A growing body of research indicates that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have not succeeded in transforming political and economic systems, and most of the goals are not on track to be achieved by 2030. As we reach the midpoint of SDG implementation, it is a critical time to reassess and reinvigorate the SDG agenda.

To contribute to a forward-looking debate on the future of the SDGs, the GlobalGoals Project is developing a new edited volume, entitled ‘The Future of the Sustainable Development Goals’. This book will advance theoretical reflection and provide much-needed empirical, actionable knowledge on the future of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. It will present new ideas for global sustainability governance, emphasizing transdisciplinarity and engaging both academic and non-academic experts. The goal is to offer evidence-based, theory-informed, and actionable policy proposals and theoretical innovations that can guide the way forward.

The book will feature 12 chapters, drawing on the top papers presented at the GLOBALGOALS2024—The Future of the Sustainable Development Goals conference, which will be held 29-30 August 2024. The chapters will be organized into four parts, each consisting of three chapters:

1. Acceleration of SDG Implementation;
2. Differentiation and Dynamization of the SDGs;
3. Reforming the SDGs and Related Global Processes until 2030;
4. The Future of SDGs and Sustainability Governance after 2030.

These four parts will be interconnected, carefully guided by the editors to ensure that the 12 chapters collectively form a unified and coherent narrative. Each chapter will enrich the overall discussion in the book, offering important novel insights that contribute to a dynamic exploration of the SDGs’ future direction.

To maximize impact and accessibility, the book will remain under 100,000 words, with each chapter limited to 7,000 words, including references. The editing process will be led by Professor Frank Biermann, Dr Guilherme de Queiroz Stein, Mara Wendebourg, and Dr Fronika de Wit, all affiliated with the GlobalGoals Project at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University, The Netherlands.