Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 interconnected goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda. They represent a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030. They were endorsed by all 193 UN member states and constitute a common framework for governments, businesses, civil society organisations and citizens to work together.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals

1. No Poverty: eradicate poverty in all its forms and everywhere.
2. Zero Hunger: end hunger, achieve food security and promote sustainable agriculture.
3. Good Health and Well-being: ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
4. Quality Education: ensure inclusive, equitable and quality education.
5. Gender Equality: achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation: ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy: ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: promote inclusive economic growth and decent work.
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: build resilient infrastructure and foster innovation.
10. Reduced Inequalities: reduce inequality within and among countries.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities: make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production: ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
13. Climate Action: take urgent action to combat 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 and halt biodiversity loss.
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: promote peaceful and inclusive societies and build effective institutions.
17. Partnerships for the Goals: strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.

Progress on the SDGs

With only a few years to go until 2030, SDG progress is significantly behind schedule. According to the United Nations' 2025 Sustainable Development Goals Report, only around 17% of targets are on track, while more than 80% are stalled or in regression. The report acknowledges genuine advances over the past decade — such as improved electricity access, the rise of renewable energy and reduced child mortality — but warns that conflicts, structural vulnerabilities and a lack of financing are impeding progress, particularly in developing countries.

The SDGs and the carbon footprint

The carbon footprint, which measures the total greenhouse gases emitted by an organisation, product or activity, is closely linked to several SDGs. SDG 13, "Climate Action", focuses directly on the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change. Reducing the carbon footprint is essential to achieving this goal and protecting the planet for future generations.

In addition to SDG 13, reducing the carbon footprint contributes to other goals:

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): the transition to renewable energy and improvements in energy efficiency reduce emissions.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): innovation in clean technologies and sustainable processes lowers the carbon footprint.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): sustainable transport and efficient cities reduce sectoral emissions.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): adopting sustainable consumption and production patterns, including reducing food waste, lowers the carbon footprint.

The SDGs and companies

For businesses, the SDGs have become a common language for structuring their corporate sustainability strategies and communicating their contribution to sustainable development. Measuring and reducing environmental impact, starting with the carbon footprint, is one of the most tangible ways to align their activities with this global agenda.

At Manglai we help companies measure their carbon footprint and prepare their sustainability information, enabling them to contribute in a measurable way to the Sustainable Development Goals. Discover how Manglai can help you.