World leaders will meet 25-27 September in New York to adopt the SDGs to replace the Millennium Development Goals which expire at the end of 2015.
The 17 new Global Goals aim to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030.
Revd Andy Bowerman, Alliance Co-Executive Director said the Alliance welcomes the new Global Goals, which are to build on the success of the MDGs, and, crucially, address gaps where progress has not yet been seen.
If implemented ambitiously, the goals would directly impact the work of local Anglican and Episcopal churches working to transform communities and end poverty in all its forms, he added.
“This means it’s very important that the 88 million people who make up the Communion play their role in holding the leaders of the world to account and the Alliance is working to raise awareness and foster action,” he said.
#LightTheWay
Andy said that one way people can get involved in advocacy efforts is to join the call by action/2015 for world leaders to “light the way” to a better future for people and planet.
The coalition, of which the Anglican Alliance is a member, is organising a global “wave of light” on 24 September, the night before the goals are announced, that will start at the Sydney Opera House and travel through every continent until the final event in New York.
“With Christians around the globe we hold onto the image of Christ as the Light of the World – lighting the way into a more hope-filled future. As core members of the Action 2015 initiative we are inviting as many as possible across the Communion to join the wave of light next Thursday,” he said.
Prayer for Everyone
The Alliance also urges the Communion to join in the Prayer for Everyone initiative being launched by Project Everyone. This week of prayer aims to encourage believers of every faith around the world to give thought to the goals and pray for their success over the next 15 years.
“As part of the ‘Project Everyone’ initiative we are exited by the potential of millions of Christians praying together for the impact of the SDGs,” Andy said. “From September 24 to October 1, everyone from every faith, every walk of life, everywhere, can take part in by sharing the Goals with their faith community and their friends.”
Learn more and sign up for events at Project Everyone and Action/2015. Read more on the Anglican Alliance website about advocacy work in the area of sustainable development.
Photo credit: Action 2015 – candlelit vigil