Mrs. Eminel Jane Alvior, DPA, stressed the phrase on Wednesday, referring to what organizations’ goal must be in achieving the principle of ‘inclusive development.’

Blue Knights Ready Reserve Unit, Ateneo de Davao’s National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC), organized a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) awareness session at Mig Pro, Multi-Purpose Room last September 18.

“Development should not only be true to the rich countries, to the rich people, but everybody is included, especially the socially vulnerable or disadvantaged groups like the elderly, the youth, the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), lahat-lahat kasama,” she said.

Currently taking up her second doctorate in Developmental Studies, Alvior defined the principle as “focusing on social well-being and protecting the ecosystem services of nature through redefining political priorities especially in the context of the ‘Anthropocene.’”

“All development activities should be human-centered,” she explained.

The SDGs are anchored in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

“I hope that this will challenge you in assessing or reviewing where your organization is at at the present and where are you situated as an individual and as part of your organization,” she concluded.

Stephany Jane Magallen, NSRC Internal Vice President, said they hope to spark interest among student leaders to incorporate the SDGs in their future projects.

“We wish to inspire leaders to conduct programs that are sustainable and inclusive and think of the long-term effects of our projects,” she said.

Vince Marie Dy, a 2nd year nursing student, expressed the session is a great way to prepare for further SDG-related activities.

“[It] made me realize how these goals could actually be innovated only if we all work together in partnership and peace. This inspires all of us to be more imaginative, creative, and have a better lifestyle as one community,” she shared.

The SDGs are a collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the year 2030. They were adopted by all member states as a “universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030.”

While not legally binding, the United Nations expects the countries “to take ownership and establish a national framework” to achieve the SDGs.