The Sustainable Development Goals
Be informed. Get involved. Make a difference. Holden & Partners explain the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Take a moment and imagine a world without poverty. A thriving planet that is cherished, respected and protected and a society where everyone, everywhere has access to a safe life and bright prospects.
It’s a pleasant thought, but when faced with the current global challenges, it seems like an unobtainable dream.
But if you don’t dream and plan for that future, you can’t build it. And that’s where the United Nations (UN) comes in. The UN is a platform for discussing and implementing policy around international issues. It has 193 Member States 1 and has developed 17 goals and 169 targets to transform our world, known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The goals were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.2
The SDGs are an “urgent call for action” across all aspects of international development ranging from ending poverty, to tackling climate change and creating equal opportunities for all by 2030. 3 Most powerfully of all, they bring us not only the vision, but the roadmap for reaching a sustainable future.
Since we started in 2003, we have sought out opportunities to contribute to the environment and society, both in how we operate as a company as well as with investments.
As individuals, we can all help achieve the targets. That might be through fundraising activities, spreading the word through social media, or even getting our hands dirty with voluntary work. Perhaps one of the easiest changes we can make is our investment choices.
For investments, we no longer have to compromise performance for sustainability. 4 Take Ninety One’s Global Environment Fund for instance, which features in many of our models. Over 30% of this fund’s revenues are contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This is compared to the iShares World Equity Index Fund, a comparable ‘benchmark’ fund, which only contributes 2% of its revenues to both SDG 7 and 13 respectively. 5
By choosing to invest your money in sustainable funds such as these, you are making a valuable contribution towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
If you’d like to know more about each SDG, we have collated a simple guide that outlines the issues and the targets.
The Sustainable Development Goals explained.
Join us in taking positive action to transform our world.
The value of investments can fall as well as rise. You may not get back what you invest. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
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Please note that any thresholds, allowances, percentage rates and tax legislation stated may change in the future. The content of this communication is for your general information and use only; it is not intended to address your particular requirements. This communication should not be deemed to be, or constitute, advice. You should not take any action without having spoken with your usual adviser.
1. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/role-of-general-assembly
5. https://worthstone.co.uk/impact-portal/impact-investments/