How Brain Capital Can Drive Progress on UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

Brain capital, which encompasses the brain health and skills of a population, plays a pivotal role in achieving all of the United Nations’ (UN) 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN SDGs, which were adopted by all UN member states in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, are a collection of interlinked objectives intended to “end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.” Brain capital can contribute to these goals through its human-centric, systemic, and transformative nature. Specifically, by investing in brain capital technologies and research that promotes brain health, we can cultivate productive, healthy brains capable of advancing our society and achieving a sustainable, flourishing future as outlined in the UN SDGs.