7 min readConcept sheetGoal-number and comparison MCQs
Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals
The 8 MDGs (2000-2015) targeted poverty and basic needs in developing countries. The 17 SDGs (2015-2030) are universal, with 169 targets.
MDGs8 goals; Millennium Declaration 2000; deadline 2015
SDGs17 goals, 169 targets; adopted 2015; deadline 2030
Sustainable developmentBrundtland Report, Our Common Future (1987)
India's SDG nodal bodyNITI Aayog (SDG India Index)
The eight Millennium Development Goals
| MDG | Goal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger |
| 2 | Achieve universal primary education |
| 3 | Promote gender equality and empower women |
| 4 | Reduce child mortality |
| 5 | Improve maternal health |
| 6 | Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases |
| 7 | Ensure environmental sustainability |
| 8 | Develop a global partnership for development |
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals
| SDG | Goal |
|---|---|
| 1 | No poverty |
| 2 | Zero hunger |
| 3 | Good health and well-being |
| 4 | Quality education |
| 5 | Gender equality |
| 6 | Clean water and sanitation |
| 7 | Affordable and clean energy |
| 8 | Decent work and economic growth |
| 9 | Industry, innovation and infrastructure |
| 10 | Reduced inequalities |
| 11 | Sustainable cities and communities |
| 12 | Responsible consumption and production |
| 13 | Climate action |
| 14 | Life below water |
| 15 | Life on land |
| 16 | Peace, justice and strong institutions |
| 17 | Partnerships for the goals |
MDGs and SDGs compared
| Point | MDGs | SDGs |
|---|---|---|
| Period | 2000-2015 | 2015-2030 |
| Size | 8 goals | 17 goals, 169 targets |
| Scope | Mainly developing countries | Universal: all countries |
| How made | Drafted largely by experts | Negotiated openly by UN member states |
| Environment | One goal (MDG 7) | Several goals (6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15) |
| Guiding pledge | - | Leave no one behind |
The five Ps of the 2030 Agenda
- People: end poverty and hunger; dignity and equality.
- Planet: protect natural resources and the climate.
- Prosperity: prosperous lives in harmony with nature.
- Peace: peaceful, just and inclusive societies.
- Partnership: global solidarity to carry out the agenda.
How NET asks this: match SDG numbers with themes (SDG 4 quality education, SDG 13 climate action), recall 17 goals and 169 targets, or contrast MDGs with SDGs.
Typical MCQ: “Which SDG deals with quality education?” SDG 4: inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all.
Typical MCQ: “How do the SDGs differ from the MDGs in scope?” The SDGs are universal, binding all countries; the MDGs mainly targeted developing countries.
8 → 17; 2000 → 2015 → 2030. SDG 4 is education, 13 climate, 14 the sea, 15 the land.