The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are our compass for worldwide progress. We demonstrate how global cooperation can create a more just and sustainable world.

The 2030 Agenda is a global pact for the future. It combines economic progress with social justice and the conservation of natural resources – without leaving anyone behind. Since 2015, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement have formed the framework for Germany’s international cooperation – and thus also for GIZ’s work; all of our commissions contribute to the SDGs. Our implementation principles are directly derived from the 2030 Agenda.

Especially in times of geopolitical crises, increasing inequality and ecological tipping points, the 2030 Agenda is more relevant than ever.

Overview of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Taking stock: where do we stand at present?

Ten years after the the 2030 Agenda was adopted, it is clear that we have made insufficient global progress. To illustrate:

Grafische Darstellung eines Diagramms. Im Vordergrund ist ein Ausrufezeichen.
Only 15%
of the 140 targets are on track.
Grafische Darstellung einer Menschengruppe.
623 It is expected that million people
will still be living in extreme poverty in 2030 (SDG 1).

Who will pay for the future?

Developing countries will need USD 4 trillion every year to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – that’s 56 per cent up on the figure four years ago. At the same time, around 60 per cent of low-income countries are facing a debt crisis. UN Secretary-General António Guterres therefore demands an SDG Stimulus of at least USD 500 billion every year. 

What is needed now:

Reform international financial structures
Give development banks a new direction
Find private investors for sustainable projects
Strengthen networking between stakeholders in society

It will only be possible to close the funding gaps and achieve the SDGs if all the stakeholders pull together.

Our work in practice

GIZ aligns its work with the 2030 Agenda – on behalf of the German Federal Government, the EU and other partners.

Namibia as an example: modernising taxation and financing SDGs

„Last year, our Agency collected NAD 86.5 billion in gross revenue and refunded NAD 10 billion to taxpayers. With GIZ’s support in policy development, process re-engineering, and capacity building for auditors and tax investigators, we are strengthening our domestic resource mobilisation capacity, thereby supporting our government in funding the SDGs.

Sam Shivute
Commissioner of the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA)

With our support, a modern tax authority has been established in Namibia. Since then, the country has achieved its revenue goals – and is increasing capabilities for its own development.

Five principles for sustainable development.

The 2030 Agenda thrives on global cooperation: countries learn from one another and develop solutions together. One example is the partnership between Germany and Namibia, which has closely aligned national development plans with the SDGs.

The 2030 Agenda particularly aims to reach people who until now have had little opportunity for development. We identify inequalities and develop inclusive solutions – through projects like JoMoPay in Jordan, which gives the local population and displaced people access to digital financial services. 

Sustainable development requires an approach that unites climate action, the economy and social development. In Viet Nam, for instance, we support the Government in combining inclusive growth with environmental protection and resource conservation.

Global challenges can only be resolved if we work together. The state, the private sector and the scientific and academic community must work together – like in the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, in which approximately 130 members promote socially and environmentally responsible textile production.

Implementation of the 2030 Agenda must be transparent and verifiable. We support countries in collecting reliable data and reporting on their progress – for example in Colombia, China, India and Indonesia.

Lower levels of greenhouse gases: Emissions have been reduced by 9,4 Mio.
tonnes of CO2 equivalents
Period: 2024
SDG 13
15.2 million
people have access to modern energy
Period: 2024
SDG 7
Power plants for generating 123,830 kW
of green electricity have been installed
Period: 2024
SDG 7
455,700 km2
of protected areas are better preserved
Period: 2024
SDG 11
747 million
people have access to health services
Period: 2024
SDG 3
605 million
have better social security
Period: 2024
SDG 3
0/0
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