On Monday 28 October 2019, UK Stakeholders for Sustainable Development (UKSSD) ran a small workshop with IFoA members. The purpose of the workshop was to explore the value of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The workshop was part of an ongoing UKSSD research project to explore progress towards the SDGs in the UK and the views of different sectors.
Members from the resource and environment, pensions, finance and investment and risk management practice areas participated in the discussion. Views captured in the discussion will inform a UKSSD briefing about what is required to ensure the UK government enables and supports people and organisations to do their bit. UKSSD is also seeking views through an online survey, which is open to all. You can complete the survey at bit.ly/36V51l2
The SDGs, which the UN adopted in September 2015, are at the heart of its sustainability agenda. The 17 goals and 169 associated targets are aimed at eradicating all forms of poverty in both developed and developing nations by 2030. The goals and targets were chosen for their ability to stimulate action during the following 15 years in areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet. These areas include people, planet, prosperity and partnership.
In 2018, the UKSSD report Measuring up: How the UK is performing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals concluded that the UK is on track to achieve just 24% of SDG targets. Performance across goals 5 - gender equality, 9 - industry, infrastructure and innovation, and 13 - climate action was particularly poor. The UK's performance was not considered good enough to meet any of the targets under each of these goals. With just over 10 years to go, accelerated action is required if the goals are to be achieved.
The IFoA has also been considering the specific role of actuaries in achieving the goals through its SDG campaign. You can learn more about the SDG campaign and the innovative ways actuaries are contributing toward the goals, for example by designing motor insurance products to improve road safety in India, at bit.ly/34QQrJs
