YMCA Norfolk have pledged to launch their plans for sustainable development in the new year, in line with the UN’s 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.
The UN devised 17 Sustainable Goals at the New York Sustainable Development Summit in 2015, stating the goals are an ‘urgent call for action by all countries – developed in global partnership.’
The aim of the agenda is to recognise that ending poverty must go ‘hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.’
At the global YMCA 175 event this summer, YMCA World Alliance promoted the SDGs and informed attendees on how YMCA as a whole can be involved in supporting them.
Following this, YMCA Norfolk devised their own ‘SDG’ team, consisting of:
Dale Starbuck – Youth Engagement Worker and YMCA Change Agent
Robert Canniffe – YMCA Norfolk Performance and Impact Officer
Catherine Watling – YMCA Norfolk Staff Health and Wellbeing Officer
James Lamont – Senior Youth Engagement Worker (Housing)
Charlie Wall – Senior Youth Engagement Worker (Communities)
Amy Chenery – Families Team Engagement Worker
Ben Rafalski – Youth Engagement Worker (Housing)
Charlie and Catherine discussed YMCA Norfolk’s movement towards sustainability at the 2019 Annual Celebration on November 7, asking staff and supporters to vote for one of the three sustainable development goals;
- Climate Action
- No Poverty
- Zero Hunger
Following the vote, it was decided that No Poverty would be the focus point for YMCA Norfolk, reflecting the organisation’s approach to equality and goal to end rough sleeping.
Charlie Wall said:
“We are beyond proud to say that we have signed the pledge to be 100% committed to working towards a Sustainable Future. We recognise that working towards small changes will eventually amount to something incredible.
“Keep an eye on YMCA Norfolk’s website and social media for our full SDG plan, launching January 2020.”