Review of the Sustainable Development Goals: The Science Perspective

This report is an independent scientific review of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals  (SDGs) and 169 targets, as submitted to the UN General Assembly by the UN Open Work - ing Group (OWG). It is a unique tool designed primarily for negotiators, technical support  teams and other actors engaged in defining a universal, integrated and transformational  set of global goals and targets for sustainable development and the political declaration  on the post-2015 development Agenda. In particular it is a resource for technical review  of the targets carried out in preparation for their adoption and translation at the national  level. With more than 40 contributing authors from 21 countries, the report brings  together a wide range of scientific expertise across the natural and social sciences in an  accessible and concise manner. The report offers rigorous analysis of the proposed goals and targets, collectively and  individually, assessing whether they are backed up by scientific evidence, whether they  address the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development  in an integrated way, and whether they are sufficiently specific to be effectively imple - mented and monitored.  It clearly identifies how well defined each target is through a  “traffic light” colour scheme (green, amber, red), signaling where more technical work  may be needed. Concrete recommendations are put forward for consideration in refining  the goals and targets or in planning for their implementation.