Our collective commitment to the 17 Global Goals is our most important defense in

ensuring that the benefits of our modernizing world are shared among all nations and people
and not just by the privileged few. These goals are intended to serve the interest of every
United Nations Sustainable
Educational, Scientific and Development
Cultural Organization Goals
woman, man, and child on our planet. And that means that achieving these goals is up to all
of us. This has to be an international movement—a coming together of people and a rallying
around a common cause on a global scale. I believe that UNESCO, through its specialized
expertise in education, the sciences, culture, communication and information, is very well
positioned to support countries in making these Global Goals a reality for all.
Forest Whitaker
UNESCO Special Envoy for peace and reconciliation,
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocate
UNESCO moving
forward the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development
UNESCO Task Force on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
http://en.unesco.org/sdgs
United Nations Sustainable
Educational, Scientific and Development
Cultural Organization Goals
 1 2 3
Foreword by Introduction The principles of the
the Director-General 2030 Agenda

4 5 6
UNESCO’s two global UNESCO supports UNESCO’s direct
priorities: Gender the data revolution contribution to nine SDGs
Equality & Africa across the SDGs

8 10 12
Inclusive quality Harness science, Protect and sustainably
education and lifelong technology, manage the ocean
learning for all innovation and
knowledge

14 16 18
Understand social Culture as a Freedom of expression
transformations for driver and enabler and universal access to
peaceful, inclusive and for sustainable information and knowledge
right-based societies development

© Christian Mueller / Shutterstock

© UNESCO, 2017

Published in 2017 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
7, place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, France

This publication is available in Open Access under the Attribution-ShareAlike  3.0 IGO (CC-BY-SA 3.0 IGO) license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by- sa/3.0/igo/). By using the content of this publication, the users accept to be bound
by the terms of use of the UNESCO Open Access Repository (http://www.unesco.org/open- access/terms-use-ccbysa-en).

The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any
opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its
authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

The publication was prepared by the Bureau of Strategic Planning/Section for Cooperation with the UN System, with valuable
contributions from all programme sectors, the Africa Department, the Division for Gender Equality, UNESCO’s Institute for
Statistics, the Office of External Relations and Public Information and the Office of the Director-General. UNESCO Task Force on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
http://en.unesco.org/sdgs
BSP-2017/WS/1 – CLD 3509.16
 Foreword by the Director-General

The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with its all to promoting integrated water resources management, ocean
17 Sustainable Development Goals, sets forth a bold new framework for sustainability and protection of biodiversity, from advancing sustainable
development cooperation over the next 15 years. This agenda aspires cities, deepening social inclusion, mitigating and adapting to climate
to ensure prosperity and well-being for all women and men, while change, to preventing violent extremism and ‘cultural cleansing’ and
protecting our planet and strengthening the foundations for peace. defending freedom of expression and media development.
The Sustainable Development Goals represent the most universal,
ambitious and comprehensive agenda ever seen, to leave no one behind. Data is vital to all this. The Organization is responsible for collecting and
disseminating data on the global and thematic indicators needed for
This is a paradigm shift that requires us all to act in new ways. All the review and follow-up of many of these goals. While focusing on the
17 Sustainable Development Goals are connected – this places a 9 Sustainable Development Goals that have direct relevance to UNESCO’s
premium on comprehensive approaches, on partnership, on linking mandate – the Organization’s action will impact across all new goals.
polices and action. Moving forward, the Agenda must build on national
ownership and on the mobilization of effective action and resources at To support countries in embedding the Sustainable Development
the national, regional and global level. Goals into national plans and budgets, and support follow up and
review, UNESCO is acting across the board. This starts with providing
© UNESCO Inclusivity, integration, and universality -- these are the hallmarks of the demand-driven, evidence-based normative and policy advice in its
new agenda. Soft power is essential to taking it forward. areas of competence and delivering capacity building, including
on data collection and analysis. It includes also convening multi-
UNESCO is This is the importance of UNESCO’s universal mandate to contribute
to the “building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable
stakeholder partnerships, and supporting South-South and North-
South-South cooperation. I have created a dedicated Task Force on
bringing all its development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences,
culture, communication and information.” Human rights and dignity
the 2030 Agenda, to ensure sharp, effective and coordinated action for
countries as they take forward, implement and review the new agenda.
weight to supporting are the starting point of the Organization’s action – and the criteria
for assessing its results, with a focus on the most disadvantaged and Accelerating momentum towards the Sustainable Development Goals

countries through excluded groups, as well as countries and segments of societies furthest
behind. UNESCO mainstreams specific interventions for youth, Least
is a human rights imperative, a development imperative, and a peace
imperative – this is about delivering on the collective promise we

new, innovative Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, and marginalized
social and ethnic groups, including indigenous peoples and local
made, as the United Nations, as Governments, as the wider public,
to build a better future for all. It is our responsibility now to meet

and integrated communities, while giving global priority to promoting gender equality
and to supporting countries in Africa in all of its programmes. The
expectations, to do everything to translate promises into reality. This is
UNESCO’s pledge – now, and in the years to come.

approaches to reach Organization also places emphasis on action with countries in conflict
and crisis, or affected by disasters, to build resilience.

the goals they set for UNESCO is bringing all its weight to supporting countries through
new, innovative and integrated approaches to reach the goals they Irina Bokova
themselves… set for themselves – from advancing inclusive quality education for Director General of UNESCO

