Transforming our India: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

This agenda outlines a plan for the benefit of people, the planet, and prosperity, with the goal of promoting universal peace and freedom. Our primary objective is to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, which is essential for sustainable development. All countries and stakeholders will work collaboratively to implement this plan, freeing humanity from poverty and securing our planet’s health. We pledge that everyone will be included in this journey, and we will take bold and transformative steps to move towards sustainability and resilience.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets laid out in this plan reflect our ambitious goals, building upon the Millennium Development Goals and striving to achieve human rights for all, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. These goals are integrated, indivisible, and promote the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental.

Over the next 15 years, these goals and targets will encourage action in critical areas, including ending poverty and hunger, ensuring equality and dignity for all humans, protecting the planet from degradation, promoting sustainable consumption and production, and taking immediate action on climate change. We also aim to foster peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, recognizing that there can be no sustainable development without peace.

To implement this agenda, we must mobilize a global partnership for sustainable development based on strengthened solidarity and focused on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. If we succeed in realizing the full extent of this plan, we can profoundly improve the lives of all people and transform our world for the better.

Introduction

1. The United Nations Headquarters in New York hosted the Heads of State and Government and High Representatives from 25-27 September 2015, coinciding with the seventieth anniversary of the Organization. In this meeting, we decided on new global Sustainable Development Goals.

2. On behalf of the people we serve, we have adopted a historic decision on a comprehensive, far-reaching, and people-centered set of universal and transformative Goals and targets. We commit ourselves to tirelessly working towards the full implementation of this Agenda by 2030. We recognize that eradicating poverty, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. Our commitment is to achieve sustainable development in its three dimensions – economic, social, and environmental – in a balanced and integrated manner. We will also build upon the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals and address their unfinished business.

3. Between now and 2030, we aim to end poverty and hunger worldwide, combat inequalities within and among countries, build peaceful, just and inclusive societies, protect human rights, promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources. We also aim to create conditions for sustainable, inclusive, and sustained economic growth, shared prosperity, and decent work for all, taking into account different levels of national development and capacities.

4. As we embark on this collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind. We recognize that the dignity of the human person is fundamental and we aim to see the Goals and targets met for all nations and peoples, including all segments of society. We will endeavor to reach the furthest behind first.

5. This Agenda is of unprecedented scope and significance, applicable to all countries, respecting national policies and priorities, and taking into account different national realities, capacities, and levels of development. The Goals and targets are universal, involving the entire world, both developed and developing countries alike. They are integrated and indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development.

6. The Goals and targets resulted from over two years of intensive public consultation and engagement with civil society and other stakeholders worldwide. The voices of the poorest and most vulnerable were given particular attention in this consultation, which included valuable work done by the General Assembly Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals and by the United Nations Secretary-General, who provided a synthesis report in December 2014.

Our vision

7. The Goals and targets we are setting out are incredibly ambitious and transformative. Our vision is a world where poverty, hunger, disease, and want are no longer present, and where all life can thrive. We dream of a world without fear and violence, where every individual has access to quality education, health care, and social protection, and where their physical, mental, and social well-being are guaranteed. We are committed to ensuring access to safe drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, and sufficient, safe, affordable, and nutritious food for everyone. We want to create human habitats that are safe, resilient, and sustainable, and where everyone has access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.

8. Our vision is for a world where human rights and dignity are respected, and where there is justice, equality, and non-discrimination. We celebrate cultural diversity and strive to ensure equal opportunity for all, so that everyone can reach their full potential and contribute to shared prosperity. We are committed to investing in our children, ensuring they grow up free from violence and exploitation. We envision a world where women and girls enjoy full gender equality and where all legal, social, and economic barriers to their empowerment have been removed. Our goal is a just, equitable, tolerant, open, and socially inclusive world where the needs of the most vulnerable are met.

9. We dream of a world where every country enjoys sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and decent work for all. We strive to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, and to use all natural resources, from air to land, rivers, lakes, and oceans, in a sustainable way. We recognize that democracy, good governance, and the rule of law are essential for sustainable development, including sustained and inclusive economic growth, social development, environmental protection, and the eradication of poverty and hunger. We are committed to developing and applying climate-sensitive technologies that respect biodiversity and are resilient. Our goal is to create a world where humanity lives in harmony with nature, and where wildlife and other living species are protected.

Our shared principles and commitments

10. The new Agenda is based on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and respects international law. It is rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international human rights treaties, the Millennium Declaration and the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document. It is also guided by other instruments such as the Declaration on the Right to Development.

11. We acknowledge the outcomes of all major UN conferences and summits that have established a strong foundation for sustainable development and have contributed to shaping the new Agenda. These include the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development; the World Summit on Sustainable Development; the World Summit for Social Development; the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, the Beijing Platform for Action; and the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (“Rio+20”). We also reaffirm the follow-up to these conferences, including the outcomes of the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States; the Second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries; and the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction.

12. We uphold all the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, including the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, as outlined in principle 7.

13. The challenges and commitments discussed in these major conferences and summits are interconnected and require integrated soltions. To effectively address them, a new approach is necessary. Sustainable development recognizes that eliminating poverty in all forms, reducing inequality within and among countries, preserving the planet, fostering sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and promoting social inclusion are interconnected and interdependent.

Our world today

14. We are currently facing significant challenges in achieving sustainable development. A large portion of our population still lives in poverty and lacks basic dignity. Inequalities are on the rise within and among countries, and opportunities, wealth, and power are disproportionately distributed. Gender inequality remains a pressing issue, and youth unemployment is a major concern. The world is also facing global health threats, natural disasters, conflicts, violent extremism, terrorism, and forced displacement of people, which threaten to undo the progress made in recent decades. Environmental degradation, including climate change, desertification, drought, land degradation, freshwater scarcity, and biodiversity loss, add to these challenges. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and poses serious risks to societies and the planet’s biological support systems.

15. However, there are also immense opportunities at this time. Significant progress has been made in addressing various development challenges. Over the past generation, hundreds of millions of people have emerged from extreme poverty, and access to education has greatly increased for both genders. Information and communication technologies and global interconnectedness have great potential to accelerate human progress, bridge the digital divide, and promote knowledge societies, as does scientific and technological innovation.

16. Almost fifteen years ago, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were established, which provided a framework for development, and significant progress has been made in various areas. However, progress has been uneven, particularly in Africa, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing States, and some of the MDGs remain off-track. We must commit to achieving all the MDGs, including those off-track, by providing focused and scaled-up assistance to least developed countries and other countries in special situations, in line with relevant support programs. The new Agenda builds on the MDGs and aims to achieve what they did not, particularly in reaching the most vulnerable.

