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 Working 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.

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 implemented 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.