Global Goals

In September 2015, all 193 member states of the United Nations adopted an ambitious agenda with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (or “Global Goals”) to achieve by 2030.

The U.S. Government endorses these goals, which reflect the aspirations of all countries and are grounded in a commitment of shared responsibility to all people and the planet.

The United States is committed to these Global Goals at home and around the world, but success requires more than just the participation of governments. Businesses, civil society organizations, academic institutions and citizens themselves must all play essential roles. There must be investment in education, health care and inclusive economic growth. New and better jobs are all-important. We must realize full empowerment of, and equality for, women and girls. Food security and access to essential services like water and energy are key. Combating climate change and protecting our ecosystems and oceans are required. And not least, our collective responsibility is to promote peaceful and just societies.

This universal agenda is one where no one gets left behind. Marginalized groups--including women and girls, people with disabilities, ethnic and religious minorities, refugees and displaced persons, and LGBTI individuals--must participate and benefit from the enormous dividends in economic growth, effective and accountable governance, security, stability, sustainability and prosperity that the agenda will provide.

To make progress, we must do the following:

The Global Goals highlight the transformational potential of economic growth.

We know that no country has rapidly and sustainably reduced extreme poverty without substantial economic growth that includes everyone. Such inclusive growth has accounted for at least two thirds of the drop in extreme poverty from 1990-2011, with stronger social safety nets accounting for the rest.

USAID's Vision for Ending Extreme Poverty
Ending Extreme Poverty: Tackling the greatest challenge known to humankind

Peaceful, fair and just societies are critical to long-term economic progress.

Progress is only sustainable when supported by capable governments and institutions that can ensure the health, safety and well-being of their people. The United States is committed to expanding citizen participation in accountable institutions and civil society organizations free from intimidation.

Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance
Crisis in Syria: The Response

The Global Goals require that we maximize financing options to sustain progress.

This includes helping countries raise and effectively use their own domestic resources to further their own development, as well as leveraging private investments and official overseas development assistance.

Nepal's Navel Glazers

The Global Goals will only be achieved if women and girls are at the center of our efforts.

Women and girls continue to face profound inequalities across all countries, and in both public and private spheres. When we invest in women and girls, we see a ripple effect on her potential as an individual, as well as the potential of her family, her community and entire society.

Let Girls Learn
Today’s Girls, Tomorrow’s Future

Climate change will affect us all regardless of nation, race, gender or religion.

Without sustainability, our efforts will be short-lived as continued damage to our environment will roll back the progress we hope to see through the Global Goals.

Power Africa
Teresia Turns on the Light

USAID at UNGA

White House Fact Sheet: U.S. Global Development Policy and Agenda 2030

Remarks by the President on Sustainable Development Goals