Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global agenda, adopted by countries in 2015, with a vision of ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
The 17 SDGs and 169 targets are part of what is known as the 2030 Agenda, which recognizes "that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development." In adopting the agenda, countries resolved to take the "bold and transformative steps which are urgently needed to shift the world onto a sustainable and resilient path. As we embark on this collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind."
The goals and targets are universal, meaning they apply to all countries around the world, not just poor countries. Reaching the goals requires action on all fronts – governments, businesses, civil society and people everywhere all have a role to play.
To learn more about efforts to implement the SDGs around the world, visit IISD’s SDG Knowledge Hub.
- Commentary
Inclusivity and Integration: The new Sustainable Development Goals and a second chance for Bretton Woods
The Sustainable Development Goals have been dubbed “the Bretton Woods moment for our generation.” This paper explores some of the ideas and actors that shaped the earlier vision of the first Bretton Woods system, which laid the economic foundation and institutions of the post-Second World War period.
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Global Goals and the Environment: Progress and prospects
This report provides a comprehensive overview of progress on Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 7, Ensuring Environmental Sustainability, based on...
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Architecture for review and follow-up of the SDGs: Options for the High-Level Political Forum
This briefing note discusses options for the architecture for review and follow-up of the Sustainable Development Goals in the context of the High...
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Sustainable Consumption and Production Indicators for the Future SDGs
The purpose of this document is to assist Member States in identifying potential indicators for targets proposed under SDG 12 (Ensure Sustainable...
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Financing the Sustainable Development Goals Through Fossil-fuel Subsidy Reform: Opportunities in Southeast Asia, India and China
This report from the Global Subsidies Initiative of IISD was launched in conjunction with the Asia Europe Foundation, at a conference exploring the...
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Rural Women, Partner in the Development Process
Rural women are invaluable to sustainable development and human well-being, yet they often remain in the shadows as they face incredible challenges...
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Mainstreaming Sustainable Development into National and Subnational Development Planning in Latin America and Caribbean
SDplanNet is a sustainable development planning network created to help government professionals at the national and subnational levels share best...
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What Role Can National Sustainable Development Councils and Similar Bodies Play in the Design and Delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals?
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National Councils for Sustainable Development: Lessons from the past and present
This briefing note drew on a recent survey that examined national councils for sustainable developments’ (NCSD) expectations for and...
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Summary of Capacity-building Needs to Advance Sustainable Development Planning and Implementation
This paper highlights common capacity-building needs identified across the three regional workshops undertaken in Latin America and the Caribbean ...
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