SDG 1 – No poverty
The biggest challenge is the top goal. With SDG 1, the UN aims to reduce extreme poverty for men, women and children around the world by at least 50% by 2030. Furthermore, SDG 1 seeks to simplify access to basic necessities for the poor and disadvantaged and to combat inequality between countries. They promise to leave no one behind on the way to reach this goal.
What we’re doing
Money alone won’t make you happy. Neither will having no money at all. Around the world, many suffer from poverty. This includes Austria, one of the richest countries in the world, where the issue still is a bitter reality for so many—and we are not just talking about people who lost their jobs or long-term unemployed persons. For many people, the wages earned are simply not enough to make ends meet. As a business, we see ourselves as entrusted with the essential task of being a fair and reliable employer to our entire team. In addition, we feel it is our duty as a host and hotel to support other institutions that assist individuals affected by poverty. During our regular house tours, we collect donations for charitable organizations, such as Wiener Tafel, die Gruft, die CliniClowns and Ute Bock.
Implementation
SDG 1 comes to life in room 3. Here we aim to put on display how fine the line truly is between rich and poor. An excellent example here are the room lamps, which are made from different materials—silk and Swarowski gems next to plastic wrap and rocks. Thus the lights illuminate not only the room but also the proximity of rich and poor. What can we do to combat poverty? Education is a key component. By learning a trade or skill, people are less likely to slip into poverty. The closet and its hooks made of a carpenter’s plane affixed to the door with an anti-slip film stand for the importance of education before and after school in securing a livelihood. The calculator points to the importance of living within your means, while the coffee table made of books emphasizes education. The legs of the desk were fashioned out of an old sewing machine and the desk lamp out of an old drill–both of which aim to drill home the message that having a learned occupation is an important leg to stand on as skilled workers are always in demand. The toilet paper dispenser also represents the meaning of handiwork and when you are lying in bed and gaze into the mirror on the opposing wall you’ll see a quote that we find to be quite apt: Zukunft ermöglichen! (Make the future possible!) The suitcase cover and decorative cushions were made from curtains that once adorned this room—no need to let this wonderful material go to waste. The red mattress at the window serves to call attention to the importance of taking a break and finding calm. Relaxing for a moment while gazing out at the garden helps soothe both body and mind.
