linked to environment sustainability and global partnershipsno single metagoal from the nature of mdgs one clear metagoal emerges which is that of addressing basic human needs based on the idea of human development in case of sdgs no clear metagoal emerges as insofar the process has been discussed on the basis of principles of past multilateral processes taking the rio declaration forward more ambitious targets in the sdgs for poverty eradication based on principles of equity would be a giant step forward the multifocal nature of current multilateral systems and process such as the conference of parties cops and thematic commission on sustainable development csd sessions could form some basis for the goals particularly around global environmental issues which were not specified in the mdg 7 and mdg 8 regarding the universal nature of sdgs it would be relevant to examine how goals relating to climate change especially the bali action plan on climate change would be considered on local environment goals related to natural resource use efficiency would be relevant environmental goals global and local with clear cobenefits such as human health livelihoods and energy security would also serve to enhance international cooperation such goals may be translated into domestic actions based on national needs and respective capabilities furthermore multilateralism is the call of the hour inadequate means of implementation and inflow of overseas development assistance oda would help the sdgs to remain only aspirational but never be fully realized global partnership for development or mdg 8 tantamount to finance technology transfer and capacity building is as important if not more a goal as poverty eradication itself goals linked to international cooperation could continue to play an important role in a globalizing and economically integrated world an open working group on sustainable development goals is expected to propose a sdgsframework to the 68th session of the un general assembly in september 2013 this group will work in tandem with a highlevel advisory panel appointed by the un secretary general and the mdg review summit scheduled for september 2013 to feed into the multilateral deliberations to zero in on a potential successor to the mdgs that would reinforce the post2015 development agenda an organized deliberation around sdgs and mdgs would bring clarity on some key issues around sdgs however it is clear from recent experience that in a multilateral system goals purely determined by member states and political principles could result in weak aspirations around sustainable development especially for goals linked to addressing global environmental issues clearly the need to act is urgent and the time to act is nowthe authors can be reached at shaillykediagmailcom and induchintagmailcom the views expressed by the authors are personal