The 17 goals linked to 169 targets, progress on which will be measured against as many as 304 proposed indicators, provide a global framework of actions over the next 15 years to tackle critical socioeconomic and environmental challenges. The increased number of goals and targets reflects the level of ambition of the SDGs compared with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which had 8 goals, 21 targets and 60 indicators. Building on the initiative implemented during 2000-2015, the new focal point for action by the international community seeks not only to finish what the MDGs started but also to go beyond, including by identifying the means of implementation. While the goals have been mandated by Heads of State, they must be implemented within a somewhat piecemeal international architecture.