Beyond the 17: Will There Be an SDG 18 in the Post-2030 Agenda?

As per United Nations 2030 Agenda, there are only 17 SDGs, and no official Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 18. These 17 goals were adopted by all the participating UN Member states in 2015, which is serve as a shared blueprint for prosperity, peace, and sustainability for people and the planet.

 Below are the specific 17 SDGs 

 However, "SDG 18" is sometimes used symbolically or informally in specific contexts, often to represent emerging or region-specific or geographical priorities and not formally included in the original 17.

 The world has moved rebound those 17 SGDs which were formulated in 2015, there are pressing needs to include more emerging aspects to the existing 17 goals. Hence, the term SDG 18 has been in global unofficial discussions on various official forums, and the aim is to get attention and highlight emerging issues those are not explicitly mentioned or covered by the original goals.

 One amongst the many, one of the most frequently suggested themes for SDG 18 is digital inclusion, focusing on equitable access to various technologies, internet availability, and literacy for digital knowhow for all, specifically in underserved or underdeveloped countries and regions. There are other SDG 18 to represent animal welfare, cultural preservation or peace and disarmament, reflecting gaps in the current framework. These proposals emphasize the need to adapt to new global challenges to address the evolving nature of sustainable development. While not acknowledged by the UN, the notion of SDG 17 emphasizes the ongoing advocacy for forward-looking development priorities beyond the original 17 goals. It serves as a call for continuous review &inclusions and evolution of the global sustainability agenda.

 It is likely that future global development frameworks will expand beyond the original 17 SDGs to address emerging challenges. While a formal SDG 18 is not currently recognized, growing concerns around digital equity, artificial intelligence, mental health, and cultural preservation, there is a strong possibility that new goals could be introduced post-2030. The UN and stakeholders are already reviewing progress and identifying gaps in the current SDGs. As global priorities shift—especially with rapid technological change and the evolving climate-related pressures, a new or revised set of goals, potentially including an SDG 18 or beyond, may emerge to ensure the sustainability agenda remains relevant and comprehensive.

Here are a few examples SDG 18s:

  Digital inclusion been discussed in last 5 years as a potential SDG 18 by advocacy groups, tech companies and global development organizations, notably the UNESCO and International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The proposal emphasizes ensuring affordable access to the digital assets, digital literacy, internet and inclusive digital services for marginalized populations. The idea gained traction after 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep global digital divides amongst the larger population. Advocates argue that digital access is essential for education, employment, healthcare, and civic participation for regional growth. Though not formally adopted by the UN, but digital inclusion is increasingly viewed as critical to achieving existing SDGs. The proposed goal would address infrastructure, skills development, and policy support, particularly in low-income and rural regions, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age. Discussions continue in UN forums and development circles.

While oceans and marine conservation are addressed under SDG 14 (Life Below Water), some small island developing states (SIDS), environmental NGOs, and marine scientists have informally proposed expanding this into a dedicated SDG 18. The idea gained momentum during global climate and ocean summits, including the UN Ocean Conference in 2022, where advocates highlighted the need for stronger, more targeted action. They argue that SDG 14 is too broad and underfunded, while ocean ecosystems face increasing threats from overfishing, deep-sea mining, pollution, and climate change. The proposed goal would enhance protection for marine biodiversity, support blue economies, and enforce stricter governance of international waters. Implementation would involve international treaties, sustainable fishing practices, marine protected areas, and capacity-building for coastal nations. This push reflects growing recognition of the oceans’ central role in climate regulation and food security.

 Animal welfare has been proposed as a potential SDG 18 by organizations such as World Animal Protection and academic institutions advocating for the ethical treatment of animals. These discussions gained visibility around 2019–2021, as awareness grew about the link between animal welfare, public health, and sustainability—especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Proponents argue that current SDGs overlook the intrinsic value of animals and their critical role in ecosystems, food systems, and zoonotic disease prevention. The proposal includes global standards for humane farming, wildlife protection, and the phasing out of cruel practices. Implementation would involve integrating animal welfare into agricultural, trade, and environmental policies. This goal would complement SDGs on health, biodiversity, and food security, recognizing that sustainable development must account for the well-being of all sentient beings, not just humans.

 The idea of adding Human Rights or Peace & Security as an SDG 18 has been proposed by international NGOs, peacebuilding coalitions, and human rights advocates, particularly following rising global conflicts and democratic backsliding since 2015. While SDG 16 addresses peace, justice, and strong institutions, critics argue it lacks focus on issues like disarmament, freedom of expression, and protection from state violence. Proposals for SDG 18 emphasize stronger commitments to conflict prevention, human rights enforcement, refugee protection, and civilian safety. Discussions intensified after crises in Syria, Ukraine, and Myanmar highlighted the limitations of existing frameworks. Advocates call for better global mechanisms, early-warning systems, and accountability structures. Implementation would involve international cooperation, legal reform, and expanded UN peacekeeping roles. This potential goal reflects growing recognition that sustainable development cannot occur without durable peace and universal human rights protections.

 The proposal for a dedicated SDG 18 on Culture and Heritage has been supported by UNESCO, cultural preservation organizations, and several member states, particularly during global forums like Mondiacult 2022. Advocates argue that culture is a powerful driver of sustainable development, social cohesion, and identity, yet it is underrepresented in the existing SDGs. The proposal seeks to protect intangible cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge, languages, and creative industries, especially in conflict zones and regions facing globalization pressures. It aims to integrate culture into development policies, education systems, and urban planning. The initiative gained traction after cultural losses due to war, climate change, and modernization. Implementation would involve legal protections, funding for cultural institutions, and international cooperation. Recognizing culture formally in the SDG framework is seen as essential to building inclusive, resilient, and diverse societies.

Other notable SDG 18 initiatives

  1. Mental Health and Well-being

• Proposed by: WHO-affiliated researchers, mental health advocacy groups, and UN Development Programme advisors.

• Why: Mental health is inadequately addressed under SDG 3 (Good Health). Advocates call for a distinct goal to combat stigma, invest in services, and ensure global parity in mental health care.

• How: National mental health plans, community-based interventions, workplace wellness policies.

 2. Artificial Intelligence & Ethics

• Proposed by: Tech ethicists, UNESCO (2021 AI Ethics Recommendation), World Economic Forum.

• Why: AI's rapid impact on employment, privacy, and democracy demands oversight. A separate SDG could ensure equitable and ethical AI development.

• How: Global AI governance frameworks, ethical standards, inclusive digital policy.

 3. Elderly and Ageing Populations

• Proposed by: International Federation on Ageing, UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing.

• Why: Aging societies face healthcare, social inclusion, and economic challenges that are not fully covered by existing SDGs.

• How: Policies on active aging, elder rights, age-inclusive infrastructure.

 4. Disaster Risk Reduction & Resilience

• Proposed by: UNDRR (UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction), local governments, climate-vulnerable states.

• Why: Increasing natural disasters demand a focused framework beyond SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities).

• How: Integrate resilience planning into national development strategies, early warning systems.

 5. Space for Sustainable Development

• Proposed by: Space agencies, UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), academic institutions.

• Why: Space technology supports disaster response, agriculture, and climate monitoring. A dedicated SDG could promote peaceful and sustainable use of outer space.

• How: International regulation, capacity building, and equitable access to satellite technology.

 Conclusion

While SDG 18 remains unofficial today, future global development frameworks are likely to include new or restructured goals that reflect evolving global priorities. Whether formally numbered as SDG 18 or not, its themes—digital equity, cultural resilience, animal welfare, AI ethics, and more, are gaining momentum and will shape the next phase of sustainable development.