17. The framework we are unveiling today goes beyond the MDGs in scope. In addition to continuing development priorities such as poverty eradication, health, education, and food security and nutrition, it outlines a broad range of economic, social, and environmental objectives, as well as the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies. Crucially, it also outlines means of implementation. The integrated approach that we have decided on reflects the deep interconnections and cross-cutting elements across the new Goals and targets.

The new Agenda

18. Today, we are introducing 17 Sustainable Development Goals, accompanied by 169 targets, that are interconnected and indivisible. This is the first time that world leaders have committed to a common effort across such a broad and universal policy agenda. Together, we are embarking on a path towards sustainable development, collectively dedicating ourselves to the pursuit of global development and “win-win” cooperation that can benefit all countries and all parts of the world. We reiterate that every State has full permanent sovereignty over all its wealth, natural resources, and economic activity, which it can freely exercise. We will implement the Agenda for the benefit of all, for the present and future generations, while adhering to international law and ensuring consistency with states’ rights and obligations.

19. We reaffirm the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as other international instruments pertaining to human rights and international law. We emphasize that all States, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, have a responsibility to respect, protect, and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without discrimination based on race, color, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability, or any other status.

20. Achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls will be critical to advancing all the Goals and targets. Full human potential and sustainable development cannot be achieved if half of humanity continues to be denied their full human rights and opportunities. Women and girls must have equal access to quality education, economic resources, and political participation, as well as equal employment, leadership, and decision-making opportunities as men and boys at all levels. We will strive to increase investments significantly to close the gender gap and enhance support for institutions related to gender equality and women’s empowerment at global, regional, and national levels. All forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls will be eliminated, including through the involvement of men and boys. Mainstreaming a gender perspective in the Agenda’s implementation is crucial.

21. The new Goals and targets will become effective on January 1, 2016, and will shape our decisions for the next fifteen years. We will all work to implement the Agenda within our own countries and at regional and global levels, taking into account various national realities, capacities, and developmental levels, while respecting national policies and priorities. We will respect national policy space for sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, especially for developing countries, while remaining consistent with relevant international regulations and commitments. We also recognize the importance of regional and sub-regional dimensions, regional economic integration, and interconnectivity in sustainable development. Regional and sub-regional frameworks can facilitate the effective translation of sustainable development policies into concrete action at the national level.

25. Sustainable development presents specific challenges to each country. Special attention must be given to the most vulnerable countries, particularly those in Africa, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing states, as well as countries in conflict and post-conflict situations. Middle-income countries also face serious challenges.

26. It is important to empower vulnerable individuals, including children, youth, persons with disabilities (80% of whom live in poverty), people living with HIV/AIDS, older persons, indigenous peoples, refugees, internally displaced persons, and migrants. Effective measures must be taken in accordance with international law to remove obstacles and constraints, strengthen support, and meet the special needs of those living in areas affected by complex humanitarian emergencies and terrorism.

27. Ending poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty by 2030, is a commitment we make. All people must have access to a basic standard of living, including through social protection systems. Our priority is to end hunger and achieve food security while also ending all forms of malnutrition. To achieve this, we reaffirm the importance and inclusive nature of the Committee on World Food Security and welcome the Rome Declaration on Nutrition and Framework for Action. Our focus will be on developing rural areas and promoting sustainable agriculture and fisheries. We will support smallholder farmers, especially women farmers, herders, and fishers in developing countries, particularly least developed countries.

28. We are dedicated to providing quality education that is inclusive and equitable at all levels, from early childhood to tertiary, technical and vocational training. All individuals, regardless of their sex, age, race, ethnicity, disabilities, migration status, and socio-economic background, should have access to lifelong learning opportunities that enable them to acquire the knowledge and skills required to participate fully in society and take advantage of opportunities. We aim to create a nurturing environment for children and youth that enables them to realize their rights and capabilities and helps our countries to benefit from the demographic dividend, through safe schools and cohesive communities and families.

29. We acknowledge that universal health coverage and access to quality healthcare are crucial to promote physical and mental health and well-being, and to extend life expectancy for all. We will ensure that nobody is left behind. We pledge to continue reducing preventable deaths of newborns, children, and mothers and to end such deaths entirely before 2030. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including family planning, education, and information. We will also accelerate progress in combating communicable diseases, such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis, Ebola, and other epidemics, including by addressing the problem of unattended diseases affecting developing countries and antimicrobial resistance. We are committed to preventing and treating non-communicable diseases, including behavioural, developmental, and neurological disorders, which pose a significant challenge to sustainable development.

30. We aim to establish strong economic foundations for all countries, based on sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth that promotes prosperity for everyone. This requires addressing income inequality and ensuring that wealth is distributed equitably. We will work towards creating dynamic, sustainable, innovative, and people-centred economies that promote youth employment, women’s economic empowerment, decent work for all, and eradication of forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour. A healthy and well-educated workforce with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage in productive and fulfilling work and fully participate in society is beneficial for all countries. We will strengthen the productive capacities of least-developed countries in all sectors, including through structural transformation, and adopt policies to increase productivity, employment, financial inclusion, sustainable agriculture, pastoralist and fisheries development, sustainable industrial development, universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services, sustainable transport systems, and quality and resilient infrastructure.

31. We commit to bringing about fundamental changes in our societies’ production and consumption of goods and services. All sectors, including governments, international organizations, businesses, non-state actors, and individuals, must contribute to changing unsustainable consumption and production patterns. This includes mobilizing financial and technical assistance from all sources to strengthen developing countries’ scientific, technological, and innovative capacities to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production. We encourage the implementation of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production. All countries should take action, with developed countries taking the lead and taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries.

32. We recognize the positive contribution of migrants to inclusive growth and sustainable development. We also acknowledge that international migration is a multi-dimensional reality of major relevance to the development of countries of origin, transit, and destination, which requires coherent and comprehensive responses. We will cooperate internationally to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration involving full respect for human rights and the humane treatment of migrants regardless of migration status, refugees, and displaced persons. Such cooperation should also strengthen the resilience of communities hosting refugees, particularly in developing countries. We emphasize the right of migrants to return to their country of citizenship and recall that States must ensure their returning nationals are duly received.

