The Challenges of Implementing Sustainable Development Goals in Brazil: An Analysis Based on the Outcomes of the Brazilian Millennium Development Goals

Abstract

This article discusses the importance and influence of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Brazilian context, and makes a comparison of the converging aspects between them. The Brazilian performance regarding the MDGs is fundamental for identifying the challenges of the SDGs implementation in this country. The data presented is based on the Fifth National Monitoring Report of the Millennium Development Goals launched in 2014. These results show that Brazil has succeeded in some aspects. However, it has not reached some of MDGs’ targets that had a fixed due date for 2015, such as achieving a universal primary education; promoting gender equality and empowering women; improving maternal health; combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases; and ensuring environmental sustainability. Therefore, these goals are present in SDGs’ targets, and are characterized as strategic challenges for Brazil in order to achieve the SDGs by 2030.