LGBT+ Inclusion and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Published 2020
Executive Summary
With just 10 years remaining to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the clock is ticking. Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development was endorsed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in September 2015 setting out these 17 goals and 169 targets to end poverty and inequality and confront climate change. The Global Goals result from an inclusive process that involved states, civil society and business, and they emphasize a new approach to development that aspires to “leave no one behind.”
LGBT+ people have often faced barriers in accessing economic and social development initiatives. While LGBT+ people are not explicitly identified as a marginalized population in Agenda 2030, several SDG targets provide entry points that can be utilized by advocates of inclusive societies to ensure that LGBT+ people are not left behind. That is the purpose of this business primer – to highlight the linkages and build bridges between SDG action and commitments to LGBT+ inclusion.
After the Global Goals were launched the UN Secretary General asserted that the SDGs will only be realized if UN member states reach all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity2. This is supported by the work of Open for Business, which has shown that there is a clear economic case for encouraging the inclusion of LGBT+ people in society. It is also the message of the UN OHCHR Standards of Conduct for Business which build on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and support companies in eliminating LGBT+ discrimination within the workforce and preventing human rights violations against LGBT+ consumers, suppliers and distributors.
Now there are just 10 years to fulfil the SDG commitments, an unprecedented effort is needed across society, and business has a fundamental role to play. This primer highlights 20 SDG targets that are highly relevant to companies’ actions to enhance LGBT+ inclusion while contributing to the realisation of Agenda 2030.
It covers poverty, health, education, gender equality, decent work, inequality and more, each time bringing the lens of LGBT+ realities. This primer is designed to ensure that LGBT+ inclusion is woven into business action on the SDGs and vice versa to ensure that everyone benefits from action towards Agenda 2030.
What is the purpose of this report?
This is a business primer, designed to act as a guide to linkages between the SDGs and LGBT+ inclusion. It builds a bridge to support companies having committed to both and it highlights ways in which the SDGs matter for LGBT+ populations worldwide.
What is its scope?
This report brings an LGBT+ lens to 20 targets of the SDGs. These targets have been identified to support existing business action on the SDGs.
Who is this report for?
This is a business primer, designed for company representatives wanting to connect the dots between SDG action and commitments to LGBT+ inclusion. It may also be of interest to policymakers in building an inclusive path towards Agenda 2030.
Who are the authors?
This report was authored by Dr Felicity Daly, a researcher at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London. Dr Daly brings over two decades’ experience in development research, policy, advocacy and technical assistance. She has worked extensively as an independent consultant writing reports and policy briefs for UN agencies and others. She also served in senior management positions for UK charities including as Executive Director of a UK charity seeking to uphold the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people internationally.
Additional drafting support was provided by Jon Miller, Kathryn Dovey and Ann-Kathrin Richter.
