ABSTRACT
Universality is a core principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), universality refers to the applicability of the goals. At global level, universality implies that the SDGs are applicable to all countries irrespective of development level. At national level, universality refers to the applicability of the SDGs to all groups and communities, including the most vulnerable ones. Yet, at the midway point of implementation, reaching universal application has proven challenging: vulnerable groups and communities fall through the cracks of SDG implementation within countries, while at the global level universality is challenged by national circumstances and priorities. Overcoming these challenges to accelerate implementation requires reforming the SDGs by including a degree of differentiation and committing to reaching the furthest – goal and group – behind first.