1
UNESCO moving forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
 Introduction

UNESCO actively contributed to the shaping of the 2030 Agenda for (SDG 13), which are major priorities for the Organization. It recognizes
Sustainable Development – adopted by the UN General Assembly the role of public access to information and the safety of journalists
in 2015 – drawing on its humanist mandate, and mobilizing all of its in accelerating development opportunities and in promoting good
partners and stakeholders. Designed as an agenda of the people, by the governance and the rule of law (SDG 16). It promotes culture, through
people and for the people, it highlights the vital importance of human heritage and creativity, as a key enabler of sustainable development.
capacities, skills and knowledge to adapt and respond to the challenges It acknowledges the value of creating inclusive, safe, resilient and
and opportunities of the present and the future, many of which are sustainable cities, and contains targets on the preservation of natural
still unknown. It places national ownership and support at the country and cultural heritage (SDG 11), as well as on the recovery and return
level as a cornerstone for its successful implementation. Building upon of stolen assets (SDG 16), which also include the illicit trafficking of
the achievements and lessons learned of the Millennium Development cultural objects. It upholds a vision of just, peaceful, equitable and
Goals (MDGs), it seeks to address their unfinished business. inclusive societies recognizing the value of knowledge, heritage and
diversity. It promotes human rights and has a strong focus on gender
The 2030 Agenda is a universal roadmap that is strategically linked to equality (SDG 5).
the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Climate
Change Agreement, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the Quito UNESCO is transforming the way it works to effectively support
Declaration on Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements for All. Member States in the delivery of the 2030 Agenda, including through
expanding its multi-stakeholder partnerships; transitioning towards a
The 2030 Agenda gives new impetus to UNESCO’s actions at the global, ‘structured financing dialogue’ to support comprehensive, integrated
regional and national levels. It gives pride of place to the fundamental participatory planning on financing priorities and needs; working
contribution of quality, inclusive education at all levels and to the in close partnership with the UN system at large in delivering on the
importance of lifelong learning opportunities for all (SDG 4). 2030 Agenda; and improving public access to quality data about
its work as a key component of its commitment to strengthening
It breaks new ground in acknowledging the growing importance of transparency and accountability. The Director General’s dedicated Task
science, technology and innovation (STI) for sustainable development Force on the 2030 Agenda also plays a key role in ensuring UNESCO’s
(SDG 9). It contains ambitious goals in the areas of freshwater (SDG 6), sharp, effective and coordinated action to support countries with the
biodiversity (SDG 15), the ocean (SDG 14), and climate change implementation and review of the Agenda.

UNESCO is actively contributing to the implementation of the

© UN Photo / Mark Garten / Flickr

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development drawing on its humanist

mandate, and mobilizing all of its partners and stakeholders.
2
The principles of the 2030 Agenda

The 2030 Agenda provides a new framework borders, which need to be addressed in an Goals, which are incorporated into national societies free from fear and violence, with
for development cooperation over the next integrated, coordinated and coherent manner; planning processes, policies and strategies. accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
15 years. It is the point of reference for all it emphasizes that developed countries can Supporting national ownership of the SDGs will
› Crisis, conflicts and disasters: the
new national development strategies and no longer achieve sustainable development be a fundamental task for UNESCO. In doing so,
Agenda stresses the need to pay greater
plans. It has considerable importance for the without commensurate progress in developing UNESCO will adapt its support to the specific
attention to the special needs of the countries
entire United Nations system, including for countries and vice versa. and diversified needs of its Member States,
which are in conflict and crisis situations – 33 of
UN specialized agencies like UNESCO. The taking into account the increased diversification
› Inclusivity (“leaving no one today’s 49 least-developed countries, with
Organization will continue to actively participate of the capacity of Member States, in particular
behind”): the new Agenda is deeply a population of almost 900 million – and to
in UN-wide efforts to improve coherence and in emerging Middle Income Countries (MICs).
committed to inclusivity (“leaving no-one address the protracted nature of crises in many
coordination within the UN system.
behind”), including ending poverty in all its › Integration and interlinkages: the humanitarian and conflict-affected settings, as
It will also continue to play an active role in the forms and reducing poverty within and among 2030 Agenda recognizes that sustainable well as building the resilience of the poor and
follow-up and review processes at the global countries; it requires giving highest priority to development strategies should respond of those in vulnerable situations, by reducing
levels and, as appropriate, at the regional and support LDCs and those in conflict and other in an integrated manner to the complex their exposure and liability to climate-related
national levels. special development situations. challenges of today. UNESCO is approaching extreme events. It is committed to bridging the
the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in humanitarian-development divide.
UNESCO is embedding the principles of the › Rights-based: the 2030 Agenda is a rights-
an integrated manner across all its areas of
2030 Agenda into all of its programmes: based agenda, which commits to realizing the › Knowledge, science, technology and
competence (education, natural sciences, social
human rights of all and mainstreaming gender innovation (STI): the new Agenda recognizes
› Sustainable development: the 2030 and human sciences, culture, communication
equality and the empowerment of women and the importance of fully harnessing STI and
Agenda is first and foremost about shifting and information), capitalizing on its
girls across all of the Goals and targets; it places Information and Communication Technologies
the world on to a sustainable and resilient multidisciplinary expertise and intersectoral
emphasis on the role of support to policy and (ICT) for sustainable development, as well as
path. UNESCO is supporting countries in mandate. It is also taking an integrated
normative work for the achievement of the the need to build human capacity, skills and
making this transformative change, through approach across its modalities of work by more
2030 Agenda. knowledge, including through quality education
its work to ensure that all learners have the closely interlinking its normative and country-
for all throughout life; STI, access to information,
skills and knowledge they need to become › Inequalities: the 2030 Agenda recognizes level operational work and supporting closer
and the provision of quality data across all goals.
responsible, green, global citizens; to advance the importance of addressing rising inequalities. integration across the pillars of the United
science, technology and innovation for the UNESCO supports countries in addressing Nation’s work, including the recent push for › Multi-stakeholder partnerships: the
development of sustainable solutions to inequalities through its work to promote stronger humanitarian-development linkages. 2030 Agenda has placed a clear premium on
mitigate and adapt to climate change and other quality, inclusive education for all; narrow the partnerships and on integration and integrated
› Peace, intercultural understanding,
global challenges; to expand access to ICTs to science and knowledge gaps between and approaches. UNESCO will play a significant role in
global citizenship: Critically for UNESCO,
promote socio-economic development; and to within countries; close the digital divide; and its domains as the convener, broker, facilitator and
the 2030 Agenda recognizes that “sustainable
ensure that culture is integrated into sustainable develop inclusive public policies that promote implementer of multi-stakeholder partnerships
development cannot be achieved without
development strategies so that they are relevant, social inclusion and intercultural dialogue. The in support of the 2030 Agenda, and it will also
peace and security” and commits to intercultural
effective and adapted to local contexts. UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) also collects support South-South and North-South-South
understanding, mutual respect, and “an ethic
and shares disaggregated data related to the cooperation to implement the SDGs. Similarly,
› Universality and interdependence: the of global citizenship and shared responsibility”.
Organization’s areas of expertise. UNESCO is also pursuing the development of a
2030 Agenda is a universal agenda, reflecting a Under SDG 16, it commits the international
structured financing dialogue, which should also
changing world and a new appreciation for the › National ownership: the 2030 Agenda community to preventing all forms of violence
help in designing multi-partner approaches.
growing complexity and interconnectedness is first and foremost about the national and to promoting peaceful, just and inclusive
of development challenges reaching beyond ownership of the Sustainable Development

