Marina Ponti: The German government is a leading global supporter of Agenda 2030 and the goals for sustainable development. We have the privilege of having them as hosts and main payers. The city of Bonn is becoming an engine for global sustainability and plays a key role at the international level.

How many employees do you have?

Ponti: The UN-SDG action campaign is a small but high-performing team with the mandate to expand and support the global movement. Here in Bonn, we are twelve women and men. We create ways of mobilising individuals and organisations. We help to build up public awareness of the issue by using art, exhibitions, music, festivals and the new media. One of the most important annual milestones is the SDG Global Festival of Action that is taking place on 2 and 4 May. Leading activists are coming to Bonn for it and we will be honouring the most innovative and effective initiatives with the United Nations SDG Action Awards.

How close is the contact with the German federal ministries?

Ponti: It’s a very close cooperation. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Federal Foreign Office are our most important supporters and fantastic partners.

Is the public’s interest in the SDG strong enough?

Ponti: We have noticed that people in Bonn are very committed to sustainability and the SDG. What we hear, especially from young people, when we campaign in Bonn is: I want to join in! Last year, the people of Bonn were extremely active as part of our annual worldwide mobilisation for the anniversary of the adoption of the SDG on 25 September. They organised a marathon, a sustainable fashion show and many other activities. Interest is growing – we see this every day. Every single person and every company must be active and participate in change so that the goals can be achieved.

How do you want to encourage the people of Bonn to take part?

Ponti: Everyone is invited to join the global movement and become active. Go to MYWorld2030.org on the internet and share your opinion on how we’re making progress towards the goals in the city, get to know the SDG and share your insights with your community. At act4sdgs.org, you can find initiatives in Bonn and Germany that are already part of the SDG movement, join their campaigns, support them or reproduce their successes in your company or community. Every single action counts to ensure that the sustainability goals can be reached by 2030.

(Original text: Andreas Baumann. Translation: kc)