The Sustainable Development Goals

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a historic global agreement to eradicate extreme
poverty, fight inequality and injustice and leave no one behind. Agreed by world leaders at the UN in
2015, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) succeed the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs). The SDGs are universal with all signatories expected to contribute to them internationally
and deliver them domestically.

The UK was at the forefront of negotiating the SDGs and will be at the forefront of delivering them.
The UK lobbied hard to make sure the SDGs support the continuation of work undertaken through
the MDGs.

The UK Government published a Voluntary National Review reporting on the UK’s progress so far on
delivering the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in June 2019. This is due to be presented at the UN
High Level Political Forum in July 2019.

Below you can see some of the ways that the Government is supporting the delivery of the
Sustainable Development Goals.

Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

How we will achieve this

Supporting the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people through high quality local services so
that no one is left behind

Maximise employment across the country to aid economic recovery following COVID-19

Address poverty through enabling progression into the workforce and increasing financial resilience

Shape the international order and ensure the UK is a force for good in the world by: supporting sustainable
development and humanitarian needs; promoting human rights and democracy; and establishing common
international standards

Make the UK safer and more resilient to global threats

End rough sleeping through more effective prevention and crisis intervention services, and reduce homelessness by
enabling local authorities to fully meet their statutory duties

A sustainable and resilient local government sector that delivers priority services and empowers communities

Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable
agriculture
How we will achieve this

Increase the sustainability, productivity and resilience of the agriculture, fishing, food and drink sectors, enhance
biosecurity at the border and raise animal welfare standards

Shape the international order and ensure the UK is a force for good in the world by: supporting sustainable
development and humanitarian needs; promoting human rights and democracy; and establishing common
international standards

Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

How we will achieve this

Reduce Crime

Fight Coronavirus by helping businesses to bounce back from the impacts of COVID-19, supporting a safe return to the
workplace and accelerating the development and manufacture of a vaccine

Reduce reoffending

Build confidence in the transport network as the country recovers from COVID-19 and improve transport users’
experience, ensuring that the network is safe, reliable, and inclusive

Tackle climate change and improve air quality by decarbonising transport

Improve opportunities for all through work, including groups that are currently under-represented in the workforce

Improve the environment through cleaner air and water, minimised waste, and thriving plants and terrestrial and
marine wildlife

Increase the sustainability, productivity and resilience of the agriculture, fishing, food and drink sectors, enhance
biosecurity at the border and raise animal welfare standards

Protect health by leading the health and social care system’s response to COVID-19

Improve healthcare outcomes by providing high-quality and sustainable care at the right time in the right place,
improving infrastructure and transforming technology
How we will achieve this

Improve healthcare outcomes through a supported workforce fit for the future

Improve, protect and level up the public’s health while reducing inequalities

Modernise and integrate defence capabilities by taking a whole force approach to our people and increasing the use o
technology and innovation

Shape the international order and ensure the UK is a force for good in the world by: supporting sustainable
development and humanitarian needs; promoting human rights and democracy; and establishing common
international standards

Make the UK safer and more resilient to global threats

End rough sleeping through more effective prevention and crisis intervention services, and reduce homelessness by
enabling local authorities to fully meet their statutory duties

A sustainable and resilient local government sector that delivers priority services and empowers communities

Improve levels of equality in the UK

Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning
opportunities for all

How we will achieve this

Drive economic growth through improving the skills pipeline, levelling up productivity and supporting people to work

Level up education standards so that children and young people in every part of the country are prepared with the
knowledge, skills, and qualifications they need

Supporting the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people through high quality local services so
that no one is left behind

Providing the best start in life through high-quality early education and childcare to raise standards and help parents to
work
How we will achieve this

Enhance the cohesiveness of our communities and nations including through major events and ceremonial occasions,
and reduce inequalities of participation in society, particularly among young people

Reduce reoffending

Improve connectivity across the United Kingdom and grow the economy by enhancing the transport network on time
and on budget

Maximise employment across the country to aid economic recovery following COVID-19

Modernise and integrate defence capabilities by taking a whole force approach to our people and increasing the use o
technology and innovation