3
UNESCO moving forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
 UNESCO’s two global priorities

GENDER EQUALITY AFRICA

Contributing to SDG 5 on
© Stephane Bidouze / Shutterstock

© johavel / Shutterstock
UNESCO’s Operational Strategy for Priority
Gender Equality Africa is aligned with the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development, which in
UNESCO recognizes gender equality turn integrates fully the 2063 Agenda of
and the empowerment of women and the African Union. Moreover, UNESCO’s
girls as one of its two global priorities. Operational Strategy for Priority Africa
The Organization is mainstreaming is in line with Africa’s official position for
gender equality in all of its programmes the 2030 Agenda, namely the Common
to support the implementation of African Position (CAP), which focuses
the 2030 Agenda. This includes on six pillars: (i) structural economic
promoting girls’ and women’s education; transformation and inclusive growth;
promoting women in science, especially in decision-making levels and in relation to (ii) science, technology and innovation;
water management; promoting safe access for girls and women to drinking water and (iii) people-centered development; (iv) environmental
adequate sanitation; promoting women as agents of social transformations; promoting the sustainability, natural resources management and
full participation of women in cultural life, and promoting women in the media and the disaster risk management; (v) peace and security; and (vi)
empowerment of women through ICTs. UNESCO is also combating violence against women finance and partnerships, which are all part of the SDGs.
in all its forms, including school-related gender-based violence and gender-based violence
in emergencies. All these areas contribute to the implementation of SDG 5. UNESCO also This strategic alignment will enable UNESCO to increase
supports countries in mainstreaming gender equality across all of the SDGs, including the scope of its action in and for Africa, and to improve
through the collection of sex-disaggregated data. It also provides guidance on advancing the commitment of its sectors, institutes and specialized networks, as well as the
gender equality and empowerment of women in all of UNESCO’s fields of competence. In mobilization of external actors, including strategic and financial partners. Africa being a
this context, UNESCO is strengthening its multi-stakeholder partnerships with other UN Global Priority for UNESCO, the programme related to education, the sciences, culture,
entities, as well as national and local partners, including civil society, the private sector and communication and information, further detailed in the brochure, will be implemented
academia to support implementation of the 2030 Agenda. with a special focus on African countries. The ability of UNESCO to work with a wide
array of stakeholders in Africa will be an important comparative advantage for the
implementation of the 2030 Agenda, which promotes South-South and North-South-
South cooperation, both regionally and internationally.

4
 URBAN
FUTURE
UNESCO supports the data revolution across the SDGs GLOBAL REPORT
on CULTURE
for SUSTAINABLE
URBAN
DEVELOPMENT

United Nations Sustainable

UNESCO
SCIENCE
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWL¿FDQG Development

To support the data revolution called for by the 2030 Agenda and Education Monitoring Report, the UNESCO Science Report, the
Cultural Organization Goals

REPORT
to ensure that sustainable development plans and policies reach World Water Development Report, the Global Ocean Science
Towards 2030
those most in need, UNESCO has geared up its efforts, both through Report of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) and through its programme the Global Report on Culture for Sustainable Urban Development, United Nations
Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization
UNESCO
Publishing

sectors, involving conceptual work as well as capacity-building efforts. the Global Report on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the
UIS is contributing to the development of the SDG global indicator Broadband Report and the World Social Science Report will
framework through its participation in the Inter-Agency Expert Group continue to report disaggregated data, as well as analyze progress G LO B A L E D U C AT IO N M O N I TO R I N G R E P O R T 2016
on SDG indicators (IAEG-SDGs) and the UN Statistical Commission in achieving the SDG targets. Education for
people and planet:
on indicators related to targets for SDGs 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16 C R E AT I N G S U S TA I N A B L E F U T U R E S F O R A L L

and 17. It is also contributing to building consensus, developing and UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme (IHP) has United Nations
Educational, Scientific and
Sustainable
Development

implementing thematic indicators with a focus on maintaining the developed the methodology for the monitoring of transboundary
Cultural Organization Goals

standards to ensure international comparability. To date, UIS has led cooperation to achieve target 6.5 of SDG 6 on water (indicator
the thematic indicators for internationally-comparable sectoral reviews 6.5.2) and is supporting Member States in a pilot implementation 2016
Challenging Inequalities:
Pathways to a Just World United Nations
Educational, Scientific and
Sustainable
Development
Cultural Organization Goals
Never before has inequality been so high on the agenda
of policy-makers worldwide, or such a hot topic for World
social science research. More journal articles are being
Social
for education (through the Technical Cooperation Group and the within the UN-Water Global Expanded Water Monitoring
published on the topic of inequality and social justice
today than ever before.
Science
This Report draws on the insights of over 100 social
scientists and other thought leaders from all over Report

2016
the world, across various disciplines, to emphasize
transformative responses to inequality at all levels, from

Global Alliance for Learning) and ICTs for development (through the Initiative (GEMI); decisions at local and transboundary level will
the grass roots to global governance. It concludes that:
• Unchecked inequality could jeopardize the sustainability
of economies, societies and communities;
• Inequalities should not just be understood and tackled
in terms of income and wealth. They involve economics,
politics, social, cultural, environmental, spatial and

Partnership on Measuring for Development), as well as public access be supported by the IHP Water Information Networking System
knowledge-related issues;
• The links and intersections between inequalities need

World Social Science Report

to be better understood to create fairer societies;
• A step change towards a research agenda that is
interdisciplinary, multiscale and globally inclusive
is needed to inform pathways toward greater equality.

to information, and is also developing thematic indicator sets for STI, (WINS). Furthermore, the World Water Assessment Programme
In short, too many countries are investing too little
in researching the long-term impact of inequality on

World
the sustainability of their economies, societies and
communities. Unless we address this urgently, inequalities
will make the cross-cutting ambition of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) to ‘leave no one behind’
by 2030 an empty slogan.
Report

cultural heritage and for measuring gender equality in education and (WWAP) of UNESCO coordinates a UN-Water Task Force to produce Social
The World Social Science Report 2016 was prepared
by the International Social Science Council (ISSC) The United Nations World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) is hosted and
and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), and led by UNESCO. WWAP brings together the work of 31 UN-Water Members as well The United Nations World Water Development Report 2016
is co-published with UNESCO. as 38 Partners to publish the United Nations World Water Development Report

Science
The Report is available as an Open Access publication at: (WWDR) series.
www.worldsocialscience.org

in STEM. A special focus has been placed on measures of equity and the SDG 6 Synthesis Report, which will summarize the results
en.unesco.org/wssr2016 The annual World Water Development Reports focus on strategic water issues.

WATER
UN-Water Members and Partners — all experts in their fields — contribute with
#ChallengingInequalities

WATER AND JOBS

Report
latest findings on a specific theme.

