THE UN SDGS
The United Nations has called on everyone to do their part in order for the Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on equitable economic growth, social welfare and protection of the environment, to be achieved by 2030. We Share Forward has answered that call: together we nurture an impact-driven community that develops innovative solutions to these challenges.
OUR AREAS OF IMPACT
ERADICATE POVERTY
More than 700 million people live below the extreme poverty line ($1.90 per day). Meeting the basic needs of every person encompasses: an adequate food supply, a home including basic facilities – such as a bed, connection to electricity, running water, cooking and washing equipment – and clothing that offers sufficient protection against the prevailing climate. The society must establish social security systems that prevent people from falling into poverty due to illness, unemployment, disability or discrimination, natural disasters, social and economic crises.
In order to prevent people from ending up below the poverty line or to enable them to get out of it, We Share is committed to supporting initiatives aimed at offering work to marginalised groups. In particular, We Share is looking into projects that provide refugees employment or training, as well as projects that contribute to the recovery of the socio-economic fabric in the aftermath of a disaster or a crisis.
ZERO HUNGER AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Everyone should have access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food, all year round. 795 million people currently do not have enough food to lead healthy and active lives – this is about one in nine people worldwide. In order to end all forms of malnutrition, it is important to focus on sustainable food production by increasing the productivity and income of small and medium-sized enterprises.
We Share considers it one of its objectives to support projects that can contribute to sustainable food production, be it through social entrepreneurship or research. Hence, the foundation will continue funding start-ups in the food sector, like De Krekerij, that market new products made from unusual sustainable ingredients and thus try to make them part of our daily diet.
GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FOR ALL AGES
Every year, six million children die before the age of five. Maternal mortality, access to sexual and reproductive health care are still unequal.
Epidemics such as Covid-19, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other tropical diseases must come to an end. To achieve this, more attention must be paid to research into vaccines and medicines. Other persisting issues include drug addiction and alcohol abuse, as well as road deaths.
We Share actively supports students majoring in a relevant field of study or projects that can contribute to drug development or improvement of the quality of life of patient groups. To this end, We Share has launched a joint funding programme with Medicine Discovery Catapult that focuses on early stage development of new drugs in the following three areas: psychiatric disorders, hearing loss and infections associated with cystic fibrosis.
ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Worldwide, 103 million young people are not yet able to read or write. All men and women should also have access to affordable vocational, technical and higher education. Pupils and students must be allowed to acquire knowledge and skills about sustainable development, sustainable lifestyles, human rights and equality between men and women. In addition, schools should promote a culture of peace, non-violence, diversity and global citizenship. More attention should be paid to training teachers in developing countries.
We Share prioritises projects that increase the accessibility of education, especially in the places where it is most needed. We Share supports educational programs about sustainable development, sustainable lifestyles, human rights and emancipation. Since We Share considers students key Changemakers, we help educational programs and provide scholarships to students committed to the realisation of the SDGs.
GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWERMENT OF ALL WOMEN AND GIRLS
Gender equality is not only a human right, but also the basis for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. In practice, however, women and girls are still often disadvantaged when it comes to access to education, health care and work. Thus, women should be given the same opportunities as men to participate in decision-making in politics, the economy and public life. All violence against women and girls such as human trafficking, sexual exploitation, child marriage and female circumcision must end.
We Share is devoted to supporting projects that improve the opportunities for women and girls around the world. Hence, We Share recently signed a new partnership with Women in Sustainable Finance, the aim of which is to support women in the sustainable financial sector and develop their confidence and knowledge.
ACCESS TO WATER AND SANITATION
Clean drinking water and good sanitary facilities have a positive impact on other SDGs such as food, education and health. Clean drinking water reduces infections and clean toilets in schools ensure that more girls go to school, even when they have their period. There is enough clean drinking water for everyone in the world, but due to problems such as a poor infrastructure or weak economy, millions of people still die every year from diseases caused by polluted drinking water or poor hygiene. Hence, by 2030 everyone should have access to clean drinking water and use clean and good sanitary facilities. A lot of waste is still thrown away in water. To improve the quality of water, this pollution must stop and waste water must be purified more effectively. All countries must also have a well-functioning water management system.
We Share is convinced of the importance of projects aimed at making clean water available, improving infrastructure and providing information to affected people.
ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, SUSTAINABLE AND MODERN ENERGY
We need energy for our prosperity and wellbeing – to live and work. Society could not develop as it does today without energy, and yet one in five people do not have access to energy. At the same time, energy is also one of the biggest problems of this century: raw materials will eventually run out and at least 60% of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by energy. We can obtain sustainable energy from natural sources such as water, wind and sun. To achieve this goal, more research is needed into these sources as well as into the technology necessary to generate sustainable energy. In order to make modern and sustainable energy also accessible in developing countries, we need to work on better infrastructure and technological progress.
We Share is committed to supporting projects aimed at making sustainable energy available and improving infrastructure.
INCLUSIVE SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DECENT WORK
Everyone who can work should have the opportunity to work and enjoy good working conditions. Jobs should stimulate economic growth without harming the environment. To provide the number of newcomers on the labor market with a job in the coming years, 470 million additional jobs are needed between 2016 and 2030. For example, countries must pay more attention to entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation in their policies. Financial institutions must be strengthened so that everyone has access to banks, insurance and other financial services.
By focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation, We Share contributes to the creation of employment. We support projects aimed at stimulating sustainable growth, combating child labour, and promoting education. By providing the scholarships to promising innovative students, We Share hopes to contribute to this goal across the board.