This briefing note was published in September 2020 to coincide with the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The environment underlies each of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – from eliminating hunger to reducing inequalities to building sustainable communities around the world. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is committed to working with all concerned parties to achieve these ambitious targets by promoting environmental sustainability and ensuring the health of the planet.
UNEP’s approach to the 2030 Agenda
As the leading global environmental authority, UNEP is the custodian for 25 SDG indicators – across SDG Goal 6, 8, 12, 14, 15 and 17. These indicators cover topics related to resource management and protection of water, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, circularity, and environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste.
UNEP works with Member States on SDG methodologies and with national statistical authorities to collect, review and report SDG data to the SDG Global database. UNEP promotes the use of data for analysis, including in the annual progress reports.
UNEP facilitates avenues for cooperation between the UN, governments, bilateral and multilateral agencies, businesses, and civil society organizations to initiate joint commitments and promote Multilateral Environmental Agreements.
UNEP and partners developed the Good Life Goals, a set of personal actions that people around the world can take to help support the SDGs. UNEP also encourages individual advocacy through Act Now – Speak Up and promotes individual action and events on World Environment Day and beyond.
To find out more about UNEP’s work for the SDGs, see here.
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