What are the three pillars of sustainability? How many sustainable goals have been adopted by the UN General assembly for 2030?

The three pillars of sustainability, also known as the triple bottom line, are social, economic, and environmental sustainability. These pillars represent the interconnected dimensions of sustainable development and provide a framework for balancing economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship to meet the needs of present and future generations.

1. Social Sustainability: Social sustainability focuses on promoting equity, justice, and well-being for all individuals and communities. It encompasses aspects such as access to basic needs (e.g., food, water, healthcare, education), social inclusion, human rights, cultural diversity, and social cohesion. Socially sustainable practices seek to ensure that all members of society have the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilling lives and participate fully in economic, social, and political activities.

2. Economic Sustainability: Economic sustainability involves fostering economic growth, prosperity, and resilience while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and society. It encompasses principles of responsible economic management, efficient resource allocation, innovation, entrepreneurship, and equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities. Economically sustainable practices seek to generate long-term value and prosperity for businesses, industries, and communities while promoting fairness, stability, and resilience in the economy.

3. Environmental Sustainability: Environmental sustainability focuses on protecting and preserving natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity for current and future generations. It involves reducing environmental degradation, pollution, and resource depletion while promoting conservation, renewable energy, sustainable land use, and climate resilience. Environmental sustainability aims to maintain the health and integrity of the planet's ecosystems and support the well-being of all living organisms, including humans.

In addition to these three pillars, there is growing recognition of the importance of governance and institutional sustainability as a cross-cutting dimension that underpins effective implementation of sustainable development initiatives. Good governance, transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement are essential for addressing complex sustainability challenges and ensuring the integration of social, economic, and environmental considerations into decision-making processes at all levels.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in September 2015, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. These goals, also known as the SDGs or Global Goals, aim to address the world's most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges and build a more sustainable and equitable future for all. The 17 SDGs cover a wide range of issues, including poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation, and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice, and strong institutions, and partnerships for the goals.

Each SDG is accompanied by specific targets and indicators to track progress and ensure accountability. The SDGs provide a comprehensive framework for governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals to work together to achieve a more sustainable and prosperous future for people and the planet.