Box 1: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals form a cohesive and integrated package of global
aspirations the world commits to achieving by 2030. Building on the accomplishments of their
predecessors the MDGs, the SDGs address the most pressing global challenges of our time,
calling upon collaborative partnerships across and between countries to balance the three
dimensions of sustainable development - economic growth, environmental sustainability, and
social inclusion[1.i].

ZERO GOOD HEALTH qUALITY GENDER EqUALITY

NO CLEAN
POVE HUNGER AND WELL-BEING EDUCATION WATER
RTY AND
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N

AFFORDABL DECENT INDUSTRY,INN REDUCED SUSTAINABLE RESPONSIB

E AND WORK AND OVATION INEqUALITIES CITIES AND LE
CLEAN ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITIE CONSUMPT
ENERGY GROWTH INFRASTRUCT S ION AND
URE PRODUCTIO
N

CLIM LIFE LIFE PEACE, PARTNERS

ATE BELOW ON JUSTICE HIPS FOR
ACTIO AND THE
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INSTITUTIO
NS

Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms

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

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6
The SDGs build upon the success of the 8 Millennium
Development Goals agreed upon in 2000 to halve Box 2: Lessons from the MDGs
extreme poverty by 2015 as a midpoint towards
eradicating poverty in all its forms. The MDGs focused The SDGs build on the success of the Millennium
on the many dimensions of extreme poverty, including Development Goals (MDGs) in mobilizing collective
low incomes, chronic hunger, gender inequality, lack of action around a time-bound set of globally agreed goals.
schooling, lack of access to health care, and deprivation The eight MDGs were adopted in 2002 as a framework
of clean water and sanitation, among others. They to operationalize the Millennium Declaration. The
achieved some great successes, for example halving the Declaration, adopted by Member States of the UN
likelihood of a child dying before their fifth birthday General Assembly in the year 2000, articulated the
(see Box 2). Yet, many countries did not make sufficient world’s “collective responsibility to uphold the
progress, particularly on environmental sustainability, principles of human dignity, equality and equity at the
and it is now widely recognized that additional work is global level” and to eradicate the world’s most extreme
needed to achieve the ultimate goal of ending extreme and deplorable conditions, including poverty and
poverty in all its forms. Further, there is consensus that destitution[1.ii]. The MDGs, which conclude at the end
the scope of the MDGs needs to be broadened to reflect of 2015, focus on the most vulnerable populations, and
the challenges the world faces today. Around 700 address extreme poverty, hunger, disease, gender
million people still live below the World Bank’s poverty equality, education, and environmental sustainability.
line, and billions more suffer deprivations of one form or They mark a historic and effective global mobilization
another. Many societies have experienced a rise of effort to achieve a set of common societal priorities. By
inequality even as they have achieved economic packaging these priorities into an easy-to-understand
progress on average. Moreover, the entire world faces set of eight goals, and by establishing measurable,
dire environmental threats of human-induced climate time-bound objectives, the MDGs promote global
change and the loss of biodiversity. Poor governance, awareness, political accountability, improved
official corruption, and in dramatic cases overt conflict, monitoring, mobilization of epistemic communities,
afflict much of the world today. civic participation, and public pressure.

