The Netherlands is actively pursuing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create a better world by 2030. The Dutch government coordinates national SDG efforts while working with various organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates national SDG implementation, and there are SDG Focal Points at all Dutch Ministries.

1. End poverty

Very few people live in extreme poverty. Most families have enough to eat and a good home.

Some households with low income still struggle; inequality in resources or opportunity remains. 

2. Zero hunger

Food is generally accessible, good quality, and interesting agricultural technology helps.

There’s still issues with sustainable agriculture, food waste, and making sure everyone (including more remote or low‑income people) has the best nutrition.

3. Good Health and Well-being

High life expectancy, good healthcare systems, good outcomes in many public health areas; trend mostly positive.

Some areas like mental health, health inequalities among groups, burden of lifestyle diseases. Also pressure from rising costs / resource constraints.

4. Quality Education

Strong education system; high participation; good quality schools and tertiary education.

Some indicators are not improving fast; equality of access and outcomes still an issue (e.g. between SES groups), and lifelong learning is good but needs more scaling.

5. Gender Equality

Legal rights, public institutions are strong; trends are generally moving toward greater equality.

Still gaps in certain areas (e.g. pay gap, representation in some sectors, balancing work/family).

6. Clean Water and Sanitation

Very good infrastructure; high levels of treatment; water management is advanced.

Climate change & pollution threaten water quality; water stress in some local contexts; also maintaining and upgrading infrastructure.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

Increasing use of renewables; policy focus on energy transition; some strong projects (wind, solar).

The Netherlands is lagging compared to many EU countries in share of renewable energy; some policy reversals (e.g., subsidy changes, delays in renewable projects) risk undermining progress. Also meeting the 2030 emissions reduction target is in doubt.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

Generally strong labour market; good employment rates; economic infrastructure and innovation strong.

Challenges with job quality, unemployment among certain groups, underemployment; also inflation, energy costs, economic shocks may stress the system.

9. Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure

High innovation capacity; good infrastructure; strong R&D and connectivity.

Environmental impacts of industry, sustainable industrial transformation, ensuring infrastructure is resilient and low-carbon.

10. Reduced Inequalities

Some strong social safety nets; equality of opportunity is fairly high; relatively low poverty inequality compared globally.

income disparities exist; inequality by migrant origin; sometimes unequal access to services or education; “reduced inequalities” is a goal where progress is moderate or slow.