AND JOBS
This edition of the World Water Development Report focuses on ‘Water and Jobs’

equality in order to support the development, implementation and of all related monitoring efforts and offer Member States policy
and seeks to inform decision-makers, inside and outside the water community,
about the importance of the water and jobs nexus for the social and economic
9 789231 001642
development and environmental sustainability of countries, rich and poor.

The importance of ‘water for jobs’ across economies is such that this report could

monitoring of policies aimed at reducing inequalities and overcoming recommendations to accelerate achieving SDG 6 in the wider

THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD WATER DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2016

be subtitled ‘No water - No jobs’. Indeed, a great majority of jobs are dependent
Social and Human upon water, and therefore increasingly at risk under conditions of water scarcity. This

United Nations
Sciences Sector UNESCO
2016 | Challenging Inequalities: Pathways to a Just World
Publishing
report also shows the importance for countries to have sufficient and an adequately
trained water-related workforce in order to seize development opportunities and
Educational, Scientific and United Nations
Cultural Organization
Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization maximize benefits.

all forms of discrimination. context of the 2030 Agenda. The first of its kind to address the multiple aspects of the water and jobs nexus, this
report further reveals the need for additional research and analysis to gain a better
understanding of the complex interactions between water, jobs and development to
support decision-making pertaining to the sound management of water, employment
policy and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Going forward, the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)

will continue to collect disaggregated data related to the
Organization’s areas of expertise and provide institutional expertise
UNDESA, UNECE,
UNECLAC, UNESCAP,
UNESCWA

in the development, collection, and analysis of internationally

United Nations
Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization
9 789231 001468

comparable statistics and related capacity-development and

policy. UNESCO’s global monitoring reports, such as the Global

UNESCO moving forward the 2030 Agenda 5

for Sustainable Development
 UNESCO’s direct contribution to nine SDGs

Based on a global mapping, UNESCO contributes significantly UNESCO also aims to reduce inequalities (SDG 10) through its work
to nine SDGs where the Organization has the following key to ensure that all learners have access to quality education at all
roles: internationally recognized global or shared leadership and levels; reduce the science and knowledge gaps between and within
coordination; monitoring and benchmarking; global advocacy to countries;  close the digital divide and ensure that all development
sustain political commitment; leading or co-leading global multi- policies are inclusive and respect cultural diversity.
stakeholder coalitions; normative mandate and provider of upstream
policy support and capacity development. These roles are played in UNESCO promotes an integrated approach to achieving these 9 SDGs
close partnership with UN entities and partners from the public and and focuses on the following Means of Implementation as described
private sector. in SDG 17: mobilizing additional financial resources for developing
countries; supporting South-South and North-South-South
As stated in UNESCO’s mission statement, the Organization also Cooperation in all of its areas of competence; promoting international
contributes to SDG 1 on eradicating poverty through its work to cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation,
promote quality education and skills development to help people including through its support to the Technology Facilitation
obtain decent work; harness science, technology for poverty Mechanism and the Technology Bank for the LDCs; providing
reduction and sustainable development; promote culture as an effective, targeted capacity building, including on data collection
enabler for sustainable development; support media development and monitoring; promoting policy and institutional coherence; and
and access to information; and build resilience to the effects of climate convening multi-stakeholder partnerships.
change, natural disasters and conflicts.
Recognizing the interrelated nature of the SDGs, UNESCO’s action will
also contribute to a number of the other SDGs, as described in this
publication.

UNESCO contributes significantly to nine SDGs through

an integrated approach, drawing on all of its areas of specialized
expertise and in close partnership with UN entities and partners
© UN Photo / Cia Pak / Flickr

from the public and private sector.

6
 Develop education systems that foster quality inclusive education
and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Foster intercultural dialogue, culture of Eradicate poverty by developing
peace and non-violence, and prevent human capacity and productivity
violent extremism through global citizenship through quality education and skills
education; support free, independent development; science, technology
and pluralistic media, ensure the safety Support girls’ and women’s
education, the participation and and innovation; access to ICTs and
of journalists; protect cultural and natural the media; sustainable management
heritage, strengthen governance systems for empowerment of women in
science, the media, and culture of terrestrial and marine resources;
culture and enhance fundamental freedoms. protection and promotion of
and combating violence against
women in all its forms. cultural heritage and of the diversity
of cultural expressions.

Support the protection

and sustainable use Improve water
of biodiversity and security through
management of natural
resources through UNESCO
UNESCO contributes to the building
United Nations
Educational, Scientific and
Sustainable
Development
water research, water
resources management,
sites (World Heritage, of peace,Cultural
the eradication
Organization of poverty,
Goals
Reduce inequalities through
education, capacity
Biosphere Reserves and sustainable development and intercultural building, advocacy and quality education for all, reduce
UNESCO Global Geoparks).
dialogue through education, the sciences, global monitoring. the science and knowledge gaps
between and within countries,
culture, communication and information
close the digital divide, develop
inclusive public policies, which
include the contribution of culture
to sustainable development.

Promote ocean science Strengthen science

knowledge and build capacity technology and innovation
to protect and sustainably systems and policies.
manage the ocean and coasts.

Strengthen the Means of

Implementation by providing
Provide climate services in support of climate Promote inclusive sustainable cities through quality capacity building, strengthening
change mitigation and adaption efforts with education for all, safeguarding cultural heritage, multi-stakeholder partnerships and
a focus on knowledge (co) production and innovation and creativity, promoting environmental supporting data monitoring and
dissemination, policy advice, education, public sustainability and building resilience to the effects of reporting.
awareness and capacity-development. climate change, disasters and conflicts.

7
UNESCO moving forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Inclusive quality education and lifelong learning for all

Quality, inclusive education for all, as a key driver in Access to safe, inclusive and health-promoting learning
eradicating poverty. environments and comprehensive sexuality education.

GLOBAL PRIORITY
Mobilize strong global multi-stakeholder
engagement through the SDG- Girls’ and women’s education, including
Education 2030 Steering Committee, through the Global Partnership for Girls’
regional partnership mechanisms and Women’s Education and combating
and providing capacity building, data gender-based violence.
monitoring and reporting.

Foster peaceful and inclusive societies Leading the coordination and review/monitoring Strengthen TVET systems to equip
through Global Citizenship Education youth and adults with the skills
of SDG 4-Education 2030 at global and regional
(GCED), including peace and human required for employment, decent
rights education as well as the levels and supporting the implementation of work and entrepreneurship.
provision of education in emergencies. SDG 4 –Education 2030 at country level

Climate Change Education to enable Strengthen national education systems

informed decision making and increase to ensure access to inclusive, quality
adaptation and mitigation capacities of education and lifelong learning.
communities and empower women and
men to adopt sustainable lifestyles.

