Learn about the SDGs.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals are a global vision for humanity

signed by 193 heads of state. But making them real is everyone’s responsibility.

About

The SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) were adopted by all the world’s governments at the United Nations in 2015. Their purpose is to guide global development until the year 2030.

17Goals was created by an independent global partnership of organizations and experts in a dozen countries. The partnership closed, but this website is maintained as a resource.

The mission was to help everyone, everywhere learn about the SDGs, and equip them with tools and inspiration to take action. That mission is still valid.

Here you’ll find free tools and educational resources in a searchable database. There is even a music video about the SDGs, complete with study guide. And karaoke versions.

If you do not know much about the SDGs or “Global Goals for Sustainable Development”, keep reading. Read the archive of our news service. Whatever you do, keep learning. And take action.

What are the SDGs?

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals were an enormous diplomatic breakthrough, and they created an equally enormous opportunity for engagement for every organization and person on earth

The SDGs, adopted by all the world’s nations, cover nearly every aspect of our future — for our planet, and for humankind. They concern all people, all countries, and all parts of society. There are 17 goals in total, and they aim for nothing less than a transformation of global civilization.

We only have until 2030 to achieve them. And this is going to require the engagement and participation of many millions of people. That’s why we’ve created 17Goals — to do our part, and help you do yours. Let this platform serve as your springboard for transformation.

Learn about the 17 Goals Learn the SDG Song

Who was behind 17 Goals?

17Goals was a global partnership of sustainability organizations and experts, registered with the United Nations. The web platform was hosted by the AtKisson Group, a consulting service for sustainability that operated betwee 1992 and 2018 (when founder and CEO transitioned into a civil service position in Sweden).

If you are interested in learning more about the history of the 17Goals partnership, write to info@17Goals.org.

Read the story behind our involvement View the list of network partners

The Goals

The SDGs are part of a breakthrough global agreement called the 2030 Agenda, adopted at the United Nations on Sept 25, 2015. Its purpose: to transform the world. Here are the 17 goals.

Get the whole story here

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: An Overview

#1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere

#2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

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												<h3>#2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture</h3>
												<p>Ending hunger also includes ending malnutrition, protecting small farmers, and changing farming itself so that agriculture and ecosystems can co-exist. It also means protecting the genetic diversity of the crops we grow, while investing in research to make farming more and more productive, especially in developing countries. By 2030, we need to ensure that no one ever goes hungry.</p>
<p>Review the targets for Goal 2 in detail at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg2" target="_blank">UN SDG2 website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> and make ending hunger an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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#3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

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												<h3>#3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages</h3>
												<p>This Goal includes a comprehensive agenda for tackling a wide range of global health challenges, from tuberculosis and AIDS to traffic accidents and alcoholism. Goal 2 also calls for achieving “universal health coverage”; reducing illness and death caused by pollution; and increasing the global health workforce, especially in the world’s poorer countries.</p>
<p>For the details, review specific targets for Goal 3 at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg3" target="_blank">UN SDG3 website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> and make health and wellbeing for all an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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#4: Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning

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												<h3>#4: Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning</h3>
												<p>The Targets for Goal 4 cover the need for access to university-level education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship skills, and they pay special attention to issues of equity. This Goal also includes the promotion of education for sustainable development.</p>
<p>See the world’s educational agenda under Goal 4 at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg4" target="_blank">UN SDG4 website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> and make education for all an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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#5: Achieve gender equality and empower women and girls

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												<h3>#5: Achieve gender equality and empower women and girls</h3>
												<p>Equality and empowerment includes freedom from discrimination and violence. It also includes making sure woman have their equal share of leadership opportunities and responsibilities, as well as property ownership and other concrete reflections of power in society. Note that the Targets for this Goal make several references to the need to be nationally “appropriate” in interpreting what they mean.</p>
<p>Review specific targets and progress for Goal 5 at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg5" target="_blank">UN SDG5 website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> for making gender quality an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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#6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all

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												<h3>#6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all</h3>
												<p>Basic water scarcity affects 40% of the global population, and nearly a billion people do not have access to that most basic of technologies: a toilet or latrine. The targets for this goal provide details for what we must do to rectify this situation, including protecting the ecosystems that provide the water in the first place.</p>
<p>Review the targets for Goal 6 at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg6" target="_blank">UN SDG6 website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> and make the provision of water and sanitation for all an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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#7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

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												<h3>#7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all</h3>
												<p>Globally, about 1.3 billion people live without access to electricity. Modern energy is also connected to access to water (Goal 6): you need energy to get water. In the wealthier countries, who have energy, this Goal pushes for a conversion to renewable sources, and it calls for dramatic improvements in efficienty everywhere.</p>
<p>Review specific targets for Goal 7 at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg7" target="_blank">UN SDG7 website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> and make sustainable energy for all an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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#8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all

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												<h3>#8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all</h3>
												<p>At least 75 million young people around the world, aged 15-24, are unemployed, out of school, and looking at a bleak future. This Goal, while calling for economic growth to help close that gap, also calls for innovation and for “decoupling” growth from ecosystem degradation.</p>
<p>While Review specific targets for this Goal 8 at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg8" target="_blank">UN SDG8 website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> for making decent jobs for all an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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#9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

