1. Introduction: A Global Consensus and Shared Future Vision

Commitments were made at the Sustainable Development Summit to begin implementing the Global Goals - un.org

These goals include critical topics such as ending poverty, reducing inequalities, quality education, gender equality, climate action and strengthening peaceful and inclusive societies. Each goal emphasizes the shared responsibility of all stakeholders, from governments to the private sector, civil society and individuals.

The 17 Global Goals address sustainable development as a whole within the framework of economic growth, social justice and environmental protection. While this framework serves as a strategic guide for actions to be taken on local and global scales, it also inspires organizations and communities to create their own sustainability roadmaps.

At the core of this visionary agenda lies the will to end extreme poverty, fight deepening inequality and injustice and address climate change, which is approaching an irreversible point. Sustainable development is a design for the future where economic growth goes hand in hand with social justice and environmental protection, and prosperity is established for all people in every country.

Why Should You Read? :Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are more than just global targets; they represent an action plan that directly impacts the daily life and safety of every individual. Understanding these goals is not merely about raising awareness but being a vital part of the transformation that will make our world safer and more livable. The solution to every challenge we face, from road crashes to the climate crisis, is embedded within this strategic roadmap.

2. What are the SDGs? History, Scope and Decade of Action

3. List of 17 Global Goals:

https://www.undp.org/turkiye/projects/sustainable-development-goals-investment-initiative

1. No Poverty End extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.25 a day. 
2. Zero Hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agricultur
3. Good Health and Well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages (e.g. reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births).
4. Quality Education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
5. Gender Equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
10. Reduced Inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
13. Climate Action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
14. Life Below Water Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
15. Life on Land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests and halt biodiversity loss.
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development and provide access to justice for all.
17. Partnerships for the Goals Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.

4. Vital Importance of the Program: Why Now?

The SDGs offer a holistic perspective that recognizes the crises facing humanity are not independent of one another. The vital importance of the program is based on these strategic foundations:

The Principle of Universality All countries, regardless of their level of development, bear responsibility for these goals. Global issues require cooperation beyond local borders.

Holistic Approach Social, economic, and environmental dimensions are tightly interconnected. For example, supporting sustainable agriculture (Goal 2) directly ensures the development of healthy individuals (Goal 3) and the reduction of poverty (Goal 1). Progress in one link strengthens the entire chain.

5. Focus Point: The Relationship Between Road Traffic Safety and SDGs

Sustainable development strategies encompass not only the conservation of resources but also the elimination of all risks to human life. In this context, traffic crashes are one of the most serious and "cross-cutting" obstacles to sustainable development. It is technically impossible to speak of a healthy society or resilient cities without establishing a safe transportation system. Preventing traffic crashes is a strategic necessity that protects public health, reduces economic losses, and enhances the quality of urban life.

6. Our Individual Role: What Can We Do?

Achieving global goals depends as much on the behavioral changes of individuals as it does on government policies. There are concrete steps every individual can take for a safe and sustainable future.

Individual Action Plan

Raising Awareness and Dissemination Learn about the SDGs and their sub-targets (e.g. the $1.25 poverty line criterion or road safety goals) and create awareness in your environment.

Safe and Sustainable Transportation Following traffic rules is a civic duty. Act responsibly to prevent traffic crashes and, whenever possible, choose low-carbon and safe alternatives such as public transport, cycling, or walking.

Responsible Consumption Reduce waste, use resources efficiently, and support models that practice sustainable production.

Civil Society and Advocacy Accelerate social transformation by supporting NGOs working in the fields of sustainability and road safety.

7. Conclusion: Shared Responsibility Towards 2030

The Sustainable Development Goals are not an option for humanity but the only viable way forward for our shared future. Every target, from reducing traffic crashes to ending extreme poverty, is part of a system that feeds into one another. As we approach 2030, it is our collective responsibility to refocus on critical targets, especially those like 3.6 whose original deadlines have passed, and to act in the spirit of the "Decade of Action." Remember; a safer and fairer world will be possible through the conscious steps of each of us. 

References

• https://sdgs.un.org/goals 
• who.int – Global Status Report 2023 
• irap.org 
• turkiye.un.org – SDGs