The SDGs are following the 8 Milennium Development Goals (MDGs), adopted as a global concept of poverty reduction. Although respectable efforts were made - in specific in Asian countries – most of the goals were not reached in African countries south of the Sahara. The SDGs are based on the MDGs, they are linking the social targets of the MDGs with sustainble goals of the UN Environment and Development Conference and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The outcome document of the UN-Climate Change Conference in Paris 2015 is a binding commitment of governments to reduce global warming – therefore it is an essential part of the SDGs.

The new approach of the SDGs consists of the principle of universality of the goals. Following the principle, the SDGs are to be implemented by all governments in all countries of the world. Global social, economic and sustainable development is put in the centre of the discussion, aid and development cooperation remain important but they are only two of different issues of political influence and international relations supporting global and sustainable development.

ÖFSE follows the international debate on the Agenda 2030 and contributes to the Austrian discussion – and thus the further development of the agenda – through publications, events and workshops. In addition, specific issues such as financing for development and education are analysed in the context of the Agenda 2030.