SDGs Are Fundamentally “People’s Goals”, Says Actor Dia Mirza

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are fundamentally the “people’s goals”, said Dia Mirza, actor and UN Secretary-General’s Advocate for SDGs, while underscoring the pivotal role of individual efforts in realising these targets.

During the convening of policymakers and leaders from around the world at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)-SDG Summit in New York, Mirza said that these goals encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from poverty alleviation and access to clean water and sanitation to addressing climate change. 

She stressed the necessity for governments and policymakers to actively engage with citizens, listen to their voices, and galvanise them into action. Recognising the public’s understanding and perceptions of the SDGs as a crucial starting point, she conveyed this message during a high-level meeting.

The Hollywood actress underscored that while policy-level interventions are indispensable, it is the collective impact of individual actions that will ultimately drive significant change. 

During the 77th session of the UNGA held in New York in September 2022, Mirza deliberated on India’s potential contributions to achieving the SDGs. She highlighted the Mission LiFE Campaign (Lifestyle for the Environment), which India introduced at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26) in the prior October.