33. States are strongly urged to refrain from promulgating and applying any unilateral economic, financial, or trade measures that are not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations and impede the full achievement of economic and social development, particularly in developing countries.

34. We acknowledge the UNFCCC as the primary international intergovernmental forum for negotiating the global response to climate change. We are determined to decisively address the threat posed by climate change and environmental degradation. The global nature of climate change calls for the widest possible international cooperation aimed at accelerating the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions and addressing adaptation to the adverse impacts of climate change. We note with grave concern the significant gap between the aggregate effect of Parties’ mitigation pledges in terms of global annual emissions of greenhouse gases by 2020 and aggregate emission pathways consistent with having a likely chance of holding the increase in global average temperature below 2 °C or 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.

35. Looking ahead to the COP21 conference in Paris in December, we underscore the commitment of all States to work for an ambitious and universal climate agreement. We reaffirm that the protocol, another legal instrument, or agreed outcome with legal force under the Convention applicable to all Parties shall address, in a balanced manner, inter alia, mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology development and transfer, capacity-building, and transparency of action and support.

36. We recognize that social and economic development depends on the sustainable management of our planet’s natural resources. We are therefore committed to conserving and sustainably using oceans and seas, freshwater resources, as well as forests, mountains, and drylands and protecting biodiversity, ecosystems, and wildlife. We are also committed to promoting sustainable tourism, tackling water scarcity and water pollution, strengthening cooperation on desertification, dust storms, land degradation, and drought, and promoting resilience and disaster risk reduction. In this regard, we look forward to COP13 of the Convention on Biological Diversity to be held in Mexico in 2016.

37. It is acknowledged that the sustainable development and management of urban areas are essential for improving the quality of life of individuals. Collaboration with local communities and authorities will be necessary to revitalize and plan cities and human settlements that promote community cohesion, personal safety, and innovation, while also creating employment opportunities. We aim to decrease the adverse effects of urban activities and hazardous chemicals on human health and the environment through sound management and safe use of chemicals, waste reduction and recycling, and efficient use of water and energy. We will strive to limit the impact of cities on the global climate system. Our national, rural, and urban development policies and strategies will consider population trends and projections. The United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development in Quito, Ecuador, is an anticipated event.

38. Peace and security are crucial for sustainable development, and sustainable development is essential for peace and security. The new Agenda recognizes the importance of establishing fair, inclusive, and peaceful societies that promote equal access to justice, respect for human rights (including the right to development), effective rule of law, good governance at all levels, and transparent and accountable institutions. The Agenda addresses factors that contribute to violence, insecurity, and injustice, such as corruption, inequality, poor governance, and illicit financial and arms flows. To achieve sustainable development, we must work harder to prevent or resolve conflicts and support post-conflict nations, including ensuring women’s participation in peace and state-building. We call for effective measures in accordance with international law to be taken to remove obstacles to the self-determination rights of peoples living under colonial and foreign occupation, which have a negative impact on their economic, social, and environmental development.

39. We commit to promoting mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect among different cultures and to embracing a global citizenship and shared responsibility. We acknowledge the richness of the world’s natural and cultural diversity and recognize that all cultures and civilizations can contribute to sustainable development.

40. Furthermore, we recognize the significant role that sports play in enabling sustainable development. We acknowledge the increasing impact of sports in achieving peace and development, particularly in promoting respect and tolerance, empowering women and youth, and advancing health, education, and social inclusion.

41. We reiterate the importance of respecting the territorial integrity and political independence of States, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

    Means of Implementation

42. To achieve the ambitious goals of the new Agenda, a renewed Global Partnership is necessary, which will operate based on the principles of global solidarity, particularly with the most vulnerable and impoverished populations. This Partnership will bring together all available resources and actors, including governments, civil society, the private sector, the United Nations, and others, to facilitate a global engagement in support of the implementation of all Goals and targets.

43. The means of implementation targets outlined under each SDG and Goal 17 are equally important to the realization of the Agenda. The implementation of the Agenda, including the SDGs, can be achieved through a revitalized global partnership for sustainable development, supported by the policies and actions outlined in the outcome document of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Addis Ababa from 13-16 July 2015. We welcome the endorsement of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda by the General Assembly, which is an integral part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We recognize that the full implementation of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda is essential for the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals and targets.

44. We acknowledge that the responsibility for its own economic and social development lies with each country. To implement the Goals and targets, we recognize the need for mobilizing financial resources, capacity-building, and transferring environmentally sound technologies to developing countries on favourable terms. This includes concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed. Public finance, both domestic and international, will play a crucial role in providing essential services and public goods and catalyzing other sources of finance. We also recognize the contribution of the private sector, ranging from micro-enterprises to multinationals, and civil society organizations and philanthropic organizations, in the implementation of the new Agenda.

45. We pledge our support for relevant strategies and programmes of action, including the Istanbul Declaration and Programme of Action, the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway, the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024, and recognize the importance of supporting the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the programme of the New Partnershi for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), all of which are integral to the new Agenda. We also acknowledge the challenges in achieving durable peace and sustainable development in countries in conflict and post-conflict situations.

46. We recognize the important role of international public finance in supporting the efforts of countries to mobilize domestic public resources, particularly in the poorest and most vulnerable countries with limited domestic resources. International public finance, including ODA, can be used to catalyze additional resource mobilization from other sources, both public and private. Donor countries reaffirm their respective commitments, including the commitment of many developed countries to achieve the target of 0.7% of ODA/GNI to developing countries and 0.15% to 0.2% of ODA/GNI to least developed countries.

47. We acknowledge the importance for international financial institutions to support, according to their mandates, the policy space of each country, especially developing countries. We are committed to increasing and strengthening the voice and participation of developing countries, including African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing States, and middle-income countries, in international economic decision-making, norm-setting, and global economic governance.

48. We also recognize the essential role of national parliaments in enacting legislation, adopting budgets, and ensuring accountability for the effective implementation of our commitments. Governments and public institutions will work closely on implementation with regional and local authorities, sub-regional institutions, international institutions, academia, philanthropic organizations, volunteer groups, and others.

49. We stress that international public finance is crucial in supporting the efforts of countries to raise public resources domestically, particularly in the poorest and most vulnerable nations with limited domestic resources. International public finance, including Official Development Assistance (ODA), can be used to catalyze additional resource mobilization from other sources, public and private. ODA providers reaffirm their respective commitments, including the commitment by many developed countries to achieve the target of 0.7% of ODA/GNI to developing countries and 0.15% to 0.2% of ODA/GNI to least developed countries.

