular for the most disadvantaged communities.
These goals (SDGs) represent a guide for governments, international organizations, businesses and citizens of all ages to create a culture of sustainability where equity, prosperity and well-being are achieved without depleting natural resources and compromising the future of the generations to come.
Through its numerous activities, the Museum of Saving is also committed to achieving the 17 sustainable development objectives indicated in the 2030 Agenda. From the workshops against food waste “In the kitchen with For & Mica” to the investigations promoted to explore the value of sustainability for youngsters, from participation in initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Festival, to financial education events in collaboration with other organizations active in the sector.
Why financial education support sustainability
According to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), financial education is one of the key tools capable of promoting the achievement of the Global Goals. Greater financial awareness allows you to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to:
- • Promote sustainable economic growth
- • Promote social inclusion
- • Promote conscious use of natural resources
Financial education offers tools for the conscious management of a limited resource such as money and propagates an approach in terms of long-term choices. These are useful elements to promote efficient and sustainable use of non-renewable natural resources as well.
Another factor that contributes to sustainable development is education on socially responsible investment: a form of investment that leads to favoring companies that respect ESG (Environmental, social and governance) values. Attention to the environment, workers, customers and communities guarantees long-term financial sustainability. It was also discussed in our S.A.V.E. Talks, where several guests from the world of entrepreneurship, the third sector and local administrations talked about their daily commitment to introducing change in their sectors. Their testimonies demonstrate how it is possible to combine personal savings goals with common well-being. A virtuous model that anyone can experience, in the form of a game, with the Equality Defender App. With this app, which completes the path dedicated to high schools of the S.A.V.E. project Virtual Tour, it is possible to test your analytical and financial management skills on the topics of inclusion and reduction of inequalities.
In fact, in theoretical terms making the right choices may appear simple, but in reality this is not always the case. The professionals who challenged themselves in the Clima Pesante – Clima Pensante, recently experienced it in role plays. This experiential laboratory is an initiative created by the Museum of Saving in collaboration with Environment Park on the occasion of the latest Sustainable Development Festival. The objective of the participants was to negotiate an international treaty to reduce CO2 emissions. Through a series of rounds, the negotiators deepened their financial knowledge and reflected on the difficult balances between the actors involved: stakeholders, individual professionals and governments.
Contributing to sustainable development implies the adoption of virtuous behaviors in different areas, and everyone can do their part. Precisely for this reason there are many initiatives that involve professionals, families and children to create the sensitivity, awareness and skills necessary to achieve the sustainable development objectives.
In the infographic those put in place by the Museum of Saving!
June 21, 2023