Transform and manage Defence

Shape the international order and ensure the UK is a force for good in the world by: supporting sustainable
development and humanitarian needs; promoting human rights and democracy; and establishing common
international standards

Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

How we will achieve this

Reduce Crime

Reduce reoffending

Deliver swift access to justice

Maximise employment across the country to aid economic recovery following COVID-19

Address poverty through enabling progression into the workforce and increasing financial resilience

Shape the international order and ensure the UK is a force for good in the world by: supporting sustainable
development and humanitarian needs; promoting human rights and democracy; and establishing common
international standards
How we will achieve this

Improve levels of equality in the UK

Goal 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

How we will achieve this

Improve the environment through cleaner air and water, minimised waste, and thriving plants and terrestrial and
marine wildlife

Modernise and integrate defence capabilities by taking a whole force approach to our people and increasing the use o
technology and innovation

Shape the international order and ensure the UK is a force for good in the world by: supporting sustainable
development and humanitarian needs; promoting human rights and democracy; and establishing common
international standards

Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

How we will achieve this

Reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050

Modernise and integrate defence capabilities by taking a whole force approach to our people and increasing the use o
technology and innovation

Shape the international order and ensure the UK is a force for good in the world by: supporting sustainable
development and humanitarian needs; promoting human rights and democracy; and establishing common
international standards

A sustainable and resilient local government sector that delivers priority services and empowers communities

Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive
employment and decent work for all

How we will achieve this

Reduce Crime
How we will achieve this

Enable the legitimate movement of people and goods to support economic prosperity

Tackle illegal migration, remove those with no right to be here, and protect the vulnerable

Drive economic growth through improving the skills pipeline, levelling up productivity and supporting people to work

Providing the best start in life through high-quality early education and childcare to raise standards and help parents to
work

Fight Coronavirus by helping businesses to bounce back from the impacts of COVID-19, supporting a safe return to the
workplace and accelerating the development and manufacture of a vaccine

Back business by making the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a business

Increase economic growth and productivity through improved digital connectivity

Grow and evolve our sectors domestically and globally, in particular those sectors most affected by COVID-19, includin
culture, sport, civil society, and the creative industries

Increase growth through expanding the use of data and digital technology and increasing innovation, while minimising
digital harms to the UK’s economy, security and society

We will collect the right tax and pay out the right financial support

We will make it easy to get tax right and hard to bend or break the rules

Support economic growth in Wales

Protect the public from serious offenders and improve the safety and security of our prisons

Reduce reoffending

Improve connectivity across the United Kingdom and grow the economy by enhancing the transport network on time
and on budget
How we will achieve this

Secure world-class free trade agreements and reduce market access barriers, ensuring that consumers and businesses
can benefit from both

Deliver economic growth to all the nations and regions of the UK through attracting and retaining inward investment

Support UK business to take full advantage of trade opportunities, including those arising from delivering FTAs,
facilitating UK exports

Champion the rules-based international trading system and operate the UK’s new trading system, including by
protecting UK businesses from unfair trade practices

Maximise employment across the country to aid economic recovery following COVID-19

Improve opportunities for all through work, including groups that are currently under-represented in the workforce

Address poverty through enabling progression into the workforce and increasing financial resilience

Increase the sustainability, productivity and resilience of the agriculture, fishing, food and drink sectors, enhance
biosecurity at the border and raise animal welfare standards

Modernise and integrate defence capabilities by taking a whole force approach to our people and increasing the use o
technology and innovation

Transform and manage defence

Shape the international order and ensure the UK is a force for good in the world by: supporting sustainable
development and humanitarian needs; promoting human rights and democracy; and establishing common
international standards

Raise productivity and empower places so that everyone across the country can benefit from levelling up

A sustainable and resilient local government sector that delivers priority services and empowers communities

Increase the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of government through modernisation and reform, including
through the work of the government Functions.
How we will achieve this

Ensure the the benefits of the Union are clear, visible, and understood by all citizens

Seize the opportunities of EU Exit, through creating the world’s most effective border to increase UK prosperity and
enhance security

Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster
innovation

How we will achieve this

Unleash innovation and accelerate science and technology throughout the country to increase productivity and UK
global influence

Increase economic growth and productivity through improved digital connectivity

Grow and evolve our sectors domestically and globally, in particular those sectors most affected by COVID-19, includin
culture, sport, civil society, and the creative industries

Increase growth through expanding the use of data and digital technology and increasing innovation, while minimising
digital harms to the UK’s economy, security and society

Support economic growth in Wales

Deliver economic growth to all the nations and regions of the UK through attracting and retaining inward investment

Improve healthcare outcomes by providing high-quality and sustainable care at the right time in the right place,
improving infrastructure and transforming technology

Modernise and integrate defence capabilities by taking a whole force approach to our people and increasing the use o
technology and innovation

Shape the international order and ensure the UK is a force for good in the world by: supporting sustainable
development and humanitarian needs; promoting human rights and democracy; and establishing common
international standards

More, better quality, safer, greener and more affordable homes

A sustainable and resilient local government sector that delivers priority services and empowers communities

Ensure the the benefits of the Union are clear, visible, and understood by all citizens

Seize the opportunities of EU Exit, through creating the world’s most effective border to increase UK prosperity and
enhance security

Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries

How we will achieve this

Reduce Crime

Enable the legitimate movement of people and goods to support economic prosperity

Tackle illegal migration, remove those with no right to be here, and protect the vulnerable

Back business by making the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a business

Enhance the cohesiveness of our communities and nations including through major events and ceremonial occasions,
and reduce inequalities of participation in society, particularly among young people

Reduce reoffending

Secure world-class free trade agreements and reduce market access barriers, ensuring that consumers and businesses
can benefit from both

Shape the international order and ensure the UK is a force for good in the world by: supporting sustainable
development and humanitarian needs; promoting human rights and democracy; and establishing common
international standards

Make the UK safer and more resilient to global threats

Raise productivity and empower places so that everyone across the country can benefit from levelling up

End rough sleeping through more effective prevention and crisis intervention services, and reduce homelessness by
How we will achieve this

enabling local authorities to fully meet their statutory duties

A sustainable and resilient local government sector that delivers priority services and empowers communities

Increase the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of government through modernisation and reform, including
through the work of the government Functions

Improve levels of equality in the UK

Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

How we will achieve this

Reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050

Grow and evolve our sectors domestically and globally, in particular those sectors most affected by COVID-19, includin
culture, sport, civil society, and the creative industries

Enhance the cohesiveness of our communities and nations including through major events and ceremonial occasions,
and reduce inequalities of participation in society, particularly among young people

Support economic growth in Wales

Build confidence in the transport network as the country recovers from COVID-19 and improve transport users’
experience, ensuring that the network is safe, reliable, and inclusive

Tackle climate change and improve air quality by decarbonising transport

Improve the environment through cleaner air and water, minimised waste, and thriving plants and terrestrial and
marine wildlife

Reduce the likelihood and impact of flooding and coastal erosion on people, businesses, communities and the
environment

Modernise and integrate defence capabilities by taking a whole force approach to our people and increasing the use o
technology and innovation
How we will achieve this

Transform and manage Defence

Shape the international order and ensure the UK is a force for good in the world by: supporting sustainable
development and humanitarian needs; promoting human rights and democracy; and establishing common
international standards

Make the UK safer and more resilient to global threats

Raise productivity and empower places so that everyone across the country can benefit from levelling up

More, better quality, safer, greener and more affordable homes

End rough sleeping through more effective prevention and crisis intervention services, and reduce homelessness by
enabling local authorities to fully meet their statutory duties

A sustainable and resilient local government sector that delivers priority services and empowers communities

Increase the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of government through modernisation and reform, including
through the work of the government Functions

Ensure the the benefits of the Union are clear, visible, and understood by all citizens

Secure a safe, prosperous and resilient United Kingdom by coordinating national security, crisis response, and the
implementation of the Integrated Review

Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

How we will achieve this

Protect the public from serious offenders and improve the safety and security of our prisons