50. We recognize the importance of international financial institutions in supporting the policy space of each country, especially developing countries, in line with their mandates. We recommit to promoting and strengthening the voice and participation of developing countries – including African countries, least developed countries, land-locked developing countries, small-island developing States, and middle-income countries – in global economic governance, decision-making, and norm-setting.

51. We acknowledge the vital role of national parliaments in passing legislation, adopting budgets, and ensuring accountability for the effective implementation of our commitments. Governments and public institutions will work closely with regional and local authorities, sub-regional institutions, international organizations, academia, philanthropic organizations, volunteer groups, and others to achieve sustainable development.

52. We emphasize the importance of an adequately resourced, relevant, coherent, efficient, and effective UN system in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustainable development. While recognizing the significance of strengthened national ownership and leadership at the country level, we express our support for the ongoing ECOSOC Dialogue on the positioning of the United Nations development system in the context of this Agenda.

Follow-up and review

55. In the aftermath of war and conflict, world leaders from the past generation came together to establish the United Nations, a symbol of peace, dialogue, and global cooperation. The values enshrined in the UN Charter continue to guide us today.

56. Today, we are making a historic decision to create a better future for all people, including those who have been marginalized and denied the opportunity to live fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. Our generation can be the first to successfully eradicate poverty, and we may also be the last to save our planet. Achieving our objectives will make the world a better place by 2030.

57. Our Agenda for the next fifteen years is a charter for the people and the planet in the twenty-first century. Young people, including children and young women and men, are important agents of change, and the new Goals provide a platform to channel their limitless potential for activism into building a better world.

58. The opening words of the UN Charter, “We the Peoples,” are a celebration of our collective humanity. Today, we as “We the Peoples” embark on the journey towards 2030. Our journey will involve all sectors of society including governments, parliaments, international institutions, indigenous peoples, civil society, businesses, academia, and all individuals. Millions of people have already engaged with and will take ownership of this Agenda. It is an Agenda created by the people, for the people, and will only succeed if we all work together.

59. The future of humanity and our planet rests in our hands. It is also the responsibility of the younger generation, who will pass the torch to future generations. We have created a roadmap for sustainable development, but it is up to all of us to ensure that the journey is successful and its progress irreversible.

Sustainable Development Goals and targets

60. The Goals and targets we have agreed upon are the result of an inclusive process of intergovernmental negotiations, based on the Proposal of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals. This proposal includes a chapeau that contextualizes the Goals and targets.

61. The SDGs and targets are universally applicable, integrated, and indivisible. They take into account different national realities, levels of development, capacities, and national policies and priorities. Targets are defined as aspirational and global, with each government setting its own national targets guided by the global level of ambition but taking into account national circumstances. Each government will also decide how these aspirational and global targets should be incorporated in national planning processes, policies and strategies. It is important to recognize the link between sustainable development and other relevant ongoing processes in the economic, social, and environmental fields.

62. In deciding upon these Goals and targets, we recognize that each country faces specific challenges to achieve sustainable development. We acknowledge the special challenges facing vulnerable countries, particularly African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing States, and middle-income countries. Countries in situations of conflict also need special attention.

63. We recognize that baseline data for several of the targets remain unavailable, and we call for increased support for strengthening data collection and capacity building in Member States, to develop national and global baselines where they do not yet exist. We commit to addressing this gap in data collection so as to better inform the measurement of progress, particularly for those targets that do not have clear numerical targets.

64. We encourage ongoing efforts by states in other fora to address key issues that may pose potential challenges to the implementation of our Agenda. We respect the independent mandates of those processes and intend that the Agenda and its implementation would support, and be without prejudice to, those other processes and the decisions taken therein.

65. We recognize that there are different approaches, visions, models, and tools available to each country to achieve sustainable development, in accordance with its national circumstances and priorities. We reaffirm that planet Earth and its ecosystems are our common home, and that ‘Mother Earth’ is a common expression in a number of countries and regions.

Sustainable Development Goals

1. End poverty in all forms and dimensions, and ensure social protection systems for all.
2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
10. Reduce inequality within and among countries.
11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
15. Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

* Acknowledging that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is the primary international, intergovernmental forum for negotiating the global response to climate change.

Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

• 1.1 By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.25 a day
• 1.2 By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions
• 1.3 Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
• 1.4 By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance
• 1.5 By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters
• 1.a Ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions
• 1.b Create sound policy frameworks at the national, regional and international levels, based on pro-poor and gender-sensitive development strategies, to support accelerated investment in poverty eradication actions

Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

• 2.1 End hunger and ensure that all individuals, particularly those living in poverty or vulnerable situations, including infants, have access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round by 2030.
• 2.2 Eliminate all forms of malnutrition by 2030, including meeting the internationally agreed targets for stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age by 2025, and addressing the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, and older persons.
• 2.3 Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, specifically women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, by 2030. This will be achieved by ensuring secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.
• 2.4 Implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, maintain ecosystems, strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters, and progressively improve land and soil quality to ensure sustainable food production systems by 2030.
• 2.5 Maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants, farmed and domesticated animals, and their related wild species by 2020. This will be done through sound management and diversified seed and plant banks at national, regional, and international levels, and promoting fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
• 2.a Enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, particularly least developed countries, by increasing investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development, and plant and livestock gene banks through enhanced international cooperation.
• 2.b Eliminate all forms of agricultural export subsidies and all export measures with equivalent effect, in accordance with the mandate of the Doha Development Round, to correct and prevent trade restrictions and distortions in world agricultural markets.
• 2.c Ensure proper functioning of food commodity markets and their derivatives and facilitate timely access to market information, including on food reserves, to limit extreme food price volatility by adopting appropriate measures.

Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

• 3.1. Ensure access to quality maternal health care and reduce global maternal mortality rates to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
• 3.2. End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age by 2030. All countries should aim to reduce neonatal mortality rates to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality rates to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births.
• 3.3. Combat communicable diseases, such as AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other diseases by 2030.
• 3.4. By 2030, reduce premature mortality rates from non-communicable diseases by one third through prevention, treatment, and promoting mental health and well-being.
• 3.5. Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
• 3.6. Halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2020.
• 3.7. Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning, information, and education by 2030. Reproductive health should be integrated into national strategies and programmes.
• 3.8. Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
• 3.9. By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• 3.a. Strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries, as appropriate.
• 3.b. Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries. Provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines in accordance with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health. This affirms the right of developing countries to use the provisions in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights to protect public health.
• 3.c. Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training, and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in least developed countries and small island developing States.
• 3.d. Strengthen the capacity of all countries, particularly developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks.

Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

• 4.1 By 2030, ensure that all children, regardless of gender, complete free, fair and high-quality primary and secondary education that leads to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
• 4.2 By 2030, ensure that all children have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education, so that they are prepared for primary education.
• 4.3 By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university education.
• 4.4 By 2030, significantly increase the number of young people and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, to enable them to get decent jobs and become entrepreneurs.
• 4.5 By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.
• 4.6 By 2030, ensure that all young people and a large proportion of adults, regardless of gender, achieve literacy and numeracy.
• 4.7 By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to promote sustainable development, including education for sustainable development, sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, peace culture and non-violence, global citizenship, and an appreciation of cultural diversity and the contribution of culture to sustainable development.
• 4.a Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability, and gender-sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all.
• 4.b By 2020, significantly expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, especially least developed countries, small island developing states, and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communication technology, technical, engineering, and scientific programs in developed countries and other developing countries.
• 4.c By 2030, significantly increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing states.

Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

• 5.1 Ensure that all women and girls are free from all forms of discrimination
• 5.2 Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, including trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse
• 5.3 End all harmful practices such as child marriage, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation
• 5.4 Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work by providing public services, infrastructure, social protection policies, and promoting shared responsibility within households and families
• 5.5 Ensure equal opportunities and full participation of women in leadership positions at all levels of decision-making in public, economic, and political life
• 5.6 Guarantee universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed upon in the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, the Beijing Platform for Action, and the outcome documents of their review conferences
• 5.a Implement reforms to ensure that women have equal rights to economic resources, access to ownership and control over land and other property, financial services, inheritance, and natural resources as stipulated by national laws
• 5.b Promote the use of enabling technology, particularly information and communications technology, to empower women
• 5.c Enact and enforce policies and legislation to promote gender equality and empower all women and girls at all levels.

Goal 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

1. Ensure that safe and affordable drinking water is universally and equitably accessible to all by 2030.
2. Achieve adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030, ending open defecation, and paying special attention to the needs of women, girls, and those in vulnerable situations.
3. Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing hazardous chemical and material release, and halving the proportion of untreated wastewater by 2030, while substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
4. Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors, ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity, and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity by 2030.
5. Implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including transboundary cooperation where appropriate, by 2030.
6. Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, such as mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes, by 2020.
7. Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support for developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programs, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, and recycling and reuse technologies, by 2030.
8. Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.

Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

1. Ensure that everyone has access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services by 2030.
2. Increase the use of renewable energy sources in the global energy mix substantially by 2030.
3. Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030.
4. Enhance international cooperation by 2030 to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology. Additionally, promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.
5. Expand infrastructure and upgrade technology in developing countries, especially least developed countries, small island developing States, and land-locked developing countries, by 2030 to supply modern and sustainable energy services for all according to their respective support programs.

Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

1. Ensure sustainable economic growth based on national circumstances, including at least 7% GDP growth per annum in least developed countries
2. Increase economic productivity through diversification, innovation, and upgrading technology, focusing on high-value added and labor-intensive sectors
3. Promote policies that support job creation, entrepreneurship, and growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, with access to financial services
4. Improve global resource efficiency and decouple economic growth from environmental degradation by 2030, with developed countries taking the lead
5. Achieve full and productive employment, decent work, and equal pay for all, including young people and persons with disabilities, by 2030
6. Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training by 2020
7. Eradicate forced labor, modern slavery, and child labor, including child soldiers, and end all forms of child labor by 2025
8. Protect labor rights and provide safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers and those in precarious employment
9. Promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products by implementing policies by 2030
10. Strengthen domestic financial institutions to expand access to banking, insurance, and financial services for all
11. Increase Aid for Trade support for developing countries, including the least developed countries, through the Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance
12. Develop and implement a global strategy for youth employment by 2020 and implement the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization.

Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

• 9.1 Create sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, that supports economic development and human well-being, with an emphasis on affordable and equitable access for all
• 9.2 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and significantly increase industry’s contribution to employment and gross domestic product by 2030, in accordance with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries
• 9.3 Improve the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, particularly in developing countries, to financial services, such as affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets
• 9.4 Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable by 2030, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action according to their respective capabilities
• 9.5 Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, particularly developing countries, including by encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people, and public and private research and development spending by 2030
• 9.a Provide financial, technological, and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing States for sustainable and resilient infrastructure development
• 9.b Encourage domestic technology development, research, and innovation in developing countries by ensuring a conducive policy environment for industrial diversification and value addition to commodities
• 9.c Increase access to information and communication technology significantly and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.

Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries

• 10.1. Ensure that the bottom 40% of the population has sustainable income growth rate higher than the national average by 2030.
• 10.2. Promote social, economic and political inclusion of all people regardless of their age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic status by 2030.
• 10.3. Reduce inequalities of outcome by ensuring equal opportunities and eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices, and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action to this end.
• 10.4. Achieve greater equality by adopting policies such as fiscal, wage and social protection policies.
• 10.5. Improve the regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions, and strengthen their implementation.
• 10.6. Increase representation and voice for developing countries in decision-making in global international economic and financial institutions for more effective, credible, accountable, and legitimate institutions.
• 10.7. Implement well-managed migration policies that facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people.
• 10.a. Apply the principle of special and differential treatment for developing countries, especially least developed countries, in accordance with World Trade Organization agreements.
• 10.b. Encourage official development assistance and financial flows, including foreign direct investment, to the countries where the need is greatest, particularly least developed countries, African countries, small island developing States, and landlocked developing countries, in line with their national plans and programs. 10.c. By 2030, reduce the transaction costs of migrant remittances to less than 3%, and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5%.

Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

1. By 2030, ensure that everyone has access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and essential services, and improve living conditions in slums.
2. By 2030, provide safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transportation systems for all, with a focus on expanding public transport and meeting the needs of vulnerable populations, such as women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons.
3. By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and promote participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
4. Strengthen efforts to protect and preserve the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
5. By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths, people affected, and direct economic losses relative to global GDP caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting vulnerable populations and the poor.
6. By 2030, reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities per capita, particularly by addressing air quality and waste management.
7. By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, accessible, green, and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
8. Support positive economic, social, and environmental connections between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.
9. By 2020, significantly increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans for inclusion, resource efficiency, climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and resilience at all levels, in accordance with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
10. Provide financial and technical assistance to least developed countries in building sustainable and resilient buildings using local materials.

Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

• 12.1 All countries should take action to implement the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, with developed countries taking the lead and considering the development and capabilities of developing countries.
• 12.2 By 2030, it is necessary to achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• 12.3 By 2030, global food waste at the retail and consumer levels should be halved per capita, and food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses, should be reduced.
• 12.4 By 2020, it is necessary to achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks. It is also important to significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
• 12.5 By 2030, waste generation should be substantially reduced through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
• 12.6 Large and transnational companies should be encouraged to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.
• 12.7 National policies and priorities should promote sustainable public procurement practices.
• 12.8 By 2030, it is important to ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
• 12.a Developing countries should be supported to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production.
• 12.b Tools should be developed and implemented to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
• 12.c Market distortions caused by inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption should be rationalized. Harmful subsidies, where they exist, should be phased out, and taxation should be restructured to reflect their environmental impacts. The specific needs and conditions of developing countries should be taken fully into account, and possible adverse impacts on their development should be minimized in a manner that protects the poor and affected communities.

Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*

• 13.1 Enhance the ability of all countries to withstand and adapt to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
• 13.2 Integrate measures to address climate change into national policies, strategies, and plans
• 13.3 Enhance education, awareness, and capacity-building on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and early warning systems for institutions and individuals
• 13.a Fulfill the commitment made by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to support developing countries’ efforts in mitigating climate change and in transparency on implementation, and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible
• 13.b Promote capacity-building mechanisms for effective planning and management of climate change in least developed countries and small island developing States, with a focus on women, youth, and marginalized communities

*Note: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is recognized as the key international, intergovernmental forum for negotiating the global response to climate change.

Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

• 14.1 By 2025, reduce marine pollution from land-based activities and other sources, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
• 14.2 Integrate sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems into national policies and strengthen their resilience, restoration and conservation, in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
• 14.3 Address ocean acidification impacts through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
• 14.4 Implement science-based management plans to regulate harvesting, end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices, and restore fish stocks to at least levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield by 2020
• 14.5 Conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, based on the best available scientific information and in compliance with national and international law
• 14.6 Prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity, overfishing, and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, with special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries during World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
• 14.7 Increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries through sustainable use of marine resources, including sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism by 2030
• 14.a Enhance scientific knowledge, research capacity and marine technology transfer, with a focus on developing countries, especially small island developing States and least developed countries, in order to improve ocean health and the contribution of marine biodiversity to their development
• 14.b Provide small-scale artisanal fishers with access to marine resources and markets
• 14.c Implement international law for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, in accordance with UNCLOS, which provides the legal framework, as stated in paragraph 158 of The Future We Want.

Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

• 15.1 Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, by 2020, in accordance with international agreements
• 15.2 Encourage sustainable forest management of all types of forests, prevent deforestation, restore degraded forests, and globally increase afforestation and reforestation by 2020
• 15.3 Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil affected by desertification, droughts, and floods, and strive for a world that is neutral to land degradation by 2030
• 15.4 Preserve mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, by 2030, to enhance their ability to provide benefits crucial for sustainable development
• 15.5 Take urgent and significant actions by 2020 to decrease the degradation of natural habitats, stop the loss of biodiversity, and prevent the extinction of threatened species
• 15.6 Promote the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources, and ensure appropriate access to such resources as agreed internationally
• 15.7 Take urgent measures to prevent poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna, and address both supply and demand for illegal wildlife products
• 15.8 Implement measures by 2020 to prevent the introduction of invasive alien species into land and water ecosystems and substantially reduce their impact, including controlling or eradicating priority species
• 15.9 Incorporate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts by 2020
• 15.a Mobilize financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems, and significantly increase these resources
• 15.b Mobilize substantial resources from all levels and sources to finance sustainable forest management, and offer adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including conservation and reforestation
• 15.c Increase global support for combating poaching and trafficking of protected species, including by enhancing local communities’ capacity to pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Goal 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

1. By 2030, decrease all forms of violence and associated death rates across the globe.
2. Eliminate exploitation, abuse, trafficking, violence, and torture of children by 2030.
3. Promote equal access to justice for all and reinforce the rule of law at both national and international levels.
4. By 2030, decrease illicit financial and arms flows and combat all types of organized crime while strengthening the recovery and return of stolen assets.
5. Significantly decrease bribery and corruption in all its forms by 2030.
6. Develop accountable, effective, and transparent institutions at all levels.
7. Ensure decision-making is inclusive, responsive, representative, and participatory at all levels.
8. Increase the participation of developing nations in global governance institutions and strengthen their influence.
9. Provide legal identification for all individuals, including birth registration by 2030.
10. Ensure public access to information and safeguard fundamental freedoms in accordance with national laws and international agreements.
11. Enhance national institutions and capacity building at all levels, particularly in developing countries, to combat crime, terrorism, and violence by promoting international cooperation.
12. Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies to ensure sustainable development.

Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

66. We strongly commit to fully implementing this new Agenda and recognize the need for a revitalized and enhanced Global Partnership, along with comparably ambitious means of implementation, to achieve our goals and targets. The Global Partnership will bring together governments, civil society, the private sector, the United Nations system, and other actors, mobilizing all available resources to support implementation efforts.

67. The goals and targets of the Agenda require specific means of implementation, as outlined under each SDG and Goal 17. These means of implementation are crucial to achieving our Agenda and are equally important as the other goals and targets. We will prioritize them equally in our implementation efforts and in monitoring our progress through the global indicator framework.

68. A global partnership for sustainable development, backed by concrete policies and actions outlined in the ARGA, is crucial for achieving the SDGs within the framework of the 2030 Agenda. The ARGA complements and contextualizes the means of implementation targets of the 2030 Agenda, covering areas such as domestic and international finance, development cooperation, trade, debt sustainability, technology, and data.

69. Our efforts will center on cohesive nationally owned sustainable development strategies supported by integrated national financing frameworks. We acknowledge that each country has primary responsibility for its own economic and social development and policies, but we will respect policy space and leadership while remaining consistent with international rules and commitments. At the same time, national development must be supported by an enabling international economic environment, including world trade, monetary and financial systems, and global economic governance. Processes to facilitate the availability of appropriate knowledge and technologies globally and capacity-building are also critical. We are committed to policy coherence and an enabling environment for sustainable development by all actors and at all levels, and to revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

70. We endorse the implementation of relevant programmes of action and strategies such as the Istanbul Declaration and Programme of Action, the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway, the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024, and affirm the importance of supporting the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). All these are essential to the new Agenda. We acknowledge the significant challenge faced in achieving sustainable development and lasting peace in countries affected by conflict and post-conflict situations.

