Transitioning from the MDGs to the SDGs

Many countries mainstreamed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) into their national and sub-national development plans and strategies, and implemented specific measures intended to achieve the associated targets. However, progress was uneven and, in spite of best efforts, many countries missed one or more of the MDG targets.

During the last three years of the MDG period, heightened efforts were made at accelerating progress. Acceleration efforts were expected to shorten the amount of time to completion and offer significant benefits to the implementation phase of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Much has been learned through efforts of the last fifteen years, and there is enough evidence to guide such efforts. This report documents the experience of 16 countries and the Pacific Islands sub-region with acceleration efforts.