The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a 'blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.' Set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, they are part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which succeeded the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Key Characteristics of the SDGs:

1. Universal Application: Unlike the MDGs, which primarily targeted developing countries, the SDGs are universal, applying to all countries – developed and developing – recognizing that all nations have a role to play in achieving sustainable development.
2. Integrated and Indivisible: The 17 goals and their 169 targets are interconnected and indivisible, meaning progress in one area often depends on progress in others. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.
3. Comprehensive Scope: The SDGs cover a vast array of global challenges, encompassing social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. They address issues from poverty and hunger to climate change, peace, and justice.
4. 'Leave No One Behind' Principle: A central tenet of the 2030 Agenda is the commitment to 'leave no one behind,' emphasizing the need to reach the furthest behind first and address inequalities.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
2. Zero Hunger: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
3. Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
4. Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
5. Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
10. Reduced Inequalities: Reduce inequality within and among countries.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
13. Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
14. Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
15. Life On Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
17. Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Implementation and Monitoring: Achieving the SDGs requires a global partnership involving governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals. Progress is monitored through a set of global indicators, and countries are encouraged to report on their national progress. The SDGs represent an ambitious call to action to address the world's most pressing challenges and build a more sustainable and equitable future for all by 2030.