“Global Goals Local Leaders” on SDG #1 (No Poverty)
“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.”
This week we held our first forum in the new “Global Goals Local Leaders” event series. And it was a rousing success!
Nearly 50 people came out to learn about how Sacramento is working to tackle the Sustainable Development Goals here in our own community.
While the goals may be global, the work is decidedly local.
It was wonderful to see so many different parts of our community come together in dedication to building a more just and resilient Sacramento region.
Our panel of local experts spoke knowledgeably and engagingly about the complexity of tackling poverty and the interconnected nature of both its causes and consequences.
Among the notable highlights:
Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy spoke passionately about the need for government to focus on prevention of poverty rather than simply responding to the challenges it creates — as well as the connections between poverty and mental health.
Professor of Economics Marianne Bitler (from the UC Davis Center for Poverty and Inequality Research) provided compelling examples of how effective social safety net programs effectively reduce poverty, prevent its worst consequences, and strengthen communities overall as a result.
CapRadio Reporter Chris Nichols provided clear and convincing insights into the twin issues of affordable housing and homelessness in the Sacramento region — including the challenges posed for creating effective policy interventions and the impact of government programs to date.
And we can’t wait to see everyone again for our next event which will focus on SDG #2: Food security.
