SDG Toolbox

A toolbox for engaging with the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Welcome!

We’re glad you’ve opened this toolbox. As a leader in a church or church-related organization you probably have two things on your mind as you read this brief presentation of the contents: your Christian calling to respond to the needs of a hurting world and your commitment to leading effective and sustainable initiatives to effect change. We believe the tools presented here will help you in meeting those objectives. They were created by the Lutheran World Federation for a global ecumenical initiative dubbed Waking the Giant –a wonderfully evocative term referring to the potential of churches to serve and transform communities.

Creation is crying and we are called to answer

These are challenging times. The cries of people pushed to the margins of society and the groans of the natural environment are ringing around us. The churches have heard those cries and have many years of experience serving and empowering those among us who are sick, in need, and victimized. The United Nations too has heard the cries. The goals the UN has set for sustainable development name 17 key aspirations.

This toolbox introduces you to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and points to several that are closely connected to work that churches and church-related organizations are already doing. It places those goals within a theological framework and offers examples of what Christians are doing in response.

You will also find suggestions of how you might partner with UN agencies and your government to meet those goals.

There is so much to celebrate! Churches and church-related organizations are already actively engaged in programmes focussed on many of the 17 development goals adopted by the UN.

Waking the Giant

Now it’s time to explore what the toolbox offers you – a process for celebrating what you are doing, motivating you to take on new opportunities, and equipping you for the work ahead!

As you work with the tools, you may have questions or suggestions. We would welcome your input.  Please contact [email protected]