We aim to strengthen the ability of nations and communities to develop and implement strategies that address current and emerging social, economic, and environmental challenges. Through a cross-cutting and inclusive approach, 17 SDG helps integrate the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs into national development planning frameworks. We also facilitate knowledge sharing, practical tools, and best practices through training workshops, webinars, and stakeholder events.

Our capacity development work connects the 2030 Agenda to key sectors such as:

• Sustainable energy
• Water and sanitation
• Oceans and the blue economy
• Urban development and cities
• Disaster risk reduction
• Science, technology, and innovation
• Support for micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)
  
  

We promote inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement and decision-making through participatory learning formats, both online and in-person. All activities are demand-driven and delivered in partnership with

• Our project offices (UNOSD and UNCRD)
• UN regional commissions
• Other UN entities
• UN Resident Coordinators’ Offices
  
  

Target beneficiaries include countries undergoing Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Funding support is provided through the Regular Programme for Technical Cooperation (RPTC), the Development Account, and other extra-budgetary sources such as the 2030 Agenda Sub-Fund of the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund.

The RPTC enables a fast and flexible response to short-term capacity-building requests, supporting countries with limited resources to overcome small-scale challenges in implementing sustainable development strategies.

The 2030 Agenda and Capacity Building – 17 SDG’s Commitment

The 2030 Agenda identifies capacity-building as a vital component in achieving the SDGs. Paragraph 41 of the Agenda emphasizes that the success of each goal depends on strong national capacities. Specific capacity-building targets are embedded across all 17 goals, with a major focus under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), particularly Target 17.9:

Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries to support national plans to implement all the Sustainable Development Goals, including through North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation.

17 SDG supports this vision by delivering targeted capacity-building programmes in key thematic areas. Our primary actions include

• Supporting governments and stakeholders in enhancing the role of MSMEs toward achieving the 2030 Agenda.
• Strengthening the capabilities of SIDS to meet the goals of the SAMOA Pathway and Agenda 2030.
• Assisting countries in integrating the SDGs into their national development plans and sustainability strategies using tools, peer-learning, and monitoring mechanisms.
• Promoting multi-stakeholder partnerships and participatory methods through workshops and online training sessions.
• Enabling countries to monitor progress and build strong partnerships in support of SDG implementation.
  
  

Historical Context of Capacity Building at 17 SDG

Capacity-building has long been recognized as a foundational element of sustainable development. Over the years, numerous international frameworks and conferences have emphasized its importance:

• Agenda 21 (1992) addressed capacity-building under Chapter 37.
• The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development made key decisions on capacity building during its 4th (1996), 5th (1997), and 6th (1998) sessions.
• The 1997 Special Session of the UN General Assembly reviewed Agenda 21 and further emphasized this aspect.
• The Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (2002) highlighted capacity-building as essential to sustainable development.
• Rio+20’s outcome document, The Future We Want, reinforced the call for enhanced technical and scientific capacity-building.
• The SAMOA Pathway (2014) identified capacity development as vital in climate action, sustainable energy, ocean preservation, chemicals and waste management, and financing—especially for SIDS.

Today, 17 SDG builds upon this legacy, offering innovative and inclusive capacity development models that are tailored to local needs while aligning with global ambitions.