Designing and implementing an energy goal: delivering multi-benefits for sustainable development

Since the Rio+20 meetings in 2012, policymakers and experts have engaged in nearly two years of discussion on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This dialogue is expected to culminate in September 2015 with a post-2015 development agenda that will help frame how stakeholders can pursue development for the years ahead. The purpose of this policy brief is to provide recommendations on the design and implementation of a central component of the post-2015 development agenda: an SDG for energy. The policy brief suggests an energy SDG should be designed to offer an ambitious, long-term vision that serves as an inspiring point of reference for countries to set their own national energy targets and action plans.