What are the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?

We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to rate 15,000+ brands for social and environmental performance. Here’s how!

July 7, 2023

Introduction

At Karma Wallet, we rate over 15,000 companies on their social and environmental performance. We do this by analyzing data from 30+ third-party data sources and mapping it to 16 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

So, your next thought might be: what are these Sustainable Development Goals? 

Good question.

The UN SDGs are a set of 17 goals aimed at tackling global challenges and creating a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone. 

Basically the goals serve as a global call to action, giving individuals, communities, and companies insight and tools to help address our most pressing issues. 

sustainable development goals

Understanding the SDGs

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, are a set of 17 interconnected objectives that the United Nations established in 2015. Additionally, they build upon the success of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). 

169 targets. 3845 events. 1344 publications. 7576 actions.

Altogether, they encompass a wide range of social, economic, and environmental challenges that will require collective efforts to overcome.

Each goal is supported by specific targets and indicators to guide governments, organizations, and individuals in their pursuit of a sustainable future. 

Explore the 17 SDGs below!

United Nations sustainable development goals

Global Impact

  • Universality: the SDGs apply to all countries, recognizing that sustainable development is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration.
  • Interconnectedness: the goals are both interconnected and interdependent. Progress in one area can positively influence others.
  • 2030 Agenda: the SDGs are part of 2030 Agenda – a 15 year plan to achieve sustainable development by 2030.
  • Inclusivity: the goals emphasize inclusivity and ensure that progress benefits all segments of society. Specifically, vulnerable groups like women, children, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities!
  • Partnerships: the SDGs recognize the importance of collaboration between governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals. Collective action is crucial for achieving the targets set by the goals.

Karma Wallet & Sustainable Development Goals

By now you know that the SDGs are a global tool to help us on the path to sustainable development. 

However at Karma Wallet, we utilize the Sustainable Development Goals to rate over 15,000 companies on their social and environmental initiatives. 

The UN Sustainable Development Goals are grouped into People and Planet categories, each with 2 subcategories. These categories are Sustainability, Climate Action, Community Welfare, and Diversity & Inclusion. 

A company’s data sources are made to 16 of the 17 UN SDGs. For each SDG, a company can earn a score of passed (1), partial (.5), neutral (0), or failed (-1), or no data (0). Then we add all their scores up to determine their rating on a scale of -16 to 16. 

No company, country, or person can achieve sustainable development alone. 

Overall we believe that by aligning company initiatives with the broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we can highlight where companies are creating meaningful impact… and where they are coming up short.

Then you can find and support companies that align with your values.

Head to Karma Wallet to browse thousands of company ratings and filter by UN SDG!