Sustainable Development Goals

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

a set of 17 interlinked global goals adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, providing a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet through 2030 and addressing the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of development in an integrated framework; the SDGs succeeded the Millennium Development Goals and expanded their scope from a focus on low-income countries to a universal agenda applying to all countries, reflecting the recognition that sustainable development challenges including climate change, inequality, and unsustainable consumption are global rather than solely Southern; the 17 goals encompass no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace justice and strong institutions, and partnerships for the goals; progress toward the SDGs has been severely disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, and the compounding impacts of climate change