7.5.1 Contemporary Global Issues

Should internationalism be pursued?

Big Idea:

  • What are the impacts of the pursuit of internationalism in addressing contemporary global issues?


Often we Canadians forget how fortunate we are. We live in a nation that is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and a stable system of government. Most Canadians have a high standard of living. When we feel comfortable and cared for, we can easily forget about the desperate conditions other humans have to face.


© Creative Commons
"Eradicating extreme poverty continues to be one of the main challenges of our time, and is a major concern of the international community. Ending this scourge will require the combined efforts of all, governments, civil society organizations and the private sector, in the context of a stronger and more effective global partnership for development."
Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

As you can see from the statement from former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, global issues impact everyone. People are more connected now than they have ever been in history. Progress through technology and transportation have made people increasingly aware that the issues facing other nations are in fact global issues. This connection has promoted awareness and encouraged all humans to work toward common goals. Problems pertaining to disease control, access to equal education, gender equality, poverty, and safe drinking water are considered problems for everyone (and not just for those whose nations currently face the problem). Likewise, a global approach is being developed to deal with emerging global issues (such as climate change, human rights, refugees, and water access) because these are all problems that will eventually impact all nation-states.

Canada's wealth and stability have allowed us to help and guide a global response to many of the problems that plague the world. Issues such as unrelenting poverty, famine, disease, underdevelopment, and environmental degradation are part of Canada's focus in international institutions.

The International Community Commits to Solving Global Issues: Then and Now

In September 2000, the United Nations committed to eight goals called the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which focused on reducing extreme poverty in the world by 2015. After a review of the final MDG report (which assessed the effectiveness of the MDGs in reducing extreme poverty), a new global declaration called Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was created.

Video

View the UN's video that overviews the transition from the MDGs to the SDGs.


The SDGs built on the progress and successes of the MDGs, and United Nations members committed to work towards 17 goals that focus on "ending global poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring that all people enjoy peace and prosperity" (undp.org).

Open the tabs below to view the comparison of the past MDGs and the current SDGs.


MDGs (Millenium Development Goals) Highlights: Eight Goals


  • End poverty and hunger
  • Universal Education (education for all children)
  • Gender equality and empowerment of women
  • Children's health: reduce child mortality
  • Improve maternal health (health of pregnant women)
  • Combat HIV/AIDs, malaria and other diseases
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Global partnership (develop fair and equal trade among all nations while providing foreign aid to developing countries)
from undp.org


SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Highlights: 17 Goals


  • End poverty
  • End hunger; achieve food security and improve nutrition through sustainable agriculture
  • Healthy lives and well-being for all
  • Inclusive and equal quality education; lifelong learning opportunities
  • Gender equality; female empowerment
  • Climate change: combat and address its impacts
  • Water: availability and sustainability
  • Access to energy: affordable, reliable, sustainable
  • Economic growth: sustained, inclusive, and productive employment
  • Infrastructure: promote sustainable industrialization, foster innovation
  • Reduce inequality
  • Make cities and other settled areas inclusive, safe, and sustainable
  • Sustainable consumption and production patterns
  • Oceans/seas/marine ecosystems: conservation and responsible use
  • Land resources: protect, restore, promote responsible use, and reverse loss
  • Peaceful and inclusive societies: access to justice for all and hold institutions accountable for inclusion and effectiveness
  • Implementation: renew global partnerships and strengthen our goals


"The achievement of the SDGs hinges on delivering economic growth that benefits everyone, empowering women and achieving gender equality, and taking ambitious action on climate change. We have a responsibility to future generations to not only achieve these goals, but to do so in a way that leaves no one behind."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Statement on United Nations Day, 2017


Go to your textbook, Understanding Nationalism, and read pages 266 to 269; take notes on what you have viewed/read above. These will further your understanding of the impacts of the pursuit of internationalism when addressing contemporary global issues.
Take notes on the 7.5.1 Notebook Organizer (Word, PDF, Google Doc) on what you have viewed/read. When you are done, return here to continue.