The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The heads of states and governments and high representatives who met at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 25^th-27^th September 2015, at the time when the Organization celebrated its 70^th anniversary, decided on new global Sustainable Development Goals. They adopted a historic decision on a comprehensive and far-reaching set of universal and transformative goals and related targets focused on people. They have committed themselves to working hard for the full implementation of the Agenda by 2030 with a view to achieving sustainable development in its three dimensions – economic, social and environmental – in a balanced and integrated way.

National governments bear primary responsibility for follow-up steps and review at national, regional and global level, in relation to the progress made in implementing the goals and related targets in the coming years. The High Level Political Forum, under the auspices of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, plays a key role in overseeing follow-up steps and review at a global level.

Indicators, which will assist this work, have been developed. Quality, available, timely and reliable disaggregated data will be needed to help measure progress and ensure that no one will be left behind. Such data are considered to be crucial for decision making. Data and information from existing reporting mechanisms should be used everywhere possible. There have been developed wider aspects of measuring to complement the gross domestic product.

The Agenda 2030 is of unprecedented scope and importance. It is accepted by all countries and is applicable to all countries, taking into account different realities, capacities and levels of country development and respecting national policies and priorities. These are universal goals and targets which should be followed by the entire world, both developed and developing countries. They are integrated and indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development.