2030 Agenda: the 17 Sustainable Development Goals

The 2030 Agenda is the global action plan adopted by the UN in 2015 to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. It takes shape in 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets that address the social, economic and environmental dimensions of development at the same time.

The 17 SDGs are a universal agenda: they apply to every country and also to companies, which increasingly build these goals into their corporate sustainability strategy. This guide explains what the 2030 Agenda is, the full list of Sustainable Development Goals, and where they stand as of 2026.

What is the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?

The 2030 Agenda is a plan adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2015 that sets 169 specific targets to be reached in 15 years, grouped into 17 goals. It replaces and broadens the earlier Millennium Development Goals (2000-2015), adding a strong environmental dimension. It rests on five pillars, the so-called five Ps: people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

These are the 17 SDGs adopted by the United Nations:

1. No poverty

Seeks to eradicate poverty in all its forms. It is not limited to a lack of income: it also covers the deprivation of basic capabilities and access to essential services such as education, healthcare and housing.

2. Zero hunger

Aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable, resilient agriculture.

3. Good health and well-being

Guarantees healthy lives for all: access to quality health services, prevention and treatment of disease, and attention to mental health.

4. Quality education

Ensures inclusive, equitable and quality education, and promotes lifelong learning opportunities.

5. Gender equality

Pursues gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, removing the legal, social and cultural barriers that perpetuate discrimination.

6. Clean water and sanitation

Guarantees the availability of water, its sustainable management and sanitation for all. Water scarcity already affects millions of people worldwide.

7. Affordable and clean energy

Ensures access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy, driving renewables and energy efficiency.

8. Decent work and economic growth

Promotes sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full employment and decent work for all.

9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Seeks to build resilient infrastructure, inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and to foster innovation and clean technologies.

10. Reduced inequalities

Aims to reduce inequality within and between countries, promoting social, economic and political inclusion.

11. Sustainable cities and communities

Works to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, with better transport, housing and green spaces.

12. Responsible consumption and production

Ensures sustainable consumption and production patterns, key to reducing waste and advancing towards the circular economy.

13. Climate action

Calls for urgent measures to combat climate change and its effects. It demands a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation to its impacts. For companies, that means measuring their carbon footprint and progressing towards decarbonisation.

14. Life below water

Seeks to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources, against overfishing, pollution and climate change.

15. Life on land

Protects and restores terrestrial ecosystems, manages forests sustainably, fights desertification and halts biodiversity loss.

16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice for all, and the creation of effective, accountable and inclusive institutions.

17. Partnerships for the goals

Strengthens the means of implementation and the global partnership for sustainable development, involving governments, businesses, civil society and international bodies.

Where does the 2030 Agenda stand in 2026?

As of 2026, with four years left until the 2030 deadline, the United Nations' progress reports warn that only a minority of the targets are on track, while many are advancing too slowly or have gone backwards because of the impact of the pandemic, conflict and the climate crisis. This has put the financing and acceleration of the SDGs in their final stretch at the centre of the debate, and it reinforces the role of the private sector in providing data, investment and innovation.

The role of business in the SDGs

Companies contribute above all to the environmental and economic SDGs: clean energy (SDG 7), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13) and decent work (SDG 8). Measuring and reporting their impact, for example through the carbon footprint or frameworks such as the CSRD, is the most concrete way to move from commitment to data.

Frequently asked questions about the 2030 Agenda

How many SDGs are there and when were they adopted?

There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with 169 targets, adopted by the UN in September 2015 with a 2030 horizon.

What is the difference between the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs?

The 2030 Agenda is the complete global plan; the 17 SDGs are the specific goals that structure that plan.

Which SDGs relate to the carbon footprint?

Above all SDG 13 (climate action), but also SDG 7 (energy) and SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production).

If your company wants to contribute to the environmental SDGs, the first step is to measure its impact. You can start by seeing how Manglai automates emissions calculation with its carbon footprint solution.