The SDG Agenda responds to these compound Many countries have made significant progress
challenges, and is therefore broader and more complex towards achieving the MDGs. In 1990, the baseline year
than the MDGs. Most importantly, it adopts sustainable for measuring MDG progress, almost half of the
development as the organizing principle for global developing world lived on less than US$1.25 a day
cooperation, meaning the combination of economic measured in 2005 prices (the World Bank poverty line
development, social inclusion, and environmental used during the MDG period). According to new
sustainability. Hence, the overarching name “Sustainable estimates from the World Bank, today less than 10% of
Development Goals,” as the key message to the world the world’s population live on less than the equivalent
community. Furthermore, the SDGs and related agenda $1.90 per day measured in 2010 US$[1.iii]. Furthermore,
apply to all countries, developed and developing alike. according to the UN Millennium Development Goals
The post-2015 agenda calls for actors to move away Report 2015, the likelihood of a child dying before age
from business-as-usual (BAU) approaches towards the five has been nearly halved, and the global maternal
sustainable use of resources and peaceful and inclusive mortality ratio dropped by 45%. Since 1990, nearly 3.3
societies[1.4]. million deaths from malaria have been averted, and
new HIV infections have decreased by 1.4 million
The outcome document for the SDG Agenda cases[1.iv].
synthesizes the breadth of these issues by declaring that
the SDG framework will stimulate action on five key Primary school net enrollment in the developing world
themes: people, planet, prosperity, peace, and has reached 91%. Ninety-one percent of the world uses
partnerships, which are described briefly below[1.5]. improved drinking water. Additionally, ozone-
depleting substances have been almost eliminated,
with the ozone layer predicted to recover by mid-
century. The MDGs have also provided a galvanizing
force and organizing framework for development
cooperation. Official development assistance (ODA) has
increased by 66% since 2000, providing an additional
US$135.2 billion of support[1.v].

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 People
progress against poverty and the well-being of rich and
“We are determined to end poverty and hunger, in all poor countries alike. The world economic system is
their forms and dimensions, and to ensure that all already “trespassing” on the Earth’s “planetary bound-
human beings can fulfill their potential in dignity aries,” [see Planetary boundaries: Guiding human
and equality and in a healthy environment.”[1.6] development on a changing planet; Big World, Small
Planet. Abundance within Planetary Boundaries]. Many
The MDGs played an important role in focusing the natural resources and ecosystems essential for human
world’s attention on reducing extreme poverty, yet and societal well-being are being threatened or
progress has been incomplete. As of 2011, the percent destroyed, such as loss of biodiversity, air pollution,
of people in extreme poverty (living on less than $1.90 a water shortages and pollution, deforestation and
day) in sub-Saharan Africa was 44.3%, and in South grasslands degradation, and soil contamination. Climate
Asia was 22.3%[1.7]. In particular, least developed change is no longer a future threat but a stark current
countries, land-locked developing countries, and small- reality. We are already seeing the consequences of rising
island developing states remain behind, as they face carbon dioxide concentrations and higher global
structural barriers to development. In many societies temperatures, such as changes to the intensity and
the most vulnerable populations have made little duration of extreme weather events and ocean
progress. Mass migration, often caused by violence and acidification[1.11]. With the scale of global economic
conflict, has led to massive displacement, instability, activity doubling roughly every generation we must
and large populations living in dangerously change how the economy functions or the environmental
overcrowded refugee camps and informal settlements. consequences of growth will become overwhelming
Gender inequality remains widespread, as many young and indeed devastating.
girls are deprived of education and forced into early
marriages. The SDGs commit to protect the planet from
degradation, including through sustainable production
Under the MDGs the world has made tremendous and consumption and the sustainable management of
progress in reducing child mortality, but six million natural resources (including terrestrial and marine
children still die each year from preventable ecosystems), as well as taking urgent action to tackle
causes[1.8]. Maternal mortality rates have come down climate change.
in most countries, but not sufficiently to meet the MDG.
Large numbers of people do not have access to Prosperity
affordable primary health care [see Tracking universal
health coverage: First global monitoring report], and “We are determined to ensure that all human
major efforts are needed to ensure universal access to beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives
basic infrastructure, including energy, water, sanitation, and that economic, social and technological
and transport. While a lot of progress has been made in progress occurs in harmony with nature.”[1.12]
increasing primary school enrolment in all countries,
completion rates remain low, and far too many children The world must shift to sustainable consumption and
do not complete a full cycle of education from early- production patterns that do not deplete natural resources
childhood development through to secondary school for future generations, and that promote prosperity for
completion. Approximately 800 million people remain all. Unless this shift occurs, continued population and
chronically undernourished[1.9] and do not have access economic growth will further increase planetary pres-
to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. Another billion or sures and exacerbate social exclusion and inequality.
so face various kinds of micronutrient deficiencies [see The sustainable development framework places a
The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2015]. For central emphasis on decoupling economic growth from
these reasons the SDGs commit to ending extreme unsustainable resource use and pollution, and offers
poverty in all its forms, including hunger, and call on unprecedented opportunities for low-income countries
all people to enjoy universal access to essential social to join an international production system.
services and basis infrastructure by 2030. Additionally, rapid technological change and
globalization are driving a rise in global incomes but
Planet also a rise in inequality among and within countries.
Current growth patterns are not providing enough
“We are determined to protect the planet from decent work, especially for young people without
degradation, including through sustainable adequate skills and training, and are leading to
consumption and production, sustainably widespread unemployment. Women continue to be
managing its natural resources and taking urgent economically undervalued and excluded in many
action on climate change, so that it can support countries and regions. Rapid population aging can leave
the needs the elderly in dire conditions unless appropriate policies
of the present and future generations.”[1.10] are in place. And vulnerable groups such as the
disabled and indigenous populations remain
The scale of human impact on the physical Earth has marginalized and excluded from full socioeconomic
reached dangerous levels, which threatens long-term
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participation[1.13].

