Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Video Transcript:

Georgeann Moss, DCCCD

[Music]

Georgeann Moss: Hi! I’m Georgeann Moss, executive administrator of Sustainability Outreach and Initiatives for Dallas County Community College District. Clearly the challenges we face in the world are too large and daunting for any one person or organization — or even one country — to solve. That’s why Goal No. 17, "Partnerships for the Goals," is so important.

Despite the numerous challenges humanity faces, we need to remember that many, many things are much better than they used to be; for example:

• Life expectancy is increasing. In 1800, the life expectancy was 30. Today, it’s 70 years.
  
• Poverty is decreasing. In 1966, half of the world lived in extreme poverty. In 2017, only 9% of the world population lived in poverty.
  

Yes, we still have much to accomplish; but fortunately, as you have learned from these videos, there are many organizations in Dallas County and North Texas collaborating to make progress locally in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we can and will achieve every goal on that list.

Americans are known for successfully tackling and achieving big goals. We will continue to be successful by using "Partnerships for the Goals." What was missing in the past was a clear vision of what it’s going to take to achieve sustainability on a global scale. Thanks to the United Nations and their work with stakeholders throughout the world, we now have that vision.

Another organization that is doing excellent work is Project Drawdown. Thanks to them, we now have the most comprehensive plan ever proposed to stop — and even reverse climate change. Their research revealed that humanity already has the tools and technologies we need. We just need to take action.

One person cannot do it all. But one person — or one organization — can pick one thing on either of those lists and make it their call to action. Goal No. 13, "Climate Action," is the goal that motivates me. Which goal speaks to you? Which goal is already in alignment with one of your personal or professional goals? Choose one goal and then make a commitment to help the world achieve that goal.

Creating a world that works for everyone won’t be easy. But we must resist the temptation to give up! We must honor our founders’ courage and determination by persevering until we achieve every goal on that list. Be bold. Think big. And never, never, never give up!