The following paper has been accepted for publication today:
McLeod, S. & Marshall, J. E. (in press). Communication for all and the Sustainable Development Goals. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology.
Purpose. Communication is central to the accomplishment of each of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is a fundamental human right.
Method. This special issue of International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (IJSLP, vol. 25, no. 1) was dedicated to communication, swallowing and the SDGs; particularly focussing on people with communication and/or swallowing disability and those who support them.
Result. This special issue of IJSLP demonstrates that successful communication is necessary for realisation of all 17 SDGs at both a global and an individual level and advances the international call for SDG 18: Communication for All. The 36 papers address all 17 goals, focussing on poverty, hunger, health, education, work, innovation, climate, cities, land, oceans, justice, and partnerships. Authors worked and undertook their research in Australia, Austria, Benin, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, China, Columbia, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Greece, Iceland, India, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Maldives, Mozambique, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, State of Palestine, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Serbia, South Africa, Uganda, UK, USA, Vietnam.
Conclusion. Communication for all is essential for the achievement of the SDGs, “peace and prosperity for people and the planet” (United Nations, 2015a). The achievement of the SDGs is the role of all; including communication professionals, people with communication/swallowing disability, their families and communities.
