Sustainable development is a concept that gained prominence with the Brundtland Commission Report (1987), defining it as 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.' It emphasizes a holistic approach to progress, recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability. The core idea is to achieve human well-being and prosperity while preserving the planet's life-support systems.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) played a crucial role in shaping the global agenda for sustainable development, particularly through its involvement in the formulation and promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 'UNDP's Sustainable Development Goals Report-2015' (which refers to the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs) outlined a comprehensive framework for achieving sustainable development globally. These goals replaced the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and are universal, applying to all countries, not just developing ones.

The elements of sustainable development as proposed in the UNDP's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report-2015 are encapsulated in the 17 interconnected goals and their 169 targets. These goals represent a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Key elements include:

1. No Poverty (Goal 1): Eradicating poverty in all its forms everywhere, recognizing that poverty is a major barrier to sustainable living.
2. Zero Hunger (Goal 2): Ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
3. Good Health and Well-being (Goal 3): Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
4. Quality Education (Goal 4): Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
5. Gender Equality (Goal 5): Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, recognizing its foundational role in sustainable development.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation (Goal 6): Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy (Goal 7): Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8): Promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (Goal 9): Building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.
10. Reduced Inequalities (Goal 10): Reducing inequality within and among countries.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11): Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12): Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.
13. Climate Action (Goal 13): Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
14. Life Below Water (Goal 14): Conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
15. Life on Land (Goal 15): Protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation, and halting biodiversity loss.
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (Goal 16): Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
17. Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17): Strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development.

These goals are highly integrated and indivisible, meaning progress in one area often depends on progress in others. They emphasize a balanced approach to the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental, with a strong commitment to 'leaving no one behind.'