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 Peace
“We are determined to foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies, which are free from fear and violence. There can be no sustainable
development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.”[1.14]

In an age of globalization, governance within and among countries is becoming more diffuse and complex. Critical steps for
sustainable development include promoting good governance, rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, equal access
to fair justice systems, as well as combatting corruption and curbing illicit financial flows. Effective and inclusive institutions
are necessary to prevent all forms of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, torture, and violence. Most important, enhanced global
cooperation through the UN Security Council and other UN institutions is necessary to prevent the spread of wars and extreme
violence as is now afflicting many countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Western Asia. Collaborative partnerships of
all kinds will be essential to build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. [1.15]

Partnerships
“We are determined to mobilize the means required to implement this Agenda through a revitalised Global Partnership for
Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focused in particular on the needs of the poorest
and most vulnerable and with the participation of all countries, all stakeholders and all people.”[1.16]

The SDG Agenda calls for a renewed global partnership, indeed many partnerships at all levels, with all countries and
stakeholders working in solidarity to achieve the goals. Today’s governments must coordinate with a broad spectrum of actors,
such as multinational businesses, local governments, regional and international bodies, and civil society organizations.
Accountability and transparency will be increasingly important at all levels of society, with revised regulatory mechanisms
needed to ensure human, civil, and environmental rights. [1.17].

Preparing for Implementation

Box 4: Principles for Indicator Selection

10 Principles for Selecting Global Monitoring Indicators[1]
1. Limited in number and globally harmonized
2. Simple, single-variable indicators, with straightforward policy implications
3. Allow for high frequency monitoring
4. Consensus based, in line with international standards and system-based information
5. Constructed from well-established data sources
6. Disaggregated
7. Universal
8. Mainly outcome-focused
9. Science-based and forward-looking
10. A proxy for broader issues or conditions

5 Principles for Selecting Quick Stock-Taking Indicators

1. Limited in number (2-3 per goal) but capturing core elements of each goal
2. Applicable to broad range of country settings
3. Recent high-quality data available for as many countries as possible
4. Consensus based, in line with international standards and system-based information
5. Constructed from well-established and accessible data sources
6. Table 1: Illustrative indicators for a quick assessment of a country or region’s starting position with regards to
sustainable development
7.
Goal Headline indicators
Goal 1 Poverty headcount ratio at $1.90 a day (2011 PPP) (% of
population)
Poverty headcount ratio at national poverty lines (% of
population)
Goal 2 Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population)
Prevalence of obesity, BMI ≥ 30 (% of adult population)
Cereal yield per hectare
Goal 3 Mortality rate, under-5 (per 1,000 live births)
Life expectancy at birth, total (years)

