This Throwback Thursday pic has got me thinking afresh about the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) and I’m reflecting on progress – for me, for XCellR8, for our scientific community – since this was taken in New York in 2018, at an event at the UN General Assembly with The Body Shop.
The SDGs have been criticised – of course – the “naysayers” will always jump on anything so ambitious, and say it can’t be done. They have undoubtedly been used for shameless greenwashing by many organisations. But they nevertheless provide an inspirational road map, and having these common goals feels critical for our global society as we fight to save our planet, its biodiversity, and the human race itself.
Here are some SDGs that feel especially important to the advancement of ethical science and in particular to our own field of animal free testing and research:
SDG3: Good Health and Wellbeing.
More advanced, human relevant science means safer and more efficacious products and medicines for humans.
SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
As a community, creating an environment that constantly fosters innovative science.
SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
We have a responsibility to use the best available science and the most ethical approaches to support product development.
SDG14 & 15: Life Below Water and Life On Land.
There is much to be done in terms of ecotoxicology to better understand our impact on ecosystems and to test for it using innovative science.
There are other SDGs that are just as important to us in our journey as a progressive and inclusive employer:
- SDG4: Quality Education. The scientific development of our team and the opportunity to provide meaningful careers in STEM is always close to our hearts.
- SDG5: Gender Equality. Always ensuring this is a given in our workplace.
- SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Supporting our local community and the national / global economy.
I’d encourage taking a look at the UN SDGs and allowing them to inspire you! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but we can all make a difference. It’s not just about the big global corporations and governments making the changes (or not, as often the case!) Small companies like XCellR8, academic teams, even individual consultants, can all make a difference, and it’s those small changes that transform our global society on a practical, everyday level.
We’re currently developing our new long term strategy at XCellR8 and I’m excited to see how considering the SDGs together as a team will help guide our journey to maximise our positive impact in the years to come!
SDGs can be found at:
https://sdgs.un.org/goals
