The First International Academic Conference on Sustainable Development, held by the United Nations during the past few days at the Utah Valley University, recorded the active attendance of a number of Shia clerics, headed by Sayyed Muhammad Baqir al-Kashmiri, in order to achieve 17 sustainable goals during the next eight years.

Media sources reported that "Shia religious leaders had a distinguished presence and put forward important ideas and proposals that serve to achieve the goals of the 17th conference", which is a set of global goals interconnected with each other to be “A shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future".

The sources quoted Shia leaders participating in the conference as saying: "The Islamic religion urged cooperation with each other, and we can find this clearly in the biography and life of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) and his honorable government."

The leaders believe that "it is very important to work to achieve these sustainable goals that serve all human societies, primarily raising awareness, caring for orphans, achieving social cohesion, providing job and education opportunities, and promoting dialogue between adherents of sects and religions."

The Sustainable Development Goals were established in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are aimed to be achieved by 2030.

The sustainable goals approved by the conference are: No Poverty - Zero Hunger - Good Health and Wellbeing - Quality Education - Clean Water and Sanitation - Affordable and Clean Energy - Decent Work and Economic Growth - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure - Reduced Inequalities - Sustainable Cities and Communities - Responsible Consumption and Production - Climate Action - Life Below Water - Life on Land - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions - Partnerships for the Goals.