The Post-2030 Initiative: Science for the Next Global Sustainable Development Agenda
The Post-2030 Initiative: Science for the Next Global Sustainable Development Agenda
Bringing together SDG experts from around the world to develop meaningful academic input on how the next sustainable development agenda can be strengthened after 2030.
The science community played a critical thought leadership role in the government-led process of designing the SDGs – synthesising and communicating evidence-based insights through publications and reports, participating in official UN meetings and background discussions, and engaging directly with policy makers.
In 2027, the UN will start a process to negotiate what the global sustainable agenda will look like after 2030. Policymakers now have the opportunity to draw on both experience and the growing body of research on SDGs implementation to inform and enhance a potential post-2030 framework. This contribution will be even more impactful if supported by greater coordination, cross-regional collaboration, and coherent messaging from leading SDGs research communities.
In this project, we have partnered with the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) to ensure any future framework is grounded in the latest scientific knowledge and evidence. To this end, we are convening key SDG experts and stakeholders from around the world in a series of workshops to develop academic insights in support of the post-2030 negotiations.
Workshop 1: Beyond 2030: Shaping the post-2030 sustainable development agenda
10-11 December 2024, Monash University Indonesia, Banten, Indonesia
The kick-off workshop of this project brought together approximately 25 global academic experts to discuss the successes and shortcomings in the implementation of the SDGs so far; global trends likely to impact the post-2030 agenda; and ideas for reforms or strengthening the SDGs beyond 2030.
Workshop 2: Pathways to Impact
10-11 December 2025, Stockholm Enviroment Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
The second workshop of this project brought together key experts and policymakers from around the world to deepen understanding of policy demand, explore how science can support the post-2030 process, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Research collaboration to inform the next global for sustainable development agenda beyond 2030
18 February 2025
Twenty-five thought leaders from different countries and research institutions, with expertise and a strong track record in SDG research, science, and policy met at Monash Indonesia in December 2024 to discuss priorities beyond 2030.
Researchers call for rethink of global sustainable development agenda as 2030 deadline looms
19 January 2026
As the world approaches the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with fewer than one in five targets on track, researchers warn that the next global framework risks repeating the same mistakes unless it is built on a clear and explicit theory of change.