Implementing the 2030 Agenda, reducing poverty and inequality

Context

Under the 2030 Agenda, the United Nations (UN) has set itself 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet continuing wars, armed conflicts, climate change, growing social inequality and economic insecurity are presenting the UN with huge challenges.

The mid-term review in September 2023 showed that only around 15 per cent of the SDGs can currently be achieved. Eliminating all forms of poverty and reducing inequalities remains one of the biggest challenges in this context. In implementing the SDGs, it is also important to leave no one behind (LNOB) to ensure that the results are sustainable in the long term.

Objective

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is driving the 2030 Agenda in Germany, with partner countries and at international level. In German and international development cooperation, greater emphasis is now being placed on fighting poverty and reducing inequalities as independent goals and in the context of implementing the 2030 Agenda. LNOB is being reinforced as an implementation principle.

Approach

The project supports BMZ in revising Germany’s Sustainable Development Strategy for the 2030 Agenda on an ongoing basis.

In addition, it advises BMZ on adopting positions on the SDGs in Germany and at international level, for example within the UN and the European Union.

The project also advises BMZ on developing goals, positions and strategies to fight poverty and reduce inequalities. It is also refining approaches to implementing LNOB. Moreover, it is continuing cooperation arrangements on innovative approaches to reducing inequality in Kenya and Colombia.

The project also supports BMZ in taking a forward-looking approach to analysing and helping to shape policies and political processes in Germany and at international level.

Last update: February 2025