The Sustainable Development Goals, commonly called the SDGs, are 17 interconnected global goals adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The goals address major social, economic, and environmental challenges, including poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water, decent work, inequality, sustainable communities, climate action, peace, justice, and partnerships.

The SDGs are interconnected because progress in one area can influence progress in others. For example, access to quality education can improve employment opportunities, reduce inequality, support better health, and increase participation in society. At the same time, poverty or discrimination can prevent people from benefiting equally from education and other services.

Although the SDGs are a global framework, they are relevant to local communities. Municipalities, schools, civil society organizations, businesses, and citizens can use them to identify priorities, design projects, build partnerships, and assess whether their actions contribute to more inclusive and sustainable communities.

The central principle of the 2030 Agenda is to “leave no one behind,” meaning that development should benefit everyone, particularly people and groups facing exclusion or disadvantage.