What are the SDGs? | The Sustainable Development Goals

THE PLAN

In 2015, leaders from 193 countries joined forces to create a plan – the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 Global Goals outlined a shared vision for the 2030 Agenda: a world free from poverty and hunger, protected from the worst effects of climate change. 

It’s a bold and ambitious plan, that was however massively slowed down due to the combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising conflicts, economic instability, and the worsening effects of climate change. 

The new data at hand on the SDGs is worrisome: according to the SDGs 2024 Progress Report, the world is severely off track in achieving the goals. Out of 135 measurable targets, only 17% are on course to be achieved by 2030. Nearly half (48%) are making only limited to moderate progress, while 18% have stalled completely, and another 17% have regressed, falling below 2015 levels. 

The data may be concerning, but change is still possible. This is an impactful reminder to act immediately and not lose hope: the vision hasnt changed, but the urgency to act has never been greater 

NOW WE CAN FINISH THE JOB

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) remains at the forefront of all efforts to turn the SDGs into reality. Working in 170+ countries and territories, we support projects and policies that help countries build resilience, reduce inequalities, and protect the planet. 

We amplify the SDGs so that people everywhere can take action by serving as a “scorekeeper,” helping countries track how far they’ve come, and how far they still need to go. 

Progress may be slow, but the world is not giving up. And neither are we. 

UNDP is proud to continue as a leader in this global movement for a better future. 

What’s your Goal?

1. NO POVERTY

2. ZERO HUNGER

3. GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

4. QUALITY EDUCATION

5. GENDER EQUALITY

6. CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

7. AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

8. DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

9. INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

10. REDUCED INEQUALITIES

11. SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

12. RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

13. CLIMATE ACTION

14. LIFE BELOW WATER

15. LIFE ON LAND

16. PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS

17. PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

What are the SDGs? | The Sustainable Development Goals

All data in this section was sourced from the Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals report, issued by the UN Secretary General in May 2024.