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I had a dream. It was an amazing fantasy world. You must be wondering I am talking about a world showcasing miraculous work of science and technology. Rather, it was more of a peaceful world. I could only see smiling faces all around. Everyone looked content. I saw no sign of poverty or hunger anywhere. Health and prosperity for all was a common motto. Clean drinking water, hygiene, sanitation, affordable housing, healthcare, technology and basic services were available for one and all. The social system believed in gender equality. It facilitated equal rights to quality education for everyone. Nations lived in harmony. It provided access to similar opportunities and justice for all. Every individual consumed natural resources efficiently, fulfilling his/her responsibility towards the environment and surroundings. Communities worked in collaboration to serve and save the ecosystem. They upgraded technology for sustainable food production, sustainable development in education, sustainable energy services, industrialization and urbanization.

I was overwhelmed thinking that if all this could become reality, there would be no suffering. People would cherish a life of fulfillment. Our planet would become a paradise for all living beings. But then I realized I was still sleeping.

It’s time to wake up now. Let us understand our individual responsibilities. Let us execute an action plan required to improve the five P’s: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership, for sustainable development as mentioned by the United Nations in its 2030 Agenda. The Agenda aims to fulfill the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

• End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
• End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
• Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
• Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
• Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
• Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
• Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
• Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
• Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
• Reduce inequality within and among countries.
• Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
• Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
• Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
• Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
• Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
• Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
• Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.

It’s high time now. We need to start working and contributing towards our planet. There is no Plan B because there is no Planet B.