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Amazing African proverbs that can be linked to the new Global Goals

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global goals

As the new Global Goals start to sink it, it is exciting to appreciate how they are linked to some wisdom that has been passed on for many generations through African proverbs. Here is a sneak peak in to some of my favourites!

Goal 1: No Poverty – End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Poverty is slavery. ~Somalian Proverb

Goal 2: Zero Hunger – End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

 Hunger is felt by a slave and hunger is felt by a king – African proverb

Yoruba pots (Photo: Cliff)
Yoruba pots (Photo: Cliff)

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Health is wealth. – African proverb

Goal 4: Quality Education – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Learning expands great souls. – Namibian Proverb

Goal 5: Gender Equality –Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Women are part of the origin of life’s big mystery on earth; they know the secret of a good life. Kuba Proverb

women

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Filthy water cannot be washed. – African Proverb

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

By labor comes wealth. – Yoruba Proverb

Goal 13: Climate Action – Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Do not call the forest that shelters you a jungle – African Proverb

Goal 14: Life Below Water – Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

 Where water is the boss there the land must obey. – African proverb

Fact Graphic - Goal 06-02

Goal 16: Peace and Justice – Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Peace is costly but it is worth the expense. – Kenyan proverb

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. – African proverb

Add your voice to the quest to end extreme poverty. Make poverty history by 2030, join ONE.

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