Improve the environment through cleaner air and water, minimised waste, and thriving plants and terrestrial and
marine wildlife

Increase the sustainability, productivity and resilience of the agriculture, fishing, food and drink sectors, enhance
biosecurity at the border and raise animal welfare standards
How we will achieve this

Transform and manage Defence

Modernise and integrate defence capabilities by taking a whole force approach to our people and increasing the use o
technology and innovation

Shape the international order and ensure the UK is a force for good in the world by: supporting sustainable
development and humanitarian needs; promoting human rights and democracy; and establishing common
international standards

Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

How we will achieve this

Reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050

Protect the public from serious offenders and improve the safety and security of our prisons

Tackle climate change and improve air quality by decarbonising transport

Reduce the likelihood and impact of flooding and coastal erosion on people, businesses, communities and the
environment

Modernise and integrate defence capabilities by taking a whole force approach to our people and increasing the use o
technology and innovation

Transform and manage Defence

Shape the international order and ensure the UK is a force for good in the world by: supporting sustainable
development and humanitarian needs; promoting human rights and democracy; and establishing common
international standards

Make the UK safer and more resilient to global threats

More, better quality, safer, greener and more affordable homes

A sustainable and resilient local government sector that delivers priority services and empowers communities
How we will achieve this

Supporting the Prime Minister and Cabinet government

Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable
development

How we will achieve this

Improve the environment through cleaner air and water, minimised waste, and thriving plants and terrestrial and
marine wildlife

Increase the sustainability, productivity and resilience of the agriculture, fishing, food and drink sectors, enhance
biosecurity at the border and raise animal welfare standards

Make the UK safer and more resilient to global threats

Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably
manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt
biodiversity loss

How we will achieve this

Reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050

Tackle climate change and improve air quality by decarbonising transport

Improve the environment through cleaner air and water, minimised waste, and thriving plants and terrestrial and
marine wildlife

Increase the sustainability, productivity and resilience of the agriculture, fishing, food and drink sectors, enhance
biosecurity at the border and raise animal welfare standards

Transform and manage Defence

Modernise and integrate defence capabilities by taking a whole force approach to our people and increasing the use o
technology and innovation

Shape the international order and ensure the UK is a force for good in the world by: supporting sustainable
How we will achieve this

development and humanitarian needs; promoting human rights and democracy; and establishing common
international standards

Make the UK safer and more resilient to global threats

Supporting the Prime Minister and Cabinet government

Goal 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to
justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

How we will achieve this

Reduce crime

Reduce the risk from terrorism to the UK and UK interests overseas

Supporting the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people through high quality local services so
that no one is left behind

Strengthen and sustain the Union and Wales’s role within it

Increase the visibility of the UK government’s commitment to Wales

Protect the public from serious offenders and improve the safety and security of our prisons

Reduce reoffending

Deliver swift access to justice

Deliver a reliable, high-quality welfare and pensions system which customers have confidence in

Enhance global security through persistent engagement and response to crises

Shape the international order and ensure the UK is a force for good in the world by: supporting sustainable
development and humanitarian needs; promoting human rights and democracy; and establishing common
How we will achieve this

international standards

Make the UK safer and more resilient to global threats

Extend and amplify the UK’s influence in the world, including through successful application for ASEAN dialogue partn
status

A sustainable and resilient local government sector that delivers priority services and empowers communities

Increase the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of government through modernisation and reform, including
through the work of the government Functions

Ensure the the benefits of the Union are clear, visible, and understood by all citizens

Seize the opportunities of EU Exit, through creating the world’s most effective border to increase UK prosperity and
enhance security

Secure a safe, prosperous and resilient United Kingdom by coordinating national security, crisis response, and the
implementation of the Integrated Review

Improve levels of equality in the UK

Supporting the Prime Minister and Cabinet government

Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the Global Partnership for
Sustainable Development

How we will achieve this

We will maintain taxpayers’ consent through fair treatment and protect society from harm

Extend and amplify the UK’s influence in the world, including through successful application for ASEAN dialogue partn
status