2030 Agenda

The 2030 Agenda is the action plan adopted by all 193 Member States of the United Nations in September 2015. Its goal is to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity and peace for all people through 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 specific targets to be achieved by 2030.

Background and context

The 2030 Agenda builds on the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals (2000-2015), expanding the focus beyond extreme poverty to include environmental sustainability, equality and peaceful societies.

Developed through a broad participatory process involving governments, civil society, the private sector and academia, it is recognised as one of the most inclusive multilateral diplomatic initiatives ever undertaken.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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

Guiding principles

• Universality: applies to all countries, regardless of income level.
• Indivisibility: the 17 goals are interconnected, so progress in one supports progress in others.
• Leave no one behind: prioritises the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
• Partnership: promotes cooperation among governments, businesses and civil society.

Monitoring and implementation

• Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs): reports presented at the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) to track progress.
• Global indicators: a framework of around 230 indicators used for international monitoring and comparison.
• Regional agendas: adaptations led by bodies such as the European Union, ECLAC and the African Union to suit local contexts.

Where the SDGs stand in 2026

Progress is well behind schedule. According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025, only about 18% of the assessed targets are on track, while roughly half are advancing too slowly and around 18% have regressed compared with the 2015 baseline. The report attributes the slowdown to the combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, climate impacts and constrained development finance, and it calls for a major acceleration of action and investment in the second half of the agenda.

Role of key stakeholders

• Governments: integrate the SDGs into national policies, budgets and regulations.
• Businesses: align operations with ESG standards and reporting frameworks (for example, the GRI and SASB standards) and with green finance.
• Civil society: monitors progress and raises public awareness.
• Academia: provides research, data and innovation for sustainable solutions.

Challenges and opportunities

• Financing: closing the SDG financing gap requires a substantial increase in public and private investment, especially in developing countries.
• Data and metrics: persistent statistical gaps, particularly in developing countries.
• Policy coherence: integrating economic, social and environmental dimensions into decision-making.
• Global crises: events such as COVID-19 and armed conflicts have slowed progress but also underlined the importance of resilience and green recovery.

The 2030 Agenda provides a comprehensive global framework to drive the transition towards sustainability, equity and shared prosperity. Its success depends on global coordination combined with localised action. At Manglai we help companies connect their sustainability strategy and reporting to the SDGs. Discover how Manglai can help you.