The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the "Sustainable Development Goals", are a pioneering initiative of the United Nations (UN) to tackle global challenges such as poverty, inequality and climate change. As part of the 2030 Agenda, these goals were formulated to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. They cover various topics, including education, clean water and partnerships, and require joint efforts from governments, businesses and civil society. But what exactly do these goals entail, how are they measured and what progress has been made? Read all the news on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the Table.Briefings editorial team. How many Sustainable Development Goals are there? The UN Agenda 2030 comprises 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These cover a wide range of topics, including poverty reduction, education, gender equality, health, climate action and sustainable cities. The SDG 17 goals are designed as universal guidelines that have been signed by all UN member states. They emphasize the urgency of addressing social, environmental and economic challenges holistically. They also promote innovative partnerships and technologies to ensure sustainable development. Each goal contains specific indicators that measure progress and help states to take effective action. What is included in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals? The 17 SDGs are broad in scope and include: What is the aim of the Sustainable Development Goals? The overarching goal of the Sustainable Development Goals is to improve the quality of life worldwide while protecting the planet. This is to be achieved through a balance between ecological, social and economic dimensions. The 17 SDGs cannot be considered in isolation, they are interlinked and require collaborative approaches to develop effective solutions and achieve the goals. How is the SDG Index measured? The SDG Index is an important tool for measuring progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. It is published annually by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) in cooperation with the Bertelsmann Stiftung. The index evaluates countries based on indicators such as CO₂ emissions, income distribution and education levels. Countries with high scores in the SDG Index are pioneers in the implementation of sustainable practices. Who publishes the Global Sustainable Development Report? The Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) is published every four years by an independent group of experts led by the United Nations (UN). The report provides a comprehensive assessment of global progress in implementing the SDGs and highlights both successes and challenges. The Hamburg Sustainability Conference Expert conferences such as the Hamburg Sustainability Conference contribute significantly to the discussion and promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals. These platforms offer experts the opportunity to share best practices and discuss innovative solutions. In particular, the conference supports the implementation of goals such as SDG 17 (partnerships to achieve the goals) by strengthening cooperation between science, business and politics. Challenges and prospects of the Sustainable Development Goals Although the Sustainable Development Goals offer an ambitious vision, there are numerous challenges: Nevertheless, there is also hope: progress in renewable energies, falling poverty rates and increasing international cooperation show that change is possible. The importance of the Sustainable Development Goals The Sustainable Development Goals are more than just an agenda; they are a global action plan to secure our future. They provide a framework to systematically address urgent challenges and enable sustainable development for all. However, the success of these goals depends on the willingness to work together locally and globally to find innovative solutions. Conferences such as the Hamburg Sustainability Conference play a crucial role in fostering dialog and accelerating progress. However, the question remains whether the SDGs will actually be achieved by 2030. This requires not only political commitment, but also the active participation of society.
How a new independent North-South Commission could be structured
Last year, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil presented his idea of reviving a North-South Commission. Andy Sumner, Stephan Klingebiel and Arief Anshory Yusuf make a proposal on how this could be structured.
By Stephan Klingebiel, Andy Sumner and Arief Anshory Yusuf