How we support the UN Sustainable Development Goals

In recognition of United Nations Day on October 24, we’re taking a closer look at how our work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


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Founded in 1945, the United Nations (UN) was established as “the one place where the world’s nations can come together to discuss common problems and find shared solutions.” In 2015, world leaders adopted 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aimed at promoting global prosperity while protecting the planet.

At the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, we are dedicated to supporting these global goals. While our work aligns with many of the SDGs, we are particularly focused on contributing to five key goals.

SDG 2 – Zero hunger

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Goal 2 sets out a vision to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. One of its key targets (2.4) is to implement resilient agricultural practices that help maintain ecosystems and improve soil quality.

A common misconception is that chemical pesticides are essential for food security. However, growing evidence disproves this, showing that these pesticides not only harm human health but also degrade soil health. We are supporting colleagues and collaborators to identify safer, more sustainable alternatives to toxic pesticides, including sustainable agriculture practices.

SDG 3 – Good health and wellbeing

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Goal 3 seeks to improve global health outcomes. This includes Target 3.4 to reduce premature mortality by one third, where the suicide mortality rate is a key indicator. Another target (3.9) aims to significantly reduce deaths and illnesses caused by hazardous chemicals.

Our work is focused on preventing suicide deaths from pesticide self-poisoning, one of the most common methods of global suicide, accounting for 20% of all suicides. We know that regulating pesticides use is the most effective way to prevent these deaths, and we are working closely with policymakers worldwide to deliver change.

By removing highly hazardous pesticides from agricultural practice, it is estimated that global suicide rate from pesticide poisoning will fall rapidly from over 100,000 deaths a year to fewer than 20,000.

SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth

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Goal 8 focusses on protecting the rights and wellbeing of workers. This includes Target 8.8, which aims to promote safe and secure working environments and reduce the number of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries.

385 million cases of accidental pesticide poisoning occur annually, leading to 11,000 deaths. With an estimated 860 million farmers worldwide, this means that about 44% of farmers are poisoned by pesticides every year. Farm workers, particularly in low and middle-income countries, face significant risks due to easy access to highly toxic pesticides. Many of these chemicals are so lethal that even small exposures can be fatal. It is unjust to blame farmers for “misuse” when poisoning occurs under such conditions.

Our work to eliminate highly toxic pesticides from agriculture will protect farm workers from these dangerous chemicals, creating safer working environments and preventing occupational injuries.

SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production

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Goal 12 is about changing consumption habits and protecting our planets resources. Target 12.4 is specifically focussed on the sound management of chemicals and reducing their impact on human health and the environment.

Highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) are recognised as presenting particularly high levels of acute or chronic hazards to health or environment. We are supporting international efforts to address HHPs, working closely with countries to phase out their use in agriculture.

SDG 15 – Life on land

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Goal 15 aims to protect natural ecosystems and stop biodiversity loss, including the conservation of animals, plants and insects. Target 15.5 calls for “urgent and significant action” to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt the loss of biodiversity.

While our primary focus is on human health, we recognise that the particular pesticides harming people are also killing beneficial insects (including vital pollinators) and countless livestock and wildlife. By helping countries regulate and ban these harmful pesticides, we are also contributing to efforts to combat biodiversity loss.

We currently work closely United Nations organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).