Alcohol and the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of aspirations adopted by all members of the United Nations (UN) in 2015 and to be achieved by 2030. Alcohol adversely affects several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), besides the health goal. This fact sheet will describe the connections between alcohol and sustainable development. The aim is to clarify and reinforce the need for a whole government approach to alcohol policy, in order to achieve health, social and sustainable development. Alcohol production and consumption are linked to health problems, and inequalities and are a barrier to sustainable development. There is a need to broader the public understanding of these issues so they can support and advocate for alcohol policy changes that will benefit their lives and healthy living. However, partnerships with the alcohol industry (alcohol producers and their front groups) may threaten the 2030 Agenda, as they have an inherent conflict of interest with public health goals and those of sustainable development.