At Talking Fish Speech Pathology, our daily work centres on the fundamental human right to communicate effectively. We see firsthand the transformative power of a confident voice, clear understanding, and the ability to connect with others. What might seem like a local, individual focus, however, actually ties directly into a global framework for a better future: the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SDGs are a collection of 17 interconnected goals adopted by all UN member states in 2015, serving as a blueprint to achieve peace and prosperity for people and the planet by 2030. While many goals focus on obvious areas like poverty, hunger, and climate action, the thread that weaves through all of them is effective communication.
Let’s explore how communication, and by extension, the work of speech pathologists, is critical to achieving these ambitious global targets:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
This goal aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Communication is foundational to health. From a child accessing early intervention for a speech delay that impacts their social and academic development, to an adult recovering from a stroke needing to communicate their needs and participate in rehabilitation, clear communication is paramount. Speech pathologists facilitate this, ensuring individuals can express symptoms, understand medical advice, and advocate for their health.
SDG 4: Quality Education
Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all is impossible without effective communication. Children with unaddressed speech, language, or literacy difficulties (like dyslexia) struggle to access the curriculum, participate in class, and form peer relationships. By supporting these foundational communication skills, speech pathologists help children unlock their learning potential, reducing dropout rates and fostering lifelong learning. This includes developing crucial literacy skills, which are themselves a form of communication.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Empowering women and girls often involves giving them a voice and ensuring it is heard. Communication skills are critical for self-advocacy, participation in decision-making, and challenging social norms. While not immediately obvious, communication barriers can disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including women and girls, limiting their ability to express their rights and needs.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Effective communication is a cornerstone of any workplace. From clear instructions and collaborative problem-solving to job interviews and client interactions, strong communication skills are essential for employment and career progression. Speech pathologists assist individuals in developing the communicative competence needed to participate meaningfully in the workforce.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
This goal aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. Communication disabilities are often hidden, leading to marginalisation and exclusion. By providing access to speech pathology services, we help to level the playing field, ensuring individuals with communication differences can participate fully in society, exercise their rights, and contribute to their communities. This includes advocating for accessible information and communication environments.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies requires open dialogue and mutual understanding. Effective communication is the bedrock of resolving conflicts, participating in democratic processes, and ensuring justice. Individuals who cannot communicate effectively may struggle to access legal aid, share their stories, or participate in community discussions.
At Talking Fish Speech Pathology, we are proud to contribute to these global goals through our local impact. By empowering individuals to communicate, we’re not just helping them find their voice; we’re helping them participate fully in their communities, access education and healthcare, secure employment, and advocate for themselves. Every therapy session, every assessment, and every piece of advice contributes to a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world for everyone.
Want to learn more about how communication empowers individuals and communities? Are you keen to join the profession that supports communication for everyone? Contact Talking Fish Speech Pathology for information and support in becoming a speech pathologist.