Transmit knowledge and skills for responsible consumption and Ensure that inclusive, quality education and lifelong learning
production patterns and foster responsible global citizens through are part of urban planning polices to promote inclusive,
the Global Education for Sustainable Development agenda. sustainable cities.

8
 UNESCO is supporting UNESCO was decisive in the formulation of the Education 2030 agenda, Capitalizing on its convening power, UNESCO will bring
encapsulated in the stand-alone Sustainable Development Goal 4 together global, regional and national stakeholders to guide the
countries in implementing (SDG 4). The Organization was mandated to lead and coordinate the implementation of the Education 2030 agenda. It functions as a
the SDG 4-Education implementation of the SDG4 – Education 2030 agenda, through the
Education 2030 Framework for Action (FfA),1 as decided by the World
focal point for education within the overall Education 2030 agenda
for Sustainable Development coordination structure. It convenes
2030 Agenda through Education Forum (Incheon, Republic of Korea, May 2015). the SDG-Education 2030 Steering Committee - a multi-stakeholder
partnership acting as a key structure for coordinating global education
convening the UNESCO’s education programme will be aligned with SDG 4 and its efforts. The mandate of the Steering Committee is to provide strategic
multistakeholder SDG targets. The focus will be on: a) supporting the implementation of
SDG 4–Education 2030 at country level; and b) leading the coordination
guidance, policy advice and capacity development to Member States,
make recommendations for catalytic action, advocate for adequate
Education 2030 Steering and monitoring of SDG 4-Education 2030 at global and regional levels. financing, and monitor progress toward Education 2030 targets
through the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report. This includes
Committee, providing Support for the advancement of SDG-Education 2030 will be guided supporting Member States in implementing the agenda, leading
strategic guidance, by the principles of equity, quality, inclusion and gender equality
whilst promoting creativity and critical thinking. UNESCO will continue
global advocacy on SDG 4, reviewing and monitoring progress,
facilitating South-South and North-South-South cooperation, and
policy advice and to foster Member States’ commitment to the right to education convening high-level global and regional meetings to take forward
and the concept of lifelong learning, as a key principle for holistic the 2030 agenda. Global monitoring on SDG 4 and its related targets
capacity development to and sector-wide educational reform and a response to emerging will be provided through the Global Education Monitoring Report,
Member States, making socio-economic challenges. This work will be demand- driven
and results-oriented, contributing directly to supporting Member
drawing on data collected and disseminated by the UNESCO Institute
for Statistics.
recommendations States in advancing SDG 4 and other education-related SDG targets.
UNESCO will focus on those areas where it has a clear demonstrated Recognizing that all 17 SDGs are interrelated and that education
for catalytic action, comparative advantage and a unique role as a specialized agency. underpins all SDGs, UNESCO’s work in the area of education will also
advocating for adequate contribute to the achievement of other SDGs, more particularly those
related to: Ending poverty (SDG 1); Health and well-being (SDG 3);
financing, and monitoring Gender equality (SDG 5); Decent work (SDG 8); Reducing Inequalities
(SDG 10),Sustainable Cities (SDG 11) Responsible consumption and
progress toward Education 1 The FfA, adopted by the global education community during UNESCO’s General
Conference in November 2015, is the result of an unprecedented consultative process led production (SDG 12); Climate action (SDG 13); Peace (SDG 16) and
by UNESCO. It provides guidance to countries on how to implement SDG 4 on education
2030 targets through and its related targets, and proposes ways of implementing, coordinating, financing and
monitoring Education 2030 to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and
Partnerships (SDG 17).

the Global Education lifelong learning opportunities for all. It can be accessed at http://unesdoc.unesco.org/
images/0024/002456/245656E.pdf

Monitoring (GEM) Report.

9
UNESCO moving forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Harness science, technology, innovation and knowledge

Research and training in life sciences, climate Science, technology, engineering and mathematics education (STEM); and
change, natural disasters and water quality. education for sustainable development (ESD) as part of quality education.

GLOBAL PRIORITY
Use STI to improve food and water security.
Increase the participation of women in
Support inclusive Science, Improve water security STI, including through STEM and Gender
Technology and Innovation through water research, Advancement (SAGA).
(STI) systems and strengthen water resources management,
the capacity of Member States education, capacity building
to monitor and
and critically monitoring.
assess STI for
Harness STI to address poverty-related sustainable Improve access to clean energy
challenges, such as acess to clean energy, development.
through inclusive STI systems.
agriculture, health and water services.

Build sustainable cities UNESCO-designated

that are Biosphere
water Reserves
secure, and
Foster access to STI, provide targeted protect UNESCO Strengthen institutional and human
capacity building, strengthen multi- ecosystems Global capacities in science, technology and
stakeholder partnerships and support and are Geoparks innovation to foster decent work and
resilient as learning
data monitoring and reporting. Increase resilience economic growth.
to climate change and sites for biodiversity and
natural disasters. to climate change sustainable management
and natural of natural resources.
disasters, by
providing scientific
data and climate
Promote international scientific cooperation information services Narrow the STI gap between developed
and peacebuilding, including through the . and developing countries to ensure that all
management of transboundary water countries fully benefit from scientific and
resources and transboundary Biosphere technological progress and innovation.
Reserves and UNESCO Global Geoparks.

Enable conservation and sustainable use of the ocean through the UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves and UNESCO Global
Biosphere Reserves in Marine, Island and Coastal Areas. Geoparks are observatories of responsible consumption and production.