71. We acknowledge that middle-income countries still face significant challenges in achieving sustainable development. To ensure that the gains made so far are sustained, efforts to address ongoing challenges should be strengthened through improved coordination, exchange of experiences, and focused support of the United Nations Development System, regional organizations, international financial institutions, and other stakeholders.
72. We emphasize that public policies and the mobilization and effective use of domestic resources are central to achieving sustainable development goals, and that national ownership is a fundamental principle. We recognize that economic growth, supported by an enabling environment at all levels, generates domestic resources primarily.

73. The private sector plays a crucial role in driving productivity, inclusive economic growth, and job creation. We recognize the diversity of the private sector, from micro-enterprises to cooperatives to multinationals. We urge businesses to apply their creativity and innovation to address sustainable development challenges. We will promote a vibrant and well-functioning business sector, while protecting labour rights, environmental and health standards, in accordance with relevant international standards and agreements, such as the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, ILO labour standards, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and key multilateral environmental agreements.

74. International trade is a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. We will continue to support a universal, rules-based, open, transparent, predictable, inclusive, non-discriminatory, and equitable multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as meaningful trade liberalization. We call on all WTO members to intensify their efforts to conclude the negotiations on the Doha Development Agenda. We recognize the importance of providing trade-related capacity-building for developing countries, including African countries, least-developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing states, and middle-income countries, to promote regional economic integration and interconnectivity.

75. Developing countries require coordinated policies that encourage debt financing, debt relief, debt restructuring, and sound debt management to achieve long-term debt sustainability. Many countries, particularly least developed countries, small-island developing states, and some developed countries, remain vulnerable to debt crises, and it is important for debtors and creditors to work together to prevent and resolve unsustainable debt situations. Maintaining sustainable debt levels is primarily the responsibility of the borrowing countries, but lenders also have a responsibility to lend in a manner that does not undermine a country’s debt sustainability. We support the maintenance of debt sustainability for countries that have received debt relief and achieved sustainable debt levels.

76. The Addis Ababa Action Agenda established the Technology Facilitation Mechanism to support the sustainable development goals. This mechanism will be a multi-stakeholder collaboration between Member States, civil society, the private sector, the scientific community, United Nations entities, and other stakeholders. It will include a United Nations Interagency Task Team on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs, a collaborative Multistakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs, and an online platform.

• • The United Nations Interagency Task Team on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs aims to promote collaboration and coherence among UN agencies on STI-related matters. It will enhance capacity-building initiatives, drawing on existing resources and working with 10 representatives from civil society, private sector, and scientific community to prepare meetings of the Multistakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs. The Task Team will also develop and operationalize an online platform, including proposing modalities for the Forum and platform. The Secretary General will appoint the 10 representatives for two-year terms. The Task Team will be open to all UN agencies, funds, and programs, and ECOSOC functional commissions. It will include entities currently in the informal working group on technology facilitation: UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations Environment Programme, UNIDO, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNCTAD, International Telecommunication Union, WIPO, and the World Bank.
  • The online platform is intended to provide a comprehensive mapping and gateway for STI initiatives, mechanisms, and programs, both within and beyond the UN. It will facilitate access to information, knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned on STI facilitation policies and initiatives. The online platform will also help disseminate relevant open-access scientific publications generated worldwide. The development of the online platform will be based on an independent technical assessment, taking into account best practices and lessons learned from other UN and non-UN initiatives. This will ensure that the platform complements existing STI platforms, avoids duplications, and enhances synergies.
  • The Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science Technology and Innovation for the SDGs will be held annually for two days, bringing together stakeholders with expertise in thematic areas related to the implementation of the SDGs. The purpose of the Forum is to promote STI cooperation and facilitate interaction, matchmaking, and networking between stakeholders and partnerships to identify technology needs and gaps, promote scientific cooperation, innovation, and capacity building, and facilitate the transfer and dissemination of relevant technologies for the SDGs. The President of the ECOSOC will convene the Forum before the High-Level Political Forum or in conjunction with other relevant fora or conferences, depending on the theme to be addressed and in collaboration with the organizers of such events. The Forum will be co-chaired by two Member States, and the co-chairs will prepare a summary of discussions as input for the High-Level Political Forum in the context of the Post-2015 Development Agenda’s follow-up and review implementation.
  • The High Level Political Forum on sustainable development will take into account expert inputs from the Task Team when considering themes for the upcoming Multistakeholder Forum on Science Technology and Innovation for the SDGs. The meetings of the High Level Political Forum will also be informed by the summary of the Multistakeholder Forum.

77. We emphasize that the Sustainable Development Goals and their means of implementation, along with this Agenda, are interconnected, indivisible and universal.

Follow-up and review

78. We pledge to undertake consistent and comprehensive follow-up and review of the implementation of this Agenda in the next fifteen years. A strong, voluntary, participatory, transparent, and well-coordinated follow-up and review system will play a crucial role in implementation, enabling countries to monitor and enhance progress in executing this Agenda, thereby ensuring that no one is left behind.

79. The follow-up and review framework will operate at the national, regional, and global levels, and aim to promote accountability to citizens, support effective international cooperation, foster exchanges of best practices, and mobilize support to overcome shared challenges and identify new and emerging issues. Given that this is a universal Agenda, building mutual trust and understanding among all nations will be crucial.

80. The principles guiding follow-up and review processes at all levels are:

a. They will be led by each country and voluntary, taking into account their individual realities, capacities, and levels of development, and will respect their policy space and priorities. The national level processes will be the basis for reviews at the regional and global levels, given that the global review will primarily use official national data sources.

b. They will track progress in implementing the universal Goals and targets, including the means of implementation, in all countries, respecting their universal, integrated, and interrelated nature, and the three dimensions of sustainable development.

c. They will identify achievements, challenges, gaps, and critical success factors, maintaining a longer-term orientation and supporting countries in making informed policy choices. They will help mobilize the necessary means of implementation and partnerships, support the identification of solutions and best practices, and promote coordination and effectiveness of the international development system.

d. They will be open, inclusive, participatory, transparent, and support reporting by all relevant stakeholders.

e. They will be people-centered, gender-sensitive, respect human rights, and have a particular focus on the poorest, most vulnerable, and those furthest behind.

f. They will build on existing platforms and processes where possible, avoid duplication, respond to national circumstances, capacities, needs, and priorities, and minimize the reporting burden on national administrations.

g. They will be rigorous and evidence-based, informed by country-led evaluations and high-quality, accessible, timely, reliable, and disaggregated data by income, sex, age, race, ethnicity, migration status, disability, and geographic location.

h. They will require enhanced capacity-building support for developing countries, including strengthening national data systems and evaluation programs, particularly in African countries, LDCs, SIDS, LLDCs, and middle-income countries.

i. They will benefit from the active support of the UN system and other multilateral institutions.

