The global aviation sector has a role to play in 15 of the 17 SDGs, some in small ways and others with much more significant influence.
Sustainable Development Goals and Aviation
No Poverty
UN Goal: end poverty in all its forms everywhere
Did you know?
UNICEF's airline partnership Change for Good has raised over by collection coins from passengers, helping to save and improve the lives of millions of children around the world
Zero Hunger
UN Goal: end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Did you know?
More than of food and commodities are delivered by air in 2019 to relieve victims of floods, conflict and health crises
Good Health and Well-being
UN Goal: ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Did you know?
of Brazil's urgent medical shipments (including organs and blood) are sent by air, free-of-charge, through a project supported by 15 Brazilian airlines
Quality Education
UN Goal: ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning
Did you know?
students travel abroad to study each year, many by air
Gender Equality
UN Goal: achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Did you know?
Women make up of aviation employees in Europe (although a much lower percentage in technical roles). The industry is working hard to encourage greater workforce diversity
Clean Water and Sanitation
UN Goal: ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Did you know?
New 'dry wash' techniques for aircraft can reduce the use of water by compared to traditional cleaning methods
Affordable and Clean Energy
UN Goal: ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Did you know?
commercial flights have already taken place using sustainable aviation fuel, with this number increasing rapidly
Decent Work and Economic Growth
UN Goal: promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Did you know?
Global air transport supported in global economic activity, prior to Covid-19
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
UN Goal: build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
Did you know?
In 2018, nearly was invested in airport infrastructure, mostly in North America, Asia-Pacific and Europe
Reduce Inequalities
UN Goal: reduce inequality within and among countries
Did you know?
An air ticket today costs around less than it did in 1970, making the benefits of air travel more accessible to more people
Sustainable Cities and Communities
UN Goal: make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Did you know?
unique city-to-city routes are served by the world's airlines, connecting urban centres and rural communities
Responsible Consumption and Production
UN Goal: ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Did you know?
of today's aircraft (by weight) can be recycled
Climate Action
UN Goal: take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Did you know?
The average flight today produces less CO2 that the same flight would have in 1990, thanks to new technology and improved efficiency
Life Below Water
UN Goal: conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
The main international airport of small island states is located on coastal land
Life on Land
UN Goal: protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity and loss
Airlines and airports work with governments and environmental groups to prevent illicit wildlife trafficking
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
UN Goal: promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Air transport has a specialised United Nations agency coordinating global standards and laws to ensure a safe, secure and sustainable sector: the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
Partnerships for the Goals
UN Goal: strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development
Air transport with its can only work through strategic partnerships and coordinated action, including with UN agencies and governments