As the new Global Goals start to sink in, 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)
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 farmers growing sweet potatoes in Tanzania. Photo: Morgana Wingard/ONE
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 labour 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
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 revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development
If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. – African proverb