In September 2015, countries throughout the world, spearheaded by the United Nations, signed up to a new agenda for comprehensive and sustainable human development.

The 2030 Agenda aspires to achieve 17 high level Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 specific targets, encompassing the social, economic and environmental dimensions of development. These aspirations for human dignity, and ‘to leave no one behind’, is fully in line with the principles and objectives of development from an Islamic perspective (Maqasid Al-Sharia).

The SDGs aim to improve the quality of people’s lives in a number of ways: eradicating poverty and hunger; promoting health and education; reducing inequality and gender disparities; building sustainable infrastructure and making cities more sustainable; combating climate change; protecting oceans, forests and bio-diversity. The SDGs support peace and justice and promote economic growth that is inclusive, equitable and sustainable.

There is a comprehensive framework for implementing the SDGs which emphasizes partnerships between multiple stakeholders. Financing modalities were outlined under the Addis Ababa Action Agenda with the aim to increase financing from billions to trillions through both traditional and new mechanisms and covering both domestic and international finance.

The IsDB group is fully committed to the SDGs. It recognizes that development objectives vary from one country to another. Its work is therefore initiated and motivated by understanding the real needs of its member countries, and it adapts its interventions accordingly. The IsDB group supports the implementation of this transformative agenda according to the needs and priorities of its member countries, through a collaborative approach, and in partnership with bilateral and multilateral development financing institutions, the private sector and civil society.