Sustainable Development Goals

MSDI provided input to help the United Nations shape the SDGs back in 2013, and has since developed significant expertise and reputation as a regional and global leader in mobilising SDG implementation.

This includes as host of SDSN Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, the regional hub of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a global network of universities and knowledge institutions committed to the achievement of the SDGs.

We draw on MSDI’s expertise in sustainable development research, education and policy, as well as extensive networks and partnerships, to deepen, strengthen and amplify action on the SDGs.

In particular, we focus on governance for SDG transformations, SDG localisation and progress measurement, mobilising universities for the SDGs, and education and capacity building.

Contact Shirin Malekpour, Cameron Allen, Tahl Kestin or John Thwaites for collaborative opportunities.

Featured

Thought leadership for a post-2030 sustainable development agenda

We are bringing together global experts on the SDGs to develop meaningful academic input into strengthening the global sustainable development agenda agenda after 2030.

Transforming Australia

MSDI’s Transforming Australia reports comprehensively track Australia's progress on SDG targets and indicators.

Pathways and entry points for SDG implementation

Our research team has been undertaking agenda-setting research on mechanisms for accelerating progress on the SDGs.

Accelerating SDG Practice

An ongoing forum series co-led by SDSN AusNZPac to help higher education institutions in the region accelerate and scale up their action on the SDGs.

Asia-Pacific Synergy Report

We are contributing to this important UN report to understand and manage synergies between the climate, pollution and biodiversity crises and the SDGs.

City of Melbourne VLR

MSDI was instrumental in supporting Melbourne to become the first city in Australia to conduct a Voluntary Local Review (VLR) on SDG progress.

Capturing regional SDG priorities

This project engaged with stakeholders across Australia and the Pacific to capture the challenges and opportunities presented by the SDGs as input into the Global Sustainable Development Report 2023.

Global Sustainable Development Report 2023

MSDI’s Shirin Malekpour was the only Australian appointed by the UN Secretary-General to be part of the 15-strong Group of Independent Scientists writing the 2023 report.

Guides and reports

Academic publications

Media

Presentations

Evidence Review Service

Our approach

Research and thought leadership

We undertake agenda-setting research and provide big picture thinking on what role the SDGs can play in accelerating sustainable development transformations.

Supporting action for the SDGs

We develop tools, resources and guides, and build capacity, to support SDG policy and action by different levels of society and different societal actors.

Convening and network building

We bring together stakeholders from academia, government, private sector and civil society to share expertise and amplify advocacy on the SDGs.

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What are the SDGs?

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), agreed to by all world governments in 2015, are a powerful global framework for a more sustainable, prosperous, inclusive and peaceful future for all by 2030. Now, more than half way through to 2030, only 16% of the targets globally are on track to be achieved by 2030, and action on the SDGs is more urgent than ever. Click to find out more.