In 2015, world leaders from all UN member states set goals to transition to a better world by 2030.

While some progress has been made, we are nowhere close to where we set out to be. So when approached by UN Partners and the Dutch Government to find a solution, we came up with a 5 step plan to drive change.

Step 1: Find a way to activate non-activists, entrepreneurs, and businesses in their daily lives.

Step 2: Create a strategy to ensure the accountability and support of institutions and lawmakers by collaborating with localized NGOs and journalists.

Step 3: Utilize digitalization to facilitate and enhance participation. From online forums and digital conferences to improved data processing and automation, we improved outreach, increased participation, and allowed for better follow-up and engagement.

Step 4: Launch the viral #iact4Maastricht challenge that promoted concrete day-to-day action for the goals. 40.000 joined in the first month before spreading to municipalities throughout the region.

Step 5: Harness all this support and awareness to force action from and partnerships between lawmakers, entrepreneurs, change-makers, and activists. With great progress having already been made, we remain confident that together, we can transition to a better world by 2030