10
 Although there is ample UNESCO’s work in this area contributes to reducing inequalities (SDG At the same time, STI will have to address specific challenges, such as
10) by narrowing the STI gap between Member States to ensure that the impact of climate change and natural hazards, the management
empirical evidence all countries benefit from scientific and technological progress and of limited freshwater and mineral resources, loss of biodiversity and
innovation across the SDGs. The Organization’s engagement in both the ecosystem services.
to demonstrate that Technology Facilitation Mechanism (TFM) and in the Technology Bank
ethically managed for the Least Developed Countries also aims to bridge the STI gap to The specific application of STI for SDGs 6, 11, 13 and 15 will be the
improve knowledge sharing, and to develop the scientific knowledge focus of the International Hydrological Programme (IHP), the Man and
STI are pivotal for base required to access and utilize critical technologies (SDG 9). the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and the International Geoscience
and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) in the fields of freshwater, the
development, it is in UNESCO’s Science Report and GO-SPIN country reports monitor ecological and earth sciences, as well as science for disaster risk
the 2030 Agenda for and assess trends in STI and engineering throughout the world, in reduction (DRR) and climate change action. The UN World Water
particular for developing countries, drawing on data collected and Assessment Programme (WWAP) measures progress in achieving SDG
Sustainable Development disseminated by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The Institute is 6 and its interlinkages with other SDGs through the publication of the
the custodian agency for the indicators related to Target 9.5, and is World Water Development Report (WWDR).
and its Sustainable developing a thematic set of indicators to cover the contribution of
Development Goals STI to achieving the SDGs. The unique global networks of sites dedicated to sustainable
development, such as the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and Global
(SDGs) that for the first With a focus on SDGs 4, 5, 9 and 17, UNESCO supports Member States Geoparks, will support Member States to develop resilient societies
in creating the enabling environment for comprehensive STI systems, and to manage sustainably their natural resources. International
time STI are explicitly, policies, as well as institutional and human capacity development to scientific cooperation focusing on the management of transboundary
and universally, promote sustainable economic development, entrepreneurship and aspects of water resources or UNESCO designated sites contribute to
youth employability. promoting peaceful and inclusive societies (SDG 16).
recognized by the global
community as key
drivers for sustainable
development. This is
true for all the SDGs in a
cross-cutting fashion.

11
UNESCO moving forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Protect and sustainably manage the ocean

International scientific research and cooperation for better

understanding the linkages between the ocean and human health.

Sustainably manage the ocean to maintain a Quality education,training and capacity

vital source of nourishment. building, for global ocean stewardship.

GLOBAL PRIORITY
Sustainably manage our ocean so that it
Gender equality in ocean science, Disaster
continues to support the livelihoods of
Risk Reduction, including tsunamis, and in
people.
ocean-related climate change efforts.

Provide targeted capacity building, Sustainably use the ocean to

IOC supports capacity development and
strengthen multi-stakeholder maintain economic benefits derived
transfer of marine technology; provides
partnerships and support data from fisheries, energy, tourism, and
monitoring and reporting. normative support and science-based transportation.
policy advice on all challenges of ocean
sustainability: pollution, acidification,
fisheries, and coastal livelihoods.
Develop strategies to ensure a sustainable Support ocean research and innovation,
sea/land interface and protect coastal as well as new sustainable ocean-based
livelihoods. industries.

International scientific cooperation informs the Narrow the ocean science and knowledge gaps
interaction between ocean and climate and allows between and within countries and build the capacity
for the development of mitigation and adaptation of countries to sustainably manage the ocean.
strategies.

Promote responsible consumption of ocean resources Strengthen the resilience of coastal cities through effective
through quality education and the media. early warning for ocean hazards, including tsunamis.

12
 The stand-alone Ocean The stand-alone Ocean SDG 14 (Conserve and sustainably use the IOC will use its convening power to strengthen support for the new
oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development) 2030 ocean development agenda, reinforcing and widening its
SDG 14 recognizes recognizes the role of ocean science and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental association with NGOs, regional science organizations, practitioners
the role of ocean Oceanographic Commission’s (IOC) standard-setting role as
essential to addressing all of the challenges or dimensions of ocean
and the public through its regional and other subsidiary bodies. In
the framework of the 2017 UN Conference on the implementation
science and UNESCO’s sustainability (e.g. pollution, ocean acidification, fisheries, coastal of SDG 14, IOC will work through UN inter-agency mechanisms
livelihoods). The Commission will build on this recognition to fulfill on ocean matters to develop ‘SDG enabling activities’ with a view
Intergovernmental its mandate as the leading UN mechanism for global cooperation to providing technical resources to Member States, including on
Oceanographic on ocean science. Beyond SDG 14, many of the Goals depend on
the ocean, especially SDG 1 on poverty eradication, SDG 2 on food
capacity development and on facilitating approaches to access
funding agencies.
Commission’s (IOC) security and improved nutrition, SDG 3 on human health, SDG 8 on
economic growth and productive employment, SDG 9 on sustainable In the context of SDG 13, IOC will coordinate international scientific
standard-setting role as industries and innovation, SDG 11 on resilient and sustainable cities, cooperation to ensure that the best scientific knowledge leads to
essential to addressing SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production, SDG 13 on
climate change, SDG 15 on biodiversity and SDG 17 on partnerships.
appropriate understanding of climate change and enables ocean-
based adaptation and mitigation strategies to address its negative
all of the challenges or Ocean sustainability itself requires expertise and ocean literacy and impacts. Through its regional networks, IOC will coordinate early
is therefore dependent on SDG 4 on quality education and lifelong warning and sustained ocean services to protect life, health and
dimensions of ocean learning opportunities. Societal aspects of SDG 14 activities have property on the coast and at sea; will strengthen disaster risk
sustainability. a strong bearing on gender equality, hence SDG 5. UNESCO-IOC’s
work on ocean research capacity development will also contribute to
education and preparedness programmes for coastal communities,
and the provision of scientific assessments to inform environmental
addressing SDG 10 on inequalities, as it will help to reduce knowledge and climate policy and action.
gaps between and within countries.
IOC’s work will aim at achieving the following result: ‘Science-
IOC will focus its contribution to SDG 14 in three areas: informed policies for reduced vulnerability to ocean hazards, for
› capacity development, especially in marine research and transfer of the global conservation and sustainable use of the ocean, seas and
marine technology; marine resources, and increased resilience and adaptation to climate
› normative and science-based policy advice and support to change, developed and implemented by Member States, towards the
countries on implementing the Ocean SDG and monitoring and realization of Agenda 2030, with particular attention to ensuring that
reporting progress, in accordance with IOC’s role as custodian all of its Member States have the capacity to meet their objectives.
agency for targets 14.3 and 14.a on ocean acidification and
capacity development, respectively, and as contributing agency to
targets 14.1 and 14.2;
› and leveraging ocean observations, science and services for the
conservation and sustainable use of the ocean.

13
UNESCO moving forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
 Understand social transformations for peaceful, inclusive and right-based societies

Provide an intellectual forum, standard-setting Promote and disseminate values, attitudes and
action, advisory role and capacity-building to address behaviours conducive to dialogue, non-violence and
the social, cultural, legal and ethical implications of the rapprochement of cultures in formal & non-formal
scientific progress, including in the field of health. education.

Support participatory, non-discriminatory and

integrated human settlement planning through
the International Coalition of Inclusive and
Sustainable Cities (ICCAR)
GLOBAL PRIORITY
Mobilize knowledge and values
through dialogue with all Support gender equality and the
stakeholders to equip societies to empowerment of all women and
understand the challenges they girls through research, capacity
face and to transform themselves building, policy advice, collaborative
in response. frameworks, and advocacy.

