Social SDGs

The social Sustainable Development Goals address fundamental human needs and rights — from ending poverty and hunger to ensuring health, education, gender equality, decent work, reduced inequalities, and sustainable communities. These goals form the foundation of ESG social performance.

Eight of the seventeen SDGs focus primarily on social outcomes, reflecting the 2030 Agenda's commitment to "leave no one behind." For businesses, these goals provide a framework for understanding social impacts across the value chain, from workforce conditions and community engagement to product safety and inclusive economic participation.

The Social Goals

Connecting to ESG Reporting

The social SDGs connect directly to the "S" pillar of ESG reporting. GRI 400-series standards (Employment, Labour/Management Relations, Occupational Health and Safety, Training, Diversity, Non-discrimination, Freedom of Association, Child Labour, Forced Labour, Human Rights, Local Communities, Customer Health and Safety, Marketing, Customer Privacy) map comprehensively to social SDG targets.

ESRS S1 (Own Workforce), S2 (Workers in the Value Chain), S3 (Affected Communities), and S4 (Consumers and End-users) provide structured disclosure requirements aligned with social SDG outcomes. SASB standards identify industry-specific social issues that are financially material.

Further Reading

• UN SDGs — Official UN SDG portal
• SDG Compass — Business guide to the SDGs
• Environmental SDGs — Planet-focused goals
• Governance SDGs — Peace, justice, and partnerships