Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) is a part of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The goal is to reduce inequality within and among countries. The target of SDG 10 is to achieve “substantial equality” by 2030. This means that the income growth of the poorest 40% of the population in each country must exceed the national average. It also means reducing inequalities in income, education, access to basic services, and opportunities for social, economic, and political participation.

SDG 10 aims to address the challenges faced by people who are marginalised and vulnerable, including women, children, indigenous people, refugees, and people with disabilities. It seeks to ensure that everyone has equal access to opportunities, resources, and services, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Achieving SDG 10 requires a collective effort from governments, civil society organisations, businesses, and individuals. Through CSR, corporates can play a significant role in achieving SDG 10.

Education is considered one of the most powerful tools for reducing inequality and promoting social and economic mobility. However, despite significant progress in recent years, many children in India still do not have access to quality education, particularly in rural areas. According to the 2018 Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), only 73% of children in rural areas of India between the ages of 14 and 18 were enrolled in school, compared to 91% in urban areas. Additionally, many schools lack basic infrastructure such as classrooms, toilets, and libraries, and the quality of teaching and learning is often poor.

This is where CSR initiatives can play a crucial role. By investing in education, businesses can help bridge the education gap and provide children from marginalised communities with access to quality education. One of the most effective ways that businesses can support education is by building schools and providing scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Tata Trusts, for example, has set up more than 4,500 schools across India and provided scholarships to thousands of students from marginalised communities. This has helped to improve access to education and increase the number of children who can benefit from quality schooling.

In addition to building schools and providing scholarships, businesses can also support initiatives that aim to improve the quality of teaching and learning. This can include providing training and resources to teachers, developing educational materials, and implementing innovative teaching methods. By improving the quality of teaching and learning, businesses can help to ensure that children receive an education that equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.

Read the full article about how CSR can help with SDG achievement by Hency Thacker at The CSR Journal.