heimsmarkmið

Heimsmarkmið is Icelandic for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They were adopted in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda, with the aim of ending poverty, protecting the planet, and promoting peace and prosperity by 2030. The SDGs are designed to be pursued in an integrated and indivisible way across the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental.

The 17 goals are accompanied by numerous targets and an indicator framework to track progress. They cover areas such as poverty, health, education, gender equality, water and sanitation, energy, sustainable cities, climate action, ecosystems, peace, and partnerships. The universality principle means that all countries — rich and poor alike — have responsibilities and can benefit from the outcomes.

Implementation occurs through national and local plans, policy alignment, and regular monitoring and reporting. Data collection, statistical capacity, and international cooperation are essential to measure progress and identify gaps. Civil society, the private sector, and international organizations participate in action and accountability.

In Iceland, heimsmarkmið is the term used for these objectives, and national strategies align with the SDGs to guide policy and public commitments. Progress faces challenges such as data gaps, financing, and ensuring equitable improvement across regions and groups.