Community Challenges and Sustainable Development Goals

Connecting local challenges to global goals

Please find below the potential challenges you can identify within your community and their connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ensure that your application clearly outlines how your proposed solution will address these challenges and aligns with at least one of the SDGs listed below.

Challenge: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Challenge (SDG 2)

Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2), is a United Nations goal to end hunger

Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Urban Farming Initiatives: How can we develop cost-effective urban farming solutions to enhance food security in local communities?
  • Post-Harvest Loss Reduction: What affordable methods can be created to minimize food spoilage and waste, ensuring better food availability?

Challenge: Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3), "Good Health and Well-being", is a United Nations goal to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Community Health Education: How can we design programmes to educate communities on preventive health measures using locally available resources?
  • Affordable Medical Devices: What low-cost medical tools can be developed to assist in basic health diagnostics and treatments?

Challenge: Educational Tools and Resources (SDG 4)

Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) is a commitment to ensure that all people have access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities

Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Offline Learning Materials: How can we develop educational content accessible without internet connectivity, such as interactive booklets or pre-loaded devices?
  • Mobile Libraries: What portable libraries can be created to bring learning resources to remote communities?

Challenge: Water and Sanitation Innovations Challenge (SDG 6)

Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) is a United Nations goal to ensure that everyone has access to clean water and sanitation

Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Water Purification Systems: How can we create affordable water filtration methods to provide safe drinking water in underserved areas?
  • Sanitation Facilities: What low-cost, hygienic sanitation solutions can be designed to improve community health?

Challenge: Renewable Energy Challenge (SDG 7)

 Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) is about ensuring access to clean and affordable energy, which is key to the development of agriculture, business, communications, education, healthcare and transportation.

Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Solar-Powered Devices: How can we design low-cost solar-powered gadgets to address daily energy needs, such as lighting or phone charging?
  • Biogas Production: What simple biogas systems can be developed using local organic waste to provide clean cooking fuel?

Challenge: Transportation and Mobility (SDGs 9 and 11)

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 is about industry, innovation, and infrastructure, and SDG 11 is about sustainable cities and communities

Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Affordable Transport Solutions: How can we design low-cost transportation methods to improve mobility in rural areas?
  • Sharing Programmes: What community-based sharing systems can be created to facilitate movement?

Challenge: Waste Management and Recycling (SDGs 9, 11 and 12)

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9, 11, and 12 are related to industry, innovation, infrastructure, cities, and consumption

Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Recycling Initiatives: How can we create systems to collect and repurpose waste materials into useful products, promoting environmental sustainability?
  • Composting Solutions: What community-based composting projects can be developed to manage organic waste and produce fertilizers?

Challenge: Cultural Preservation and Tourism (SDGs 8 and 12)

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 and 12 are about economic growth, employment, and consumption patterns

Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Handicraft Enterprises: How can we create businesses that produce and sell traditional crafts, preserving cultural heritage and generating income?
  • Eco-Tourism Initiatives: What sustainable tourism projects can be developed to showcase local culture and natural beauty?

 

If you wish to learn more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals, please go to: https://sdgs.un.org/goals