The 17 Sustainable Development Goals
Adopted by the United Nations in 2015, the SDGs are a shared blueprint to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. Every project catalogued on Keys for Tomorrow is mapped to one or more of these 17 goals.
Browse projects by goal
Each goal below links to its dedicated page: real catalogued projects, category breakdowns, and the specific problem that goal addresses.
No Poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
402 projectsZero Hunger
End hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition.
828 projectsGood Health and Well-being
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
1,120 projectsQuality Education
Ensure inclusive, equitable education for all.
849 projectsGender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower women and girls.
519 projectsClean Water and Sanitation
Ensure availability of water and sanitation for all.
525 projectsAffordable and Clean Energy
Ensure access to affordable, sustainable energy.
1,440 projectsDecent Work and Economic Growth
Promote sustained, inclusive economic growth.
2,079 projectsIndustry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure and foster innovation.
1,042 projectsReduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
927 projectsSustainable Cities and Communities
Make cities inclusive, safe, and sustainable.
1,635 projectsResponsible Consumption and Production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
6,072 projectsClimate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change.
4,757 projectsLife Below Water
Conserve oceans, seas, and marine resources.
345 projectsLife on Land
Protect ecosystems, forests, and biodiversity.
660 projectsPeace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Promote peaceful, inclusive societies and justice.
222 projectsPartnerships for the Goals
Strengthen global partnerships for sustainable development.
795 projectsFAQ: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
1. What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global objectives, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, to address poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and peace. They aim to create a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world by 2030.
2. Why are the SDGs important?
The SDGs are vital because they provide a unified framework to solve the world’s most critical issues. They guide governments, businesses, and individuals towards addressing global challenges, such as poverty, health, education, and sustainability, with an aim for lasting positive impact.
3. What are the 17 SDGs?
The 17 SDGs cover a wide range of issues, including:
- No Poverty
- Zero Hunger
- Good Health and Well-being
- Quality Education
- Gender Equality
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Reduced Inequality
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
- Life Below Water
- Life on Land
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Partnerships for the Goals
4. How can the SDGs be achieved by 2030?
Achieving the SDGs by 2030 requires collaboration between governments, organizations, businesses, and individuals. Policy action, sustainable practices, and inclusive development must drive efforts across all sectors to meet the targets. Funding, innovation, and education are also key to their success.
5. Who is responsible for achieving the SDGs?
While governments are primarily responsible for setting the agenda, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals also play a significant role. The SDGs call for global partnerships to tackle issues in a collective, impactful way.
6. How are the SDGs tracked and measured?
The SDGs are tracked using global indicators, which are updated regularly. These indicators measure progress on each goal, including data on poverty rates, environmental impact, access to education, and social equality. The UN and other organizations monitor progress, offering guidance on areas that need more attention.
7. Can businesses contribute to the SDGs?
Yes! Businesses play a crucial role in achieving the SDGs. They can promote sustainable production practices, create inclusive job opportunities, and invest in innovation that supports economic growth and environmental protection. Many businesses now align their corporate strategies with the SDGs to create shared value for society.
8. How can individuals help achieve the SDGs?
Individuals can make a difference by:
- Supporting sustainable companies
- Reducing waste and promoting responsible consumption
- Advocating for equality and social justice
- Educating themselves and others about the SDGs
- Taking action to protect the environment and reduce their carbon footprint
9. How do the SDGs connect with climate change?
Several SDGs, such as Climate Action (SDG 13), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Life Below Water (SDG 14), directly address the impact of climate change. The SDGs recognize that climate change is one of the biggest threats to sustainable development, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions and build climate resilience are integral to achieving the goals.
10. Are the SDGs legally binding?
No, the SDGs are non-binding. They provide a global framework for action but do not have legal authority. However, they encourage countries to adopt national strategies aligned with the goals and measure progress against them.