Strengthen the links between research, policy

and practice in order to foster effective,
accountable and transparent institutions and
civil society participation in policy dialogues at
Provide capacity building, all levels, including through the rapprochement Emphasize transformative responses
strengthen multi-stakeholder of cultures and youth empowerment. to inequality at all levels, from the
partnerships and support data grass-roots to global governance,
monitoring and reporting. based on interdisciplinary research
and the science-policy interface.

Ensure the inclusion of the social and ethical dimensions of

climate change in mitigation and adaptation strategies.

14
 The social dimensions Intercultural dialogue is essential to understanding contemporary The work of UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Programme,
social transformations, new levels and forms of human interaction focusing on policy advice and capacity-building, makes a direct
of the 2030 Agenda and and interdependence, and to ensuring peaceful societies. contribution to supporting Member States in the achievement of
the SDG targets on social The achievement of the SDGs will depend on researchers and three Sustainable Development Goals:  SDG 16 (targets 16.6 and 16.7)
policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders having access to and and SDG 11 (target 11.3).
inclusion, the eradication being able to share pertinent and accurate information about the
societies and communities targeted by their actions, as well as a It also provides contributions to supporting Member States in the
of extreme poverty, the coherent intellectual framework in which to proceed. implementation of other SDGs and a number of associated targets:
reduction of inequalities, SDGs 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 13 and SDG 17.
Alongside Member States’ engagement in the production of
inclusive policies for knowledge, the effective use of research through a strengthened The six thematic areas on which UNESCO’s Sector for Social and Human
research-policy nexus can improve evidence-informed public policy, Sciences will focus its efforts are included in the graphic.
cities, as well as inclusive guided by universal values and principles, based on human rights
and participatory and ethical principles; enhance public services and raise the level of
public debates. The integrated nature of the 2030 Agenda and its
decision-making are 17 SDGs requires greater policy coherence at the national, regional
and international levels that can be obtained through stronger links
directly related to between social science research and public policy-making, including
UNESCO’s mandate to globally-comparable data for trend monitoring, priority-setting and
the assessment of programmes and policies.
support Member States in
managing contemporary
social transformations.

15
UNESCO moving forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
 Culture as a driver and enabler for sustainable development

Share knowledge and skills and manage health risks taking into account the cultural contexts.
Contribute to well-being and quality health care by traditional health practices.

Culture enhances access to education and ensures

more locally relevant curricula, textbooks and teaching
Cultural diversity and traditional knowledge are important methods. Quality education should nurture the
assets for food security and sustainable farming. appreciation of cultural diversity and provide youth
with the knowledge and skills for decent jobs and
entrepreneurship in creative industry sectors.

Protection and promotion of the world’s

cultural and natural heritage makes cities
GLOBAL PRIORITY
inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Provide capacity building, strengthen multi-
stakeholder partnerships and support data Generate transformative social change by
collection, monitoring and reporting. empowering women and girls as creators
and producers of cultural goods and services
and by supporting their participation in the
safeguarding of cultural heritage and their
participation in cultural life.

Implementation of Culture Conventions allow for

combatting the illicit trafficking of cultural objects,
the protection and promotion of cultural and
natural heritage, support for cultural and creative
industries, and enhancing fundamental freedoms and
participatory systems of governance for culture.
UNESCO Culture Conventions on natural, cultural, Culture is an asset for eradicating poverty by
under-water and intangible cultural heritage allow linking both its economic and social dimensions and
for the protection of the environment, water-related investing in Aid for Trade. The cultural and creative
ecosystems, coastal and marine areas, and aquaculture industries, cultural tourism and the safeguarding of
and foster responsible tourism. heritage are powerful drivers for poverty reduction,
sustainable economic growth, innovation and employment.

Promote the intrinsic link between cultural diversity and biodiversity to ensure
greater environmental sustainability. Traditional knowledge and skills build
resilience to counter the effects of natural disasters and climate change. Culture is
a resource for sustainable consumption and production patterns.

16
Culture is a driver and Based on a strong appeal from national and local stakeholders, UNESCO works to foster South-South and North-South-South
the 2030 Agenda integrates, for the first time, the role of culture, cooperation, promote the introduction of preferential treatment
enabler of sustainable through cultural heritage and creativity, as an enabler of sustainable measures for developing countries and strengthen national and local
development and development across the SDGs. capacities, providing policy advice at global, national and local levels
and fostering innovation and exchange by means of its extensive
essential for achieving UNESCO’s Culture programme directly contributes to implementing global networks to support Member States in implementing the
SDG 11 on making cities sustainable, particularly Target 11.4 on 2030 Agenda. In particular, UNESCO’s networks for sustainable urban
the 2030 Agenda as it protecting natural and cultural heritage, for which the UNESCO development, including World Heritage and Cities, and the UNESCO
contributes to human Institute for Statistics will also support the development of
indicators. In addition, UNESCO’s transversal efforts involving all
Creative Cities Network (UCCN), provide a comprehensive platform to
advance the implementation of the SDGs, especially SDG 11.
and socio-economic its normative instruments, namely its six Culture Conventions on
cultural heritage and creativity, also support the implementation As pictured in the graphic below, the UNESCO Culture Conventions
development, quality of several other SDGs including 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and their operational activities demonstrate how culture can help
achieve the 2030 Agenda by promoting:
education, social and 17. Safeguarding cultural heritage and encouraging creativity is
essential for communities around the globe to be actively involved in • human and socio-economic development, as a source of
inclusion, sustainable attaining the goals. UNESCO’s work to protect culture in emergency identity, creativity and innovation;
situations, including in conflict and disaster situations, also contributes
cities, environmental to the implementation of the SDGs, in particular SDG 16, aiming to • quality education, by ensuring that education systems are
adapted to local needs drawing on the cultural heritage of
sustainability, and strengthen resilience and promote peaceful and inclusive societies.
communities, building relevant skills needed for employment,
peaceful societies. Flagship operational initiatives and programmes, such as the decent jobs and entrepreneurship;
Culture and Sustainable Urban Development Initiative, the World • sustainable cities, by strengthening the link between communities
Heritage Education Programme, the UNESCO Heritage Routes and their built environment and sustaining vibrant cultural lives and
projects, and the World Heritage Sustainable Tourism and Marine quality urban environments;
Programmes, provide frameworks and key recommendations to
• environmental sustainability, as an inherent element of the
support Member States in integrating culture into strategies and
natural environment and contributing to the preservation of
policies for implementing the SDGs. The global reports, notably
biodiversity and ecologically sound development;
the Global Report on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, provide
key information and data to monitor the impact of such strategies • peaceful societies and inclusion, through the enhancement
and provide evidence of culture’s contribution to achieving of fundamental freedoms and the strengthening of participatory
the SDGs through investment in creativity and innovation and systems of governance for culture, the respect for cultural diversity
engagement of civil society. The UNESCO Culture Conventions also and the promotion of gender equality.
offer guidelines to States Parties on how their implementation can
benefit sustainable development – notably the 1972 World Heritage
Convention, the 2003 Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage
and the 2005 Convention on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

17
UNESCO moving forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
 Freedom of expression and universal access to information and knowledge

GLOBAL PRIORITY

Improve women’s access to information and create

Universal access to information as a tool to make opportunities for their empowerment. Foster gender equality
citizens active agents of their own development. within media organizations and fight gender stereotypes in
media content. Empower young women with ICT skills.

