Building on a long history of international human rights and gender equality commitments, its universal approach recognizes the common challenges faced by all countries— developed and developing alike—and reaffirms the responsibility of governments to address them. The 2030 Agenda is clear that achieving gender equality is not only an important goal in and of itself but also a catalyst for achieving a sustainable future for all. Climate change and environmental degradation are advancing at an unprecedented pace, the global economy remains volatile after nearly a decade of crisis, a shift towards exclusionary and fear-based politics is deepening societal divisions, breeding conflict and instability, and millions are being forcibly displaced due to conflict and humanitarian catastrophes.