Communication for all and the Sustainable Development Goals

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• International Health
• Sustainable Development

Background:

• Communication and swallowing are fundamental human rights, essential for achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (IJSLP) special issue (vol. 25, no. 1) addresses communication, swallowing, and the SDGs.
• Focus is placed on individuals with communication/swallowing disabilities and their support networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the critical role of successful communication in realizing all 17 SDGs.
• To advance the global call for SDG 18: Communication for All.
• To explore the intersection of communication, swallowing, and sustainable development across diverse global contexts.

Main Methods:

• A collection of 36 papers published in IJSLP, vol. 25, no. 1.
• Papers address all 17 SDGs, covering topics such as poverty, health, education, and climate.
• Research conducted by authors from 37 countries worldwide.

Main Results:

• Successful communication is demonstrated as necessary for achieving all 17 SDGs at global and individual levels.
• The papers provide evidence supporting the establishment of SDG 18: Communication for All.
• The research spans a wide range of development areas and geographical locations.

Conclusions:

• Communication for All is essential for achieving peace, prosperity, and the SDGs.
• The achievement of SDGs is a collective responsibility, involving communication specialists and individuals with communication disabilities.
• Promoting communication accessibility is key to realizing sustainable development and human rights globally.