Develop freely accessible educational

material via open access programmes and
integrate ICTs in the classroom to ensure
inclusive access to affordable technical,
vocational and tertiary education.
Foster youth creativity and innovation
through an Open Solutions approach
to create employment opportunities
Build an enabling environment to
and solutions in different fields.
support public access to information
and fundamental freedoms. Ensure
diversity of voices and types of
media, the safety of journalists, Foster universal Build an enabling
enhance citizen’s ability to access to environment
critically judge information. Protect information, to ensure
documentary heritage for the survival including public access to
of a collective memory.
through Open information and
Facilitate equitable and affordable
Solutions, fundamental
access to information. Preserve cultural
directly freedoms.
and linguistic diversity. Foster universal
contributes to building resilient Ensure media pluralism, the access to digital resources as well as to
infrastructure and fostering safety of journalists and protect digital services. Develop multicultural
innovation, particularly through documentary heritage for the knowledge societies.
increasing access to ICTs. survival of a collective memory.

Improve climate information exchanges using

ICTs for cross-border communication, allowing
for quick adaptation and mitigation measures.

Support scientific knowledge transaction between and among various stakeholders via
Open Access and ICTs and keep citizens informed about important urban environmental
aspects and risks using sensor-based technology and ICTs.

18
 Communication and The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development states that the UNESCO also promotes the conceptual framework of Internet Universality
‘spread of information and communications technology and global through the implementation of the ROAM principles, which supports
media are central to interconnectedness has great potential to accelerate human progress, to Internet Governance activities that are human Rights-based, Open,
bridge the digital divide and to develop knowledge societies’. Accessible to all, and nurtured by Multi-stakeholder participation.
promoting sustainable Knowledge remains a crucial asset for human development. Innovation
UNESCO, through its Communication and Information (CI) Programme, is
development and contributing to building these inclusive knowledge societies, by addressing
in ICTs for learning and equal participation in societal development are
essential for the achievement of SDG 4, which calls for equitable and
current and emerging global challenges in the area of communication
democracy. The right to and information. UNESCO supports Member States in building peace and
inclusive access to quality education for lifelong learning, including the
most marginalized social groups.
freedom of expression promoting fundamental rights and freedoms, by strengthening freedom of
expression, media development and access to information and knowledge Advances in ICTs and increasingly inter-connected Knowledge Societies
underpins a free, through ICTs, directly contributing to the achievement of SDGs 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, underscore the importance of ensuring creativity and innovation - through
11, 13, 16, and 17. an “Open Solutions” approach - to empower and promote the social and
pluralistic, inclusive economic inclusion of all. To further foster social and economic inclusion
Communication and media are central to fostering sustainable
and independent media development and democracy. The right to freedom of expression and
of young people in their societies, the CI Programme will empower young
people worldwide, particularly young women, by providing them with the
environment as well as freedom of information are the basis for a free and pluralistic media
environment. This supports democracy and good governance. On this basis,
high-level skills and the confidence to develop, promote, and sell mobile
applications (apps) that solve local issues of sustainable development, and
freedom of information. public access to information, the safety of journalists, youth empowerment,
provide self-generated, viable employment opportunities in the mobile/ICT
gender equality in and through media, media and information literacy,
industry (SDG 10, target 2).
media pluralism and diversity, access to information and knowledge and
professional journalist standards are advanced. This enables journalists This approach allows UNESCO to support Member States in reducing the
to make independent contributions to achieving the 2030 Agenda for proportion of youth not in employment, education or training (SDG 8,
Sustainable Development. target 6).
Through its lead role as coordinator of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety UNESCO also reinforces awareness raising and knowledge management
of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, UNESCO works with a wide range of activities to ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making
partners to help ensure adequate responses to the protection of journalists for climate change mitigation (SDG 13, target 3 and Paris Agreement). This
and the fight against impunity. Special attention is given to supporting work is supported by activities for free, independent, pluralistic and diverse
safety for women journalists. UNESCO also contributes with regular global media, reporting on climate change and environmental protection as well
monitoring of indicators approved by the UN Statistical Commission, as a as through participatory citizen science applications.
contributing agency for tracking global progress on indicator 16.10.1 and as
Finally, UNESCO’s CI Sector supports Member States in safeguarding the
custodian agency for global reporting on indicator 16.10.2. UNESCO will be
world’s cultural heritage (SDG 11, target 4), with a focus on documentary
enhancing universal and affordable access to the Internet (SDG 9, target c),
heritage through the Memory of the World Programme. CI raises awareness
including through its active contribution to the Broadband Commission for
about the importance of preservation, dissemination and accessibility to
Sustainable Development and the promotion of policy development and
documentary heritage, including in digital form, as an invaluable asset of
capacity building.
humanity and an expression of the richness and the diversity of peoples
and cultures.

19
UNESCO moving forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
 Our collective commitment to the 17 Global Goals is our most important defense in
ensuring that the benefits of our modernizing world are shared among all nations and people
and not just by the privileged few. These goals are intended to serve the interest of every
United Nations Sustainable
Educational, Scientific and Development
Cultural Organization Goals
woman, man, and child on our planet. And that means that achieving these goals is up to all
of us. This has to be an international movement—a coming together of people and a rallying
around a common cause on a global scale. I believe that UNESCO, through its specialized
expertise in education, the sciences, culture, communication and information, is very well
positioned to support countries in making these Global Goals a reality for all.
Forest Whitaker
UNESCO Special Envoy for peace and reconciliation,
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocate
UNESCO moving
forward the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development
UNESCO Task Force on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
http://en.unesco.org/sdgs
United Nations Sustainable
Educational, Scientific and Development
Cultural Organization Goals