CUN Journal

Abstract

This paper aims at explaining the meaning and objectives of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A major reason is to underline or articulate the proper understanding and ethical participation of African youth in the implementation of the goals. The Sustainable Development Goals are concerned with making right choices, to improve on life on a more sustainable fashion for the future generations. The goals are intended to continue with the improvements recorded with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and to sustain them.

Many questions arise on the awareness level of the youth of this global programme and their preparedness to participate in their development and sustainability. Are African and Nigerian youth involved in the promotion and execution of the agenda? Is it a moral duty for them to get involved? Have they the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the development of their future? This paper believes that Africa has vibrant youth, skilled enough to contribute to the development of the continent. The paper will present the 17 goals with their targets, studying and analyzing them and providing reasons why it is a duty for the youth’s participation.

The challenges inherent in the implementation of the goals will be analyzed too. The study will reveal that the youth are the foot soldiers in the SDGs workforce. It will recommend greater involvement of the various governments and international institutions in the youth education, skills acquisition, and their advocacy towards the actualization SDGs agenda.

Key words: Sustainable development goals, ethics, African youth,