Have you ever heard the phrase “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”? SDGs is a world goal consists of 17 goals of developed and developing countries to cooperate to eliminate all forms of poverty by 2030 and to create a future that will preserve economic, social and environmental balance and lead to future generations. It was adopted by the United Nations in September 2015. In 2019, we have entered its fourth year of implementation. SDGs can only be achieved with an increasing scale and speed.

Behind the birth of the SDGs, there was a strong sense of crisis—a thought that we can't hand down this beautiful planet to the future generations if we don’t act. The gap between rich and poor is widespread in developed and developing countries, globally and domestically. Although globalization of the economy has generally enriched the world by making people's lives easier, the benefits have not been equally distributed. With the development of social media, the news of corruption and inequity spread quickly, instilling inequality and anger among people, and inequality and dissatisfaction destabilize society. The number of conflicts has increased and the number of refugees and refugees seeking security has been at its highest since World War II. Prejudice and intolerance against migrants and refugees are widespread in all parts of the world.

Furthermore, climate change in the 21st century is becoming increasingly serious as a threat affecting human survival. In small island nations, migration has already become a reality due to abnormal weather and rising sea levels due to global warming. In Japan, typhoons are becoming bigger in scale and water disasters are increasing significantly.

SDGs are extremely ambitious, and demand that we act by back-casting from the ideal of society in 2030. The government, corporates, NPO, universities, and individuals must act together by doing their best. This is why I have emphasized on various occasions to think SDGs as private matters. The slogan is to leave no one behind. We have to recognize the existence of minorities that are often left behind and include them from the very beginning.

In the practice to realize SDGs, we will think more critically about the connection between issues and persons involved. In this way, not only we will train our ability to think in an integrated manner while connecting things, but also the ability to produce ideas by connecting people who have thoughts and resources. In Japan, SDGs will be included in the curriculum for elementary schools next year and junior high schools in the year after next. All students will learn about SDGs.

I hope that youth will be able to work on things that are of concern in their daily lives, with flexible approach and bold action. It's a good idea to start by thinking about where and how the products you have at the university co-op have been made and delivered to you!