WASHINGTON (September 24, 2015)— Today at the United Nations, world leaders are expected to adopt a new global development framework, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to eradicate poverty and inequalities and spur economic growth.

The launch of the SDGs builds on the Financing for Development Conference in July where governments agreed to a renewed global framework on how to finance international development, and they should be followed by the adoption of a new global climate agreement in December.

Following is a statement by Manish Bapna, executive vice president and managing director, World Resources Institute:

“The SDGs are a remarkable achievement that set a bold new agenda for international development. Reflecting profound changes in the world, the new SDGs apply to all countries and importantly put environmental sustainability at their core. The SDGs recognize that we cannot eradicate extreme poverty and ensure lasting economic growth without also caring for the planet.

“Fortunately, there are a growing number of examples where poverty reduction, economic growth and environmental protection go hand-in-hand. This includes creating compact cities that focus on people, restoring degraded land, expanding access to low-carbon energy, and many more.

“Of course, it’s not enough to have good goals. Now, it’s up to governments – and others in the private sector, international organizations, and civil society – to follow through on this vision. By setting smart policies, encouraging sustainable investment, and measuring progress, countries can put us on a path to achieve these goals.

“If successful, the SDGs will usher in a radical shift in development. We can move away from today’s imbalanced approach to one that benefits all people and protects the planet at the same time.”


Read more in our SDGs blog series: