The Sustainable Development Goals: a complete list

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals designed to improve people’s lives, protect the planet and support peace and prosperity. They were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The goals are interconnected: progress in one area can support progress in others. They apply to every country, regardless of income level, and are supported by 169 targets that set out more specific aims.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals

1. No Poverty — End poverty in all its forms everywhere. This includes expanding access to essential services, social protection and economic opportunities.
2. Zero Hunger — End hunger, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture, so everyone can access safe and nutritious food.
3. Good Health and Well-being — Support healthy lives and well-being for people of all ages, including through access to quality healthcare.
4. Quality Education — Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
5. Gender Equality — Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, while addressing discrimination and violence.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation — Ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for everyone.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy — Expand access to reliable, sustainable and modern energy, including renewable sources.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth — Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, productive employment and decent work for all.
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure — Build resilient infrastructure, support sustainable industrial development and encourage innovation.
10. Reduced Inequalities — Reduce inequality within and between countries by promoting inclusion and fairer opportunities.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities — Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production — Encourage sustainable ways of producing and using goods and resources, while reducing waste.
13. Climate Action — Take urgent action to tackle climate change and its impacts.
14. Life Below Water — Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
15. Life on Land — Protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, and halt biodiversity loss and land degradation.
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions — Promote peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice and effective, accountable institutions.
17. Partnerships for the Goals — Strengthen global cooperation and the resources needed to achieve sustainable development.

Why do the SDGs matter?

The SDGs provide a shared framework for addressing major global challenges, from poverty and inequality to climate change and biodiversity loss. They recognise that social, economic and environmental issues are closely linked. For example, access to quality education can improve employment prospects, while clean energy can support development and reduce pollution.

Governments use the goals to help shape policies and measure progress. Businesses, charities, communities and individuals can also contribute through their decisions and actions. The goals are not a checklist for governments alone: achieving them depends on collaboration across society and between countries.

How can people support the Sustainable Development Goals?

There is no single way to contribute. People can learn about issues affecting their communities, reduce food and material waste, choose more sustainable products, support inclusive workplaces and take part in local environmental or community projects. Organisations can set measurable objectives and report on their social and environmental impact.

The SDGs set out an ambitious vision for 2030. Understanding the full list is a useful first step towards seeing how global priorities connect with everyday choices and local action.

 

9 Practical Tips to Support the Sustainable Development Goals

1. Learn the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
2. Choose one goal to focus on each month.
3. Save water by fixing leaks and taking shorter showers.
4. Reduce waste by reusing, repairing and recycling.
5. Walk, cycle or use public transport when possible.
6. Choose local, seasonal food and reduce food waste.
7. Support fair, inclusive businesses and workplaces.
8. Volunteer or donate to a community project.
9. Share reliable information and encourage others to act.

Learn the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Learning the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is a useful first step towards understanding the world’s shared priorities for a fairer, healthier and more sustainable future. From ending poverty and hunger to protecting the climate and strengthening partnerships, the goals are interconnected and relevant to everyone. Familiarising yourself with them can help you see how everyday choices, community projects and wider policies can contribute to positive change.

Choose one goal to focus on each month.

Choose one Sustainable Development Goal to focus on each month to make the list feel more manageable and turn a broad ambition into practical action. Learn about the issue, explore how it affects your community and choose one realistic step you can take, such as reducing food waste for Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, or supporting local education initiatives for Goal 4, Quality Education. At the end of the month, reflect on what you have learned and decide whether to continue your action or move on to another goal.

Save water by fixing leaks and taking shorter showers.

Saving water is a simple way to support the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Fix dripping taps and leaking pipes promptly, and try taking shorter showers to reduce the amount of water you use each day. Small changes at home can help conserve freshwater and ease pressure on local water supplies.

Reduce waste by reusing, repairing and recycling.

Reducing waste is a practical way to support the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly responsible consumption and production. Before throwing something away, consider whether it can be reused, repaired or passed on to someone else. Recycling materials such as paper, glass and metal can also help conserve resources, but it is often better to avoid unnecessary purchases and packaging in the first place. Small, consistent choices can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and help protect the environment.

Walk, cycle or use public transport when possible.

Choosing to walk, cycle or use public transport whenever possible is a simple way to support the Sustainable Development Goals. It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, while walking and cycling also benefit health and wellbeing. For longer journeys, buses and trains can help reduce the number of cars on the road. Even small changes to how we travel can contribute to more sustainable, healthier communities.

Choose local, seasonal food and reduce food waste.

Choosing local, seasonal food can help reduce the environmental impact of what you eat by cutting transport and storage needs and supporting nearby growers. Planning meals, storing food properly and using leftovers can also prevent good food from going to waste. Together, these simple choices support Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, while helping households make the most of their food and money.

Support fair, inclusive businesses and workplaces.

Support fair, inclusive businesses and workplaces by choosing organisations that treat people with dignity, provide decent working conditions and offer equal opportunities. Look for employers and businesses that value diversity, pay fairly, support staff well-being and take action against discrimination. These choices help reduce inequalities, promote decent work and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Volunteer or donate to a community project.

Volunteering with or donating to a community project is a practical way to support the Sustainable Development Goals. Local initiatives can help tackle issues such as poverty, food insecurity, inequality, education and environmental protection. Whether you give your time, skills or money, choose a project with clear aims and consider how its work contributes to lasting benefits for the community.

Share reliable information and encourage others to act.

Sharing reliable information can help more people understand the Sustainable Development Goals and why they matter. Choose trustworthy sources, check claims before passing them on, and explain practical steps others can take—such as reducing waste, supporting local projects or promoting equality. Encourage friends, family, colleagues and community groups to get involved, while keeping conversations respectful and welcoming. Small actions can inspire wider participation and help turn awareness of the goals into meaningful change.