A better world by 2030

How Britain is backing 
the Global Goals

It is one year since the UK helped shape the development and adoption of the new Global Goals to build a better world by 2030.

UK aid is having an impact: In 2015-16, we helped 3.1 million children get a decent education and 11.3 million people to access clean water and better sanitation.

Throughout the year, the UK has continued to show leadership on the world's biggest challenges.

The UK brought together world leaders for the Supporting Syria and the Region Conference to raise more than $12 billion and agree innovative new ways to provide refugees in the region with jobs and education. We hosted a landmark international anti-corruption summit to galvanise a global response to tackle corruption. We also brought together governments and civil society for the Girls’ Education Forum to help achieve universal, quality education.

The Global Goals can help us end poverty – for good.

The world has come a long way since the year 2000. Here are just 9 ways that UK aid is helping to back that progress, to build a better world by 2030.

Ending extreme poverty

Since 2011, UK aid has helped at least 69.5 million people access financial services - from banks to loans - to help them work their way out of poverty.

Picture: Adam Smith International

Ending hunger and malnutrition 

Since 2011, we've reached over 13.4 million people with emergency food assistance and helped millions more with better nutrition.

Picture: Gonzalo Höhr/Action Against Hunger

Defeating killer diseases

Since 2011, we have distributed 49.7 million long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets and immunised 67.1 million additional children against preventable diseases.

Picture: Kate Holt/UNICEF

Educating a new generation

Since 2011, UK aid has supported 11.3 million children in primary and lower secondary education and supported the training of 380,000 teachers.

Picture: Jessica Lea/DFID

Empowering girls and women

Since 2011, we've helped 36.4 million women gain access to financial services to help them work their way out of poverty. UK aid has also supported improved access to security and justice services for 10.8 million girls and women.

Picture: Robert Stansfield/DFID

Ensuring safe water
& sanitation 

Since 2011 UK aid has brought clean water and better sanitation to 64.5 million people.

Picture: Russell Watkins/DFID

Supporting clean energy

Since 2011, we've improved access to clean energy for 5.2 million people.

Picture: Abbie Trayler-Smith/Panos/DFID

Creating jobs and economic growth

Last year alone, UK aid helped create more than 1 million jobs across Africa and Asia.

Picture: Simon Davis/DFID

Taking action on climate change

Since 2011, UK aid has supported 17.7 million people to cope with the effects of climate change.

Picture: Rafiqur Rahman Raqu/DFID
Britain is backing the Global Goals to build a better world by 2030, to make sure no-one is left behind.



We will continue to meet the United Nations target to spend 0.7 % of national income on aid and development. Learn more