81. The global indicators for monitoring the progress of the Goals and targets will be complemented by regional and national indicators developed by member states. The Inter Agency and Expert Group on SDG Indicators will develop the global indicator framework by March 2016, which will be adopted by the UN Statistical Commission, Economic and Social Council, and General Assembly. The framework will be simple yet robust, covering all SDGs and targets, including means of implementation, and preserving the political balance, integration, and ambition.

82. We will support developing countries, particularly those in Africa, LDCs, SIDS, and LLDCs, in strengthening their national statistical offices and data systems to access high-quality, timely, reliable, and disaggregated data. We will encourage transparent and accountable scaling-up of public-private cooperation to leverage the contribution of a wide range of data, including earth observation and geo-spatial information, while ensuring national ownership in supporting and tracking progress.

83. We commit to conducting regular and inclusive reviews of progress at sub-national, national, regional, and global levels. We will utilize the existing network of follow-up and review institutions and mechanisms wherever possible. National reports will assess progress and challenges at the regional and global level, along with regional dialogues and global reviews, to inform recommendations for follow-up at different levels.

National Level

84. We encourage all member states to develop ambitious national responses to the overall implementation of this Agenda as soon as possible. These can be based on existing planning instruments such as national development and sustainable development strategies as appropriate.

85. We also encourage member states to conduct regular and inclusive reviews of progress at the national and sub-national levels. Such reviews should be country-led and country-driven and draw on contributions from indigenous peoples, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders in line with national circumstances, policies, and priorities. National parliaments and other institutions can also support these processes.

Regional Level

86. Follow-up and review at the regional and sub-regional levels can provide opportunities for peer learning, including through voluntary reviews, sharing of best practices, and discussion on shared targets. We welcome the cooperation of regional and sub-regional commissions and organizations in this regard. Inclusive regional processes will draw on national-level reviews and contribute to follow-up and review at the global level, including at the High-Level Political Forum on sustainable development (HLPF).

87. We urge all member states to identify the regional forum that best suits their needs while building on existing follow-up and review mechanisms at the regional level. UN regional commissions are encouraged to continue assisting member states in this process.

Global level

90. The High Level Political Forum (HLPF) will play a key role in coordinating a network of follow-up and review processes at the global level, in collaboration with the General Assembly, ECOSOC, and other relevant bodies and forums, in line with their respective mandates. It will facilitate the sharing of experiences, including successes, challenges, and lessons learned, and provide political guidance, leadership, and recommendations for follow-up. The HLPF will also ensure coherence and coordination of sustainable development policies across the UN system. It will focus on assessing progress, achievements, and challenges faced by both developed and developing countries, as well as new and emerging issues. Effective linkages will be made with the follow-up and review arrangements of all relevant UN conferences and processes, including for LDCs, SIDS, and LLDCs.
91. The HLPF’s follow-up and review process will be guided by an annual SDG Progress Report prepared by the Secretary-General in partnership with the UN system. The report will be based on the global indicator framework and data produced by national statistical systems and information collected at the regional level. The HLPF will also be informed by the Global Sustainable Development Report, which will strengthen the science-policy interface and provide a solid evidence-based instrument to help policymakers promote poverty eradication and sustainable development. The President of ECOSOC will initiate a process of consultations on the scope, methodology, and frequency of the Report, as well as its relation to the SDG Progress Report. The outcome of this process will be reflected in the Ministerial Declaration of the HLPF session in 2016.

92. The HLPF, under ECOSOC’s guidance, will conduct regular reviews in accordance with Resolution 67/290. These reviews will be voluntary but encourage reporting, involving developed and developing countries, UN entities, civil society, and the private sector. They will be led by states, with ministerial and other high-level participants, and provide a platform for partnerships, including major groups and other stakeholders.

93. The HLPF will also conduct thematic reviews of progress on the SDGs, including cross-cutting issues, supported by reviews from ECOSOC’s functional commissions and other intergovernmental bodies and forums. These reviews will engage all relevant stakeholders and feed into, and be aligned with, the cycle of the HLPF.

94. We welcome the integrated follow-up and review framework for the Financing for Development outcomes and all means of implementation of the SDGs, as outlined in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. The annual ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development’s intergovernmentally agreed conclusions and recommendations will be integrated into the overall follow-up and review of the implementation of this Agenda in the HLPF.

95. The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) will convene every four years under the General Assembly to provide political guidance on the Agenda’s implementation, review progress, and identify emerging challenges while mobilizing further action to accelerate implementation. The next HLPF, under the General Assembly’s auspices, will be held in 2019 to maximize coherence with the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review process.

96. We emphasize the importance of system-wide strategic planning, implementation, and reporting to ensure coherent and integrated support for the Agenda’s implementation by the UN development system. Relevant governing bodies must take action to review such support and report on progress and obstacles. We welcome the ongoing ECOSOC Dialogues on the UN development system’s longer-term positioning and anticipate appropriate action on these issues.
97. The HLPF will facilitate major groups and other relevant stakeholders’ participation in follow-up and review processes in accordance with Resolution 67/290. We urge these actors to report on their contributions to the Agenda’s implementation.
98. We request the Secretary-General, in consultation with member states, to prepare a report for the 70th session of the General Assembly, to be considered in preparation for the 2016 HLPF meeting. The report should outline critical milestones towards coherent, efficient, and inclusive follow-up and review at the global level. It should propose organizational arrangements for state-led reviews at the HLPF under ECOSOC’s auspices, including voluntary common reporting guidelines. The report should clarify institutional responsibilities, provide guidance on annual themes, a sequence of thematic reviews, and options for periodic reviews of the HLPF.

99. We reiterate our firm commitment to achieving this Agenda and utilizing it fully to transform our world for the better by 2030.