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												<h3>#9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation</h3>
												<p>The world is becoming more industrialized, but often not in ways that are resilient and sustainable. This Goal aims for ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of what humanity can build — and for fostering a much more innovative and environmentally sound approach to industrial development.</p>
<p>Review specific targets and progress for Goal 9 at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg9" target="_blank">UN SDG9 website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> for making a sustainable approach to industry an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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#10: Reduce inequality within and among countries

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												<h3>#10: Reduce inequality within and among countries</h3>
												<p>The world is astonishingly unequal: the richest 80 people have the same wealth as the bottom 3.5 <em>billion</em>. The Goal includes a range of measures, including regulation of the financial markets, to make the playing field more level. Importantly, it also covers the issue of migration, which should be “orderly, safe, regular and responsible.”</p>
<p>Review the specific targets and progress for Goal 10 at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg10" target="_blank">UN SDG10 website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> for making greater equality an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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#11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

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												<h3>#11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable</h3>
												<p>More than half the world lives in cities, and by 2050, at least 66% will — and most of the growth in cities is happening in Africa and Asia. If those cities are not sustainable, the world will not be, either. This Goal also covers issues like transportation, disaster preparedness, and even the preservation of “the world’s cultural and natural heritage.”</p>
<p>Review specific targets and progress for Goal 11 at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg11" target="_blank">UN SDG website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> for making sustainable human settlements an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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#12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

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												<h3>#12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns</h3>
												<p>The world’s nations (through the UN) have already agreed to a “10-year framework” to make the way we produce and consume goods more sustainable. This Goal references that, but also covers topics like reducing food waste, corporate sustainability practice, public procurement, and making people aware of how their lifestyle choices make a difference.</p>
<p>Review the specifics and progress for Goal 12 at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg12" target="_blank">UN SDG website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> for making sustainable production and consumption an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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#13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*

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												<h3>#13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*</h3>
												<p>Goal 13 has an asterisk (*) after it, because in December 2015, another global negotiating process (UNFCCC) determined the details of the global agreement on climate action. That summit produced the “Paris Agreement,” which guides nations on their joint action to limit global warming to not more than 2 degrees C. (and preferably 1.5).</p>
<p>Review about Goal 13 in detail, and progress to date, at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg13" target="_blank">UN SDG website</a>. Read about the Paris Agreement at the <a href="http://newsroom.unfccc.int/unfccc-newsroom/finale-cop21/">UNFCCC website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> for making action on climate change an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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#14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources

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												<h3>#14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources</h3>
												<p>Global oceans and the life within them are over-fished, under-protected, and stressed from climate change and pollution. This Goal describes what we must do to save them — which includes research and learning, because we understand so little about what lies under the water’s surface. The SDGs have given the state of our oceans new visibility.</p>
<p>Review the Targets and progress for Goal 14 at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg14" target="_blank">UN SDG website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> for making care of the Oceans an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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#15: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss

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												<h3>#15: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss</h3>
												<p>Life on land, on our beautiful planet Earth, is under terrible stress. This comprehensive Goal covers nearly every aspect of the threat to living ecosystems and biodiversity. We cannot afford to lose any more of nature — hence the repeated use of the word “halt” in the Targets section.</p>
<p>Review the targets and progress update for Goal 15 at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg15" target="_blank">UN SDG15 website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> for making the care of nature an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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#16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies

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												<h3>#16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies</h3>
												<p>Reduce violence. End torture. Decrease the production and flow of arms. Reduce corruption. Create governments and institutions that work … for everyone. This important Goal also includes a Target that specifically calls for policies to promote sustainable development — which would certainly include the implementation of the SDGs themselves.</p>
<p>Review this Goal’s targets and progress update at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg16" target="_blank">UN SDG16 website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> for making peace and justice an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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#17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

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												<h3>#17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development</h3>
												<p>Goal 17 is about making sure all countries have what they need — funds, capacities, technologies, etc. — to achieve the rest of the SDGs. The Targets are a comprehensive list of such needs, including the need for partnerships and collaboration. Every country, every sector has a role to play!</p>
<p>Review the details and progress update for Goal 17 at the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg17" target="_blank">UN SDG17 website</a>.</p>
<p>Explore our collection of <a href="http://17goals.org/tools-resources/">tools & resources</a> for making partnership for sustainable development an integrated part of your life and work.</p>

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News, Resources, & Updates

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About

What are the SDGs?

Who was behind 17 Goals?

The Goals

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: An Overview

#1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere

#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 quality education for all and promote lifelong learning

#5: Achieve gender equality and empower women and girls

#6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all

#7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

#8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all

#9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

#10: Reduce inequality within and among countries

#11: Make cities 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

#15: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss

#16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies

#17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

News, Resources, & Updates

Tools for learning – and singing! – “We Love the SDGs”

“Posters with a few extra words”: Promoting the SDGs in Japan

The SDG Tracker: Charts, graphs and data at your fingertips

A year of playing SDG games: lessons learned

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