Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals: Foundations, Evolution, and Implementation
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global | NEYA Global Publishing
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-tech-gl-imp-02
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About the Article
This article examines the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a transformative framework for global progress. Building on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the SDGs expand the agenda to address structural drivers of poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation while embedding sustainability and inclusivity at their core.
The analysis traces the evolution from MDGs to SDGs, explores their social, economic, environmental, and governance dimensions, and highlights their operationalization in the European Union, China, and Kenya. The article emphasizes governance, partnerships, and accountability as essential enablers, while also acknowledging persistent challenges in implementation.
Ultimately, the SDGs are presented as both a global governance framework and a pragmatic guide for practitioners designing equitable and resilient interventions.
Key Topics
- Evolution from the Millennium Development Goals to the SDGs
- Social, economic, environmental, and governance dimensions of the SDGs
- National and regional implementation: EU, China, and Kenya
- Governance, partnerships, and resource mobilization
- Challenges of inclusivity, sustainability, and accountability
- SDGs as both global governance framework and practical tool
Academic Value
The article contributes to academic debates on global governance and development frameworks by analyzing how the SDGs emerged, evolved, and continue to shape international strategies. For practitioners, it highlights pragmatic applications of the SDGs, offering insights into implementation challenges and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals: Foundations, Evolution, and Implementation. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-tech-gl-imp-02
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