A robust and resilient infrastructure serves as the bedrock of any thriving community. To address the challenges of the future, our industries and infrastructure must undergo a significant transformation. This necessitates the promotion of innovative and sustainable technologies while ensuring equitable and universal access to information and financial markets. By achieving these goals, we can foster economic prosperity, create meaningful jobs, and build stable and prosperous societies across the globe.
The Targets
Everyone can contribute to achieving the Global Goals. Let us explore the eight targets designed to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation:
Target 9.1: Develop Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructures: Develop high-quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and enhance human well-being. Prioritise affordable and equitable access for all.
Target 9.2: Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialisation: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation. By 2030, significantly increase industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, aligning with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries.
Target 9.3: Increase Access to Financial Services and Markets: Expand access to financial services, including affordable credit, for small-scale industrial and other enterprises, particularly in developing countries. Facilitate their integration into value chains and markets.
Target 9.4: Upgrade All Industries and Infrastructures for Sustainability: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to enhance sustainability. This includes increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. All countries should take action in accordance with their respective capabilities.
Target 9.5: Enhance Research and Upgrade Industrial Technologies: Enhance scientific research and upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, particularly developing countries. Encourage innovation and substantially increase the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending by 2030.
Target 9.A: Facilitate Sustainable Infrastructure Development for Developing Countries: Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological, and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states.
Target 9.B: Support Domestic Technology Development and Industrial Diversification: Support domestic technology development, research, and innovation in developing countries. This includes creating a conducive policy environment for industrial diversification and value addition to commodities.
Target 9.C: Universal Access to Information and Communications Technology: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology. Strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020.
Things You Can Do
- Support a Goal 9 charity: Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference!
- Advocate for sustainable infrastructure: Encourage businesses and governments to invest in clean and resilient infrastructure.
- Expand internet access: Help map local Wi-Fi hotspots to improve internet access in your community.
- Foster innovation: Participate in or organise local innovation contests and support entrepreneurial ventures.
- Stay informed: Follow local news and stay connected with the Global Goals online or on social media at @TheGlobalGoals.
By taking these steps, we can all contribute to a future where industry and innovation drive sustainable economic growth and improve the lives of people around the world.