Can social media contribute to the SDGs?
this article explores the key role social media play in promoting and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Social media as a tool for the SDGs
These digital media have become a global platform which connects thousands of millions of people across the world. Thus, this interconnection offers a unique opportunity to disseminate information about the Sustainable Development Goals and promote action in their favour. Similarly, these media are ideal for raising awareness about the goals to accomplish.
In what aspects do social media help the SDGs?
Education
Information can be shared about the challenges and goals to accomplish, inform followers about the need to achieve a more sustainable world, etc. To do this, it is possible to resort to publications, computer graphics and informational videos, among other examples, since these are powerful tools for explaining the environmental development goals simply and accessibly
Mobilisation and activism in the digital world
Social media also enable the community to mobilise itself in support of the SDGs. Hashtags and viral campaigns can inspire people to adopt specific measures in their favour. For example, the #TrashTag campaign encourages the cleaning of public spaces, contributing to Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities and to 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Generating data and statistics
Data monitoring and generating are essential for measuring progress towards the sustainable development goals. Thus, digital social media provide a valuable source of data and information in real time about issues related to such goals.
The analysis of trends and discussions over the media can provide information about society’s concerns and help organisations to adjust their strategies.
Collaboration and partnerships
Social media favour the creation of partnerships and collaborations. Different organisations, including ours, BBK Kuna, can join forces in campaigns and projects focussed on the sustainable goals. Online collaboration may result particularly effective for achieving common goals, such as promoting gender equality (Goal 5) or zero hunger (Goal 2).
How to contribute to the sustainable goals through social media
The activity of these online media may help the sustainable goals in a variety of ways.
Outlined are some of the ideas which may be shared and offered through these platforms:
- Educational information and awareness-raising. Sharing data and stories about the goals, explaining their relevance and how individual actions can make a difference.
- Challenges and viral campaigns. Creating challenges and viral campaigns that promote specific actions related to green goals. Users may be challenged to plant trees, reduce waste or support communities in need.
- Success stories. Share stories of projects related to the SDGs, demonstrating the positive impact that can be achieved when the community comes together around a common goal.
- Live events and webinars. Organise live events and online conferences which address specific issues about the goals and which enable the audience to ask questions and participate actively.
As you can see, the power of social media in promoting the SDGs is undeniable. It is our hope that this article will be useful to raise citizens’ awareness about harnessing this digital potential to bring us closer to achieving a sustainable world. Remember that, when social media are used properly, they can be a catalytic force towards positive change and in achieving the sustainable development goals.