Understand the importance of the UN in today’s world and discover how the Ramacrisna Institute puts the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into practice in its social actions.
The role of the UN today is more important than ever. This is because, in a world marked by global challenges—such as climate change, social inequalities, and humanitarian crises—the United Nations (UN) continues to work for peace, human rights, and sustainable development.
The UN was created in 1945, after the end of World War II—one of the most devastating periods in history. Thus, its emergence represented the desire of countries to avoid new conflicts and promote dialogue for international cooperation.
The beginning of it all
Headquartered in New York, the UN was born on October 24, 1945, when 51 countries signed its founding charter. The document established basic principles, such as maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, fostering social progress, and ensuring better living conditions for all peoples, for example.
During the Cold War, the UN acted as a mediator between the United States and the Soviet Union, seeking to prevent political and ideological disputes from resulting in a new global conflict. Although it faced limitations, the institution remained a space for diplomatic dialogue and international consensus building.
The role of the UN today goes far beyond diplomacy between countries. The organization works on several fronts, seeking to balance economic progress with respect for the environment and human dignity.
Through its agencies and programs, the UN acts on several fronts that impact global daily life:
From encouraging childhood vaccination to defending freedom of the press, the UN’s role today is to promote human development and global well-being. The greatest symbol of commitment to this shared future is the 2030 Agenda, which brings together the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UN and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The UN’s 2030 Agenda is a global action plan launched in 2015. It brings together 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that seek to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.
But for these goals to become a reality, collective engagement is needed—from governments, businesses, social organizations, and citizens. And this is precisely where the Ramacrisna Institute stands out.
With 66 years of history, Ramacrisna develops social, educational, cultural, and environmental projects that contribute to 10 of the 17 SDGs.
Projects such as CAER (Ramacrisna Educational Support Center) and vocational courses offer opportunities for children, adolescents, and adults to build safer and more sustainable life trajectories.
The Institute guarantees a balanced diet every day for CAER children and course students, in addition to promoting the conscious use of resources and food.
CAER offers tutoring, access to technology, and educational workshops for children and teens. Vocational courses and the Adolescent Apprentice program prepare young people and adults for the job market.
Initiatives such as Meninas em Rede (Girls Network) encourage female participation in the areas of technology and innovation. The courses are open to everyone, promoting equity and economic autonomy.
More than 90% of the energy used by the Institute comes from renewable sources, such as solar energy, generated by photovoltaic panels installed at its headquarters.
The Adolescent Apprentice Program and vocational courses offer opportunities for entering the job market. In addition, Antenados Produtora and FabLab Ramacrisna strengthen the creative economy.
The Cercas Ramacrisna production unit promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialization. With FabLab Ramacrisna, the Institute invests in technology, prototyping, and digital manufacturing, stimulating creativity and entrepreneurship.
Education, culture, and sports projects, for example, ensure social inclusion and equal opportunities for all ages.
Ramacrisna operates in an ethical, transparent, and collaborative manner. In other words, its commitment to citizenship, dialogue, and solidarity shapes conscious citizens, contributing to a more just and peaceful society.
The Institute maintains strategic partnerships with companies, governments, and social organizations to expand its impact. This is because these alliances enable the development of sustainable projects and the strengthening of the solidarity network.
In addition, Ramacrisna is a signatory to the UN Global Compact in Brazil, an initiative created in 2000 that aims at corporate sustainability worldwide, with more than 25,000 participants in 67 local networks. In Brazil, the Global Compact network brings together 1,900 organizations and about 50 ongoing projects that promote the SDGs and UN principles in the business and social sectors.
By becoming a signatory to the Global Compact, Ramacrisna reinforces its vision of a sustainable future, committing to report annually on its progress and follow the Ten Principles, consolidating itself as an organization that contributes to the construction of a more just, ethical, and balanced society.
Help us continue this work! Learn about our initiatives and choose how to contribute.
