About SDGs
- SDGs stand for Sustainable Development Goals.
- They are a set of 17 global goals with 169 targets adopted by all UN Member States in 2015 under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- The SDGs came into effect from 1 January 2016 and are intended to be achieved by 2030.
- They succeeded the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
- The SDGs are universal, integrated and indivisible, covering the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.
- A central principle of the 2030 Agenda is “Leave No One Behind.”
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals
| SDG | Goal |
| SDG 1 | No Poverty |
| SDG 2 | Zero Hunger |
| SDG 3 | Good Health and Well-being |
| SDG 4 | Quality Education |
| SDG 5 | Gender Equality |
| SDG 6 | Clean Water and Sanitation |
| SDG 7 | Affordable and Clean Energy |
| SDG 8 | Decent Work and Economic Growth |
| SDG 9 | Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure |
| SDG 10 | Reduced Inequalities |
| SDG 11 | Sustainable Cities and Communities |
| SDG 12 | Responsible Consumption and Production |
| SDG 13 | Climate Action |
| SDG 14 | Life Below Water |
| SDG 15 | Life on Land |
| SDG 16 | Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions |
| SDG 17 | Partnerships for the Goals |
Key Features of SDGs
1. Universal: Applicable to all countries, both developed and developing.Unlike the MDGs, the SDGs are not primarily focused on developing countries.
2. Three Dimensions of Sustainable Development: The SDG framework seeks to balance these three dimensions rather than treating development and environmental protection as separate objectives.
4. Target Year – 2030: The 2030 Agenda provides the overarching framework for achieving the goals.
5. Global Partnership: SDG 17 focuses specifically on strengthening international cooperation and the means of implementation.
SDGs and India
I. Role of NITI Aayog: NITI Aayog is the nodal institution for coordinating and monitoring India’s SDG implementation.
II. SDG India Index 2023–24
- India’s overall SDG score increased from 57 in 2018 to 71 in 2023–24.
- The score range among States was 57–79.
- Uttarakhand and Kerala recorded the highest State score of 79.
- Chandigarh recorded the highest score among UTs, at 77.
| This concept has been elaborately discussed in the – INDIA-AFRICA WASH COOPERATION |