The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda) was agreed by 193 Member States at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in New York in September 2015. Australia actively participated in international discussions to design the 2030 Agenda and supported the involvement of all development actors, including civil society organisations, the private sector, philanthropic organisations and academia.
What is the 2030 Agenda?
The 2030 Agenda is a comprehensive, progressive and innovative agenda that responds to the many challenges faced by the world today and into the future. It aims to integrate the social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainable development.
The 2030 Agenda is comprised of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a roadmap for sustainable development efforts to 2030 and beyond —and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development, which is a global plan for financing the SDGs.
Visit the UN's Sustainable Development website for more information on the 2030 Agenda, the SDGs and financing.
Australia and the 2030 Agenda
The 2030 Agenda is both a domestic and international agenda. It is well aligned with Australia's interests - especially in promoting regional stability, security and economic prosperity.
Australian Government coordination on implementation of the 2030 Agenda is led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C).
Soon after the SDGs were launched Australia produced the 2018 Voluntary National Review that highlighted Australia's achievements, priorities and challenges —both domestically and internationally —in advancing the 2030 Agenda. The report is not just about government initiatives and activity, it is also about the efforts of the business sector, civil society, academia, communities and individuals. Australians can contribute to the SDGs in many ways including through work in the care economy, volunteering in the community and preserving the natural environment .
Find out more about Australia’s engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals
The role of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
The department is an active participant in the whole-of-government approach to the 2030 Agenda. We have direct responsibility for five the Goals. These are:
- Goal 2 – Zero Hunger (includes food security)
- Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
- Goal 12 – Responsible Production and Consumption
- Goal 14 – Life below Water
- Goal 15 – Life on Land.
The Department also contributes to many other goals led by other Australian government departments.
Australia’s National Reporting Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals
The Australian Government has an official National Reporting Platform for the Sustainable Development Goals. The Platform contains Australian Government data on the Indicators that support the Goals and will be used to track progress over time.
Explore Australia’s National Reporting Platform on the SDGs
