24 June 2017: The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with over 50 newspapers to raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On Impact Journalism Day 2017, which took place on 24 June 2017, 50 leading newspapers simultaneously published 60 articles on ordinary citizens who have developed sustainable solutions that will contribute to achieving the SDGs.

According to UNDP, the initiative will help to shine a light on everyday solutions and initiatives that contribute to achieving the Goals. One feature story describes a UNDP-supported project in Algeria, where the Guerbes-Sanhadja wetland is being threatened by human activity and unsustainable agricultural practices. UNDP and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) are providing financial and technical support to help the government conserve the wetland, by encouraging farmers and unemployed youth to take up beekeeping as an alternative and sustainable revenue source. Other stories featured on the Day include: a farmer in Burkina Faso who used a traditional farming technique to stop desertification; a French designer who uses bioluminescent living systems to bring lights to cities without using electricity; and an Indonesian medical student who enables the poor to trade trash for healthcare, tackling both poverty and waste.

The partnership aims to send the message that “solutions exist everywhere” to create an inclusive, sustainable world. The newspapers will provide facts about the SDGs and share inspirational stories that illustrate how change is possible and accessible. Since its creation five years ago, Impact Journalism Day has showcased over 350 “solutions”. [UNDP Press Release] [Article on Project in Algeria]