The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to change the world’s system of governance by introducing more justice in the distribution of material goods and services and protecting at the same time humankind’s natural foundations of existence from degradation. Although not binding in legal terms, the Agenda traces the lines for political action aiming to make social and economic rights a reality for everyone. International law descends from its high horse of intergovernmental relations to address the vital needs and interests of the common man or woman like poverty and hunger. In this sense, one can speak of a project aiming to establish a true international community whose guiding principle is equality within and among nations. Through its mechanism of monitoring and review the Agenda attempts to involve all societal forces for the objective of development. The great challenge is to translate the Agenda into concrete action, leaving the province of diplomatic statements.