The 17 Sustainable Development Goals: a shared plan for a better future

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 global goals adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. Together, they form the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: a shared plan to tackle poverty, protect the planet and improve lives for everyone.

The goals are connected. Progress in areas such as health, education and employment can support wider change, while conflict, inequality and environmental damage can make progress harder. The SDGs apply to every country and call on governments, businesses, communities and individuals to play their part.

The 17 goals

1. No Poverty

   End poverty in all its forms. This includes improving access to social protection, essential services, decent work and resources for people facing hardship.

2. Zero Hunger

   End hunger, improve nutrition and support sustainable agriculture, so everyone can access enough safe and nutritious food.

3. Good Health and Well-being

   Promote healthy lives and well-being for people of all ages, including access to quality healthcare and support for physical and mental health.

4. Quality Education

   Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for everyone.

5. Gender Equality

   Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by addressing discrimination, violence and unequal access to opportunities.

6. Clean Water and Sanitation

   Ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, including access to safe drinking water and good hygiene.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

   Expand access to reliable, sustainable and modern energy, while increasing the use of renewable sources and improving energy efficiency.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

   Support inclusive and sustainable economic growth, productive employment and decent work, with fair conditions and opportunities for all.

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   Build resilient infrastructure, encourage sustainable industry and foster innovation that can improve lives and support long-term development.

10. Reduced Inequalities

    Reduce inequality within and between countries by promoting inclusion and fairer access to opportunities, resources and representation.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

    Make towns and cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, with suitable housing, public transport and accessible green spaces.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production

    Use natural resources more efficiently, reduce waste and pollution, and encourage more sustainable ways of producing and consuming goods.

13. Climate Action

    Take urgent action to address climate change and its impacts by reducing emissions, preparing for climate risks and strengthening resilience.

14. Life Below Water

    Protect oceans and marine resources by tackling pollution, supporting sustainable fishing and conserving marine and coastal ecosystems.

15. Life on Land

    Protect and restore land-based ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, combat desertification and halt biodiversity loss.

16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

    Promote peaceful and inclusive societies, ensure access to justice and build effective, accountable institutions.

17. Partnerships for the Goals

    Strengthen global partnerships and cooperation, bringing together governments, businesses, organisations and communities to achieve the goals.

Why the goals matter

The SDGs offer a common framework for addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. They recognise that social progress, economic development and environmental protection are closely linked. For example, access to education can improve employment prospects, while clean energy can support communities and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Achieving the goals requires sustained effort and cooperation. Governments can shape policies and public services; organisations can contribute through their work and partnerships; and individuals can make informed choices, support their communities and encourage action from decision-makers.

A shared responsibility

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are ambitious, but they provide a practical direction for building a fairer, healthier and more sustainable world. Progress depends on recognising how the goals connect and ensuring that no one is left behind.

 

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals: Eight Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
2. Why were the 17 SDGs created?
3. Who agreed to the Sustainable Development Goals?
4. What is the aim of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?
5. How are the 17 SDGs connected to one another?
6. How can individuals help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals?
7. How is progress towards the 17 SDGs measured?
8. What challenges are preventing the world from achieving the SDGs by 2030?

What are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They aim to end poverty and hunger, improve health and education, promote equality and decent work, protect the environment, support peaceful and inclusive societies, and strengthen international partnerships. The goals are interconnected and apply to every country, with the overall aim of building a fairer, healthier and more sustainable future for everyone by 2030.

Why were the 17 SDGs created?

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were created by the United Nations in 2015 as a shared global plan to tackle major challenges such as poverty, hunger, inequality and climate change. They build on earlier international development efforts and recognise that social, economic and environmental issues are closely connected. The goals provide countries, organisations and communities with a common framework for improving people’s lives, protecting the planet and working towards a fairer, more sustainable future by 2030.

Who agreed to the Sustainable Development Goals?

The Sustainable Development Goals were agreed in 2015 by all 193 United Nations Member States. They adopted the goals as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, committing to work together to tackle poverty, reduce inequality, protect the planet and improve people’s lives.

What is the aim of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a global plan adopted by United Nations Member States to build a fairer, more peaceful and sustainable world by 2030. Its 17 Sustainable Development Goals aim to end poverty and hunger, reduce inequality, improve health and education, protect the environment and support prosperity for everyone—while ensuring that no one is left behind.

How are the 17 SDGs connected to one another?

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are closely connected because progress in one area can support progress in others, while challenges in one area can hold back several goals. For example, quality education can improve access to decent work and help reduce poverty, while clean energy can support better health and climate action. The goals also recognise potential trade-offs, such as the need to grow economies while protecting the natural environment. Taking a joined-up approach helps ensure that actions are balanced, inclusive and contribute to sustainable development for everyone.

How can individuals help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals?

Individuals can support the Sustainable Development Goals through everyday choices and community action. This might include reducing food and energy waste, choosing sustainable products, using public transport or walking, and supporting local businesses and charities. People can also volunteer, learn about issues such as inequality and climate change, and encourage employers and decision-makers to act responsibly. Small actions can add up, especially when shared with others, helping build fairer, healthier and more sustainable communities.

How is progress towards the 17 SDGs measured?

Progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is measured using a global framework of targets and indicators agreed by UN Member States. Each goal has specific targets, tracked through indicators such as poverty levels, access to education, greenhouse gas emissions and progress in protecting ecosystems. Countries collect and report data, which is used by national governments and the United Nations to assess progress over time. The quality and availability of data can vary between countries, so regular monitoring also helps identify gaps and areas where more support or action is needed.

What challenges are preventing the world from achieving the SDGs by 2030?

Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals is being held back by interconnected challenges, including conflict and political instability, persistent poverty and inequality, the effects of climate change, and limited access to healthcare, education and essential services. Many countries also face high debt, insufficient funding and difficulties coordinating action across governments, businesses and communities. These pressures often affect the most vulnerable people hardest, while slow progress on partnerships and global cooperation makes it more difficult to meet the 2030 targets.