In 2015 the United Nations announced a radical plan to change the world.
Global leaders drew up a list of 17 "sustainable development goals" to create a blueprint for a better future. The goals cover things like gender equality, health provision, a good education and much more. We've asked 17-year-olds from 17 different countries tell us what they think needs to change if the world is to meet those goals by 2030.

Seventeen-year-old Houssam Mehfara lives in the Lebanese capital Beirut. He wants to become a lawyer, but he’s wondering what future there is for him in Lebanon. His country is stuck in economic and political crisis and Houssam and his friends believe that Lebanon’s sectarian political system is to blame. He asks whether the "partnerships" envisaged under the SDGs can make a difference - what the UN calls all hands on deck - government, NGOs, business, academia and others all working together to bring change. Houssam finds some inspiring examples of partnerships in Lebanon. But despite this, poverty levels have dramatically increased in the last few years and many of Houssam’s friends plan to go abroad. Houssam must decide whether to join them and leave the country he loves.

Presenter: Sana Safi
Producers: Rob Walker and Farah Chaya

Project 17 was produced in partnership with The Open University. Show less