The sugar sector is in a privileged position where it has the potential to positively influence a number of key Sustainable Development Goals, and has done so over the years in different ways, involving several diversification options such as ethanol, the cogeneration of energy using sugarcane bagasse and bio-based products. In keeping with the spirit of the SDGs, sugar industry stakeholders have chosen to address sustainability issues in different ways, reflecting their own priorities. Issues remain that must be addressed if the sector is to take full advantage of its potential. There is a need to collect, analyze and disseminate more and better social, economic and environmental data in order to promote better evidence-based policymaking as well as to track our progress towards amore sustainable society. There is also a need for political will and the promotion of policies that encourage the use of diversification options such as bioplastics and fuel ethanol, as well as the use of underutilized waste products such as sugarcane bagasse for bioenergy.
INTRODUCTION 1 THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 1.1 Background on the SDG’s 1.2 The SDG Goals and Targets 1.3 Current Progress and the need for more and better data 2 SUGAR AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 2.1 Affordable and Clean Energy 2.2 Climate Action 2.3 Responsible Consumption and Production / Decent Work And Economic Growth 2.4 Sustainable Industrialization and Innovation 2.5 Gender Equality 2.6 Zero Hunger, Food Security and Improved Nutrition 3 CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES 4 CONCLUSION 5 ANNEX I: THE SDG GOALS AND TARGETS 6 ANNEX II: CDM SUGAR PROJECTS