The U.S. has formally rejected the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), a global framework adopted in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals aim to address major global challenges, including poverty, education, environmental protection, and social equity. 

The announcement was made by Edward Heartney, Counselor for Economic and Social Affairs at the U.S. Mission to the UN, during a General Assembly session. He stated that the SDGs promote “soft global governance” that conflicts with U.S. sovereignty and national interests. Heartney also criticized the inclusion of climate and gender-related policies in the SDG framework, aligning the decision with broader policy shifts under the Trump administration. 

This rejection follows the U.S. withdrawal from international sustainability and climate initiatives, including its exit from the Paris Agreement. The administration has also scaled back participation in global climate financing programs, further distancing itself from multilateral environmental and social commitments. 

“Put simply, globalist endeavors like Agenda 2030 and the SDGs lost at the ballot box. Therefore, the United States rejects and denounces the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals,” Heartney stated. 

The UN has estimated that achieving the SDGs would require an additional $4 trillion in funding. The U.S. decision to step away from this framework raises concerns about the future of international sustainability cooperation and financing. Critics argue that U.S. disengagement could slow global progress toward carbon neutrality and ESG-driven investment strategies. 

Despite the U.S. stance, other global powers continue advancing ESG policies and carbon-neutral strategies in alignment with the UN SDGs. As the world pushes forward with sustainability commitments, the implications of America’s retreat from these initiatives remain to be seen. 

Sources: 

https://www.esgtoday.com/u-s-rejects-un-sustainable-development-goals/ 

https://globalnews.ca/news/11072215/trump-administration-rejects-un-global-goals-2030/ 

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250307_08/