By Kevin Jarussi, Director of Business Development at Ethos
When you invest in a cause you care about, you join millions of others who also support that cause, including other individuals, endowments and foundations, 401k plans, and many other types of investors. Among them, the government is one of the largest categories of investors with the ability to allocate money to a particular cause.
While there are many views on what governments should invest in and how much they should invest, many agree that job creation as well as health and education are worthwhile areas to focus on.
These three areas (job creation, health and education) cover some of the causes on Ethos that are also included in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are 17 global goals designed “to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.” They were passed in 2015 by the UN General Assembly, with a target achievement date of 2030.
Several of the proposals outlined by President Biden last week focus on job creation, health and education. The American Rescue Plan, for example, increases availability of vaccines and provides financial assistance for people economically affected by the Covid-19 crisis. The plan offers food and nutrition assistance, rental assistance, and loans to small businesses to keep them afloat, as well as opens enrollment for the Affordable Care Act. These initiatives are in line with UN SDGs #1 (no poverty), #2 (zero hunger), and #3 (good health and well-being).
The American Jobs Plan focuses on upgrading America’s infrastructure, creating higher-paying jobs, providing Americans with clean drinking water, and putting the country on a better path to deal with climate change. These initiatives are in line with SDGs #6 (clean water and sanitation), #7 (affordable and clean energy), #8 (decent work and economic growth), #9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure) and #13 (climate action).
Lastly, the American Families Plan guarantees an additional four years of public education for all Americans (two years pre-Kindergarten and two years of community college) as well as access to quality childcare, increased paid family and maternal leave, and more. In addition to some of the goals listed above, this initiative supports SDG #4 (quality education).
As an investor, your money can support job creation, health, education, and many other causes you care about. When you invest for these causes, you join millions of others supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We believe in helping you craft your investment strategy to align with your causes. Click here to learn more.
Kevin Jarussi is Director of Business Development at Ethos. He has a Master of Arts in Sustainability from the American University of Paris.