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 Goal 4 Lower secondary completion rate (% of relevant age group)
PISA score
Goal 5 Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments (%)
School enrollment, secondary (gross), gender parity index (GPI)
Goal 6 Improved water source (% of population with access)
Water Stress Score
Goal 7 Access to electricity (% of population)
Alternative and nuclear energy (% of total energy use)
Goal 8 Share of youth not in education, employment or training, total
(% of youth population)
Average annual per capita GDP over the past 5 years
Goal 9 Mobile broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
Research and development expenditure (% of GDP)
Goal 10 Palma ratio
Gini index
Goal 11 Percentage of urban population living in slums or informal
settlements
Mean annual concentration of PM2.5 in urban areas
Goal 12 Municipal solid waste generation (kg per capita)
Goal 13 CO2 emissions per capita
Losses from natural disasters (% GNI)
Goal 14 Share of marine areas that are protected
Fraction of fish stocks overexploited and collapsed (by exclusive
economic zone)
Goal 15 Red List Index
Annual change in forest area
Goal 16 Homicides per 100,000 population
Corruption Perception Index
Goal 17 For high-income and upper-middle-income countries:
International concessional public finance, including official
development assistance (% GNI)
For low- and lower-middle-income countries: Government
revenues (% GNI)
Subjective Wellbeing (average ladder score)

Table 2: Stakeholder Groups at National and Local Levels Although stakeholders vary from country to country, the following is
a general list of the main actors at the national level. The list also includes specific stakeholder groups that play an important role in
urban and regional development.

Stakeholder Groups
Category Examples
National governments Professional staff within ministries;
representatives from governments and
municipalities
Civil society Non-governmental organizations, volunteer
organizations organizations, indigenous peoples’
organizations, faith-based organizations,
social movements, and community-based
organizations
Businesses Business leaders, chambers of
commerce and industry, cooperatives
and unions, economic development
corporations, and manufacturers
Academic institutions National SDSNs, universities, technical
institutions, research centers, National
Academies, and schools of urban
planning, social sciences, and public
policy
Development partners Bilateral and multilateral donors, UN
agencies, regional development and central
banks, and international institutions such as
the World Bank and IMF

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 Sub-national State/provincial governments or other
governments forms of regional government are oLen
responsible for urban and local development
Local authorities Local councils and elected representatives,
public utility and service providers, planning
bodies, parastateal agencies

Table 3: Examples of National Councils on Sustainable Development (NCSD)

Country Name Membership Objectives
Colombia Comisión Interinstitucional de Governmental: Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Develop SDG implementation national
Comisión Interinstitucional de Alto Finance/Internal Revenue, Environment and strategy and sub-national action
Nivel para el alistamiento y la efectiva and Sustainable Development; as well as plan; coordinate with stakeholders;
implementación de la Agenda de the DGs of Presidency, National Statistics, establish monitoring and evaluation
Desarrollo Post 2015 y sus Objetivos de Prosperity and Planning. mechanisms;
Desarrollo Sostenible (2015). The Comisión is also entitled to establish mobilize academia and promote peer learning;
technical and working groups of mixed and capacity building[2.i].
membership (academia, civil society,
business, government).
Philippines Philippine Council for Sustainable Mixed: government, business and civil PCSD advises government on NSDS, scrutinizes
Development (PCSD) (1992). society. government implementation and facilitates
stakeholder engagement[2.ii].
Czech The Government Council for Sustainable Mixed: government, civil society, Development, implementation and revision of
Republic Development (2003)[2.iii]. academia and business NSDS[2.iv].

The primary responsibilities of such a group should

be the following:
• To develop or coordinate SDG implementation
strategies
• To develop a national monitoring framework
and accompanying set of national indicators
• To compile or update an annual sustainable
development report (with major revisions
at 5-year intervals)
• To consult with key stakeholders
• To prepare for regional and global dialogues
on SDG implementation

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