The outcome document is to be officially adopted by world leaders at the Sustainable Development Summit in September. The Agenda will provide a sound basis on which a meaningful agreement can be reached at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris at the end of the year.

Agenda 2030 lays out 17 goals. It is a sound foundation and an opportunity to eradicate extreme poverty, fight inequality and secure the future of our planet within one generation. After twelve days of negotiations in New York an agreement was reached by all UN member states.

Federal Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks welcomed the Agenda, which she described as an important step forward. "The UN’s decision to adopt this sustainable development agenda can only be described as historic. For the first time ever the international community has systematically linked poverty reduction with the preservation of our planet." The successful conclusion of negotiations on the 2030 Agenda, she added, will provide a strong tailwind for global environmental protection, ensure better social standards around the globe and pave the way for a significantly greener economy.

Global charter for the future

Federal Development Minister Gerd Müller also praised the agreement reached in New York. "We are one step closer to achieving a global charter for the future," he said.

Industrialised nations, emerging economies and developing countries are jointly responsible for achieving the new goals. The UN member states also agreed on an international review mechanism that is to track progress in implementing the Agenda.