"This guide is a first and preliminary guide on how to “get started” with implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It aims to help stakeholders, including governments at all levels (national, regional, and local), to understand the SDG Agenda, to start an inclusive dialogue on SDG implementation, and to prepare SDG-based national development strategies (or align existing plans and strategies with the goals). It draws upon lessons learned from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and proposes guiding principles to help countries navigate the SDG Agenda. The guide reflects the universality of the SDG Agenda by recognizing countries’ different starting points."

Chapter 1 provides insight in the process made so far for the SDGs. The other chapters are written for policymakers, on inclusive processes and tools for designing policies.