"For too long, economics, peace, human rights, humanitarian aid and other areas have been pursued in silos. The 2030 Agenda goes beyond economics and points to comprehensive conditions that must be in place for sustainable economic growth to flourish." Read more from UNOG Director-General Michael Møller's address: "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - why business should bother?"

Leaving no one behind

On 1 January 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit — officially came into force.

Over the next 15 years, countries will mobilize efforts around these new universal Goals to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

As a major operational hub of the international system, Geneva brings together many actors who play a key role in implementing the SDGs. For countries to make use of the vast technical know-how and expertise present in International Geneva, starting in January 2017 the SDG Lab will operate from the Palais des Nations. This mechanism will be used to share SDG-related information, expertise and best practices among the many Geneva actors, and between International Geneva, UN Headquarters and other duty stations worldwide. Activities will aim to strengthen the SDG implementation community and identify opportunities for stakeholders to work or partner together on implementing the SDGs.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Summit: 17 Goals to Transform Our World	We the People For The Global Goals

Prosperity while protecting the planet

The SDGs build on the success of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and aim to go further to end all forms of poverty. The new Goals call for action by all countries to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. Ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth. It also addresses social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.

While the SDGs are not legally binding, governments are expected to take ownership and establish national frameworks for achieving the 17 Goals. Countries must review their progress in implementing the Goals, which will require quality, accessible and timely data collection. Regional follow-up and review will be based on national-level analyses and contribute to assessing progress at the global level.

The SDG Lab is a multi stakeholder initiative, led by UNOG, which contributes to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supporting Geneva-based actors in further leveraging expertise and knowledge into policy, practice and action. Find out more!