It’s hard to deny that we live in a world where there seems to be an app for everything, from ordering food to connecting with friends, and now, there’s an app to help us contribute to the SDGs.
The Centre for Social Initiative and Management (CSIM) has developed an app, called SDG Lab, for college students to assess their contribution to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
SDG Lab
The app has been developed to monitor individuals’ positive attitudes and actions towards sustainable development. The United Nations introduced the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 with the aim of addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice by 2030.
The app creates a virtual platform that emphasises the SDGs for young people, enabling them to learn about and engage in meaningful action. It provides information about the 17 SDGs, including explanatory videos, key facts and figures, and government initiatives, as well as suggestions for achieving the objectives, updates on the action taken, weekly reminders for further action, and badges and reward points for completed actions. It also enables individuals to share their actions and events on social media. The app generates a comprehensive report on SDG actions taken by students, which is forwarded to colleges.
The Center provides a 30-minute awareness program on the SDGs for colleges. Students receive monthly updates on their sustainability behaviour patterns, as well as virtual badges for their social performance. Colleges receive department-wise quarterly or annual reports on their students’ SDG alignment patterns, which can be used as part of the institution’s social responsibility reporting and submitted to the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The college receives a certificate for its accomplishments, according to CSIM Director Marie Banu.
Importance of the App
The importance of this app cannot be overstated. It is crucial that we educate ourselves and the younger generation about the SDGs and their significance in creating a sustainable future for all. By using this app, students can not only test their knowledge but also learn about the SDGs in a fun and engaging way.
Furthermore, by increasing awareness of the SDGs, we can encourage young people to take action towards achieving these goals. This app can help students understand how they can contribute to a more sustainable future, whether it is through simple actions like recycling or more significant efforts such as advocating for policies that align with the SDGs.
In conclusion, the launch of this app is a significant step towards promoting sustainable development and educating the younger generation about the SDGs. By increasing awareness and encouraging action towards these goals, we can all play a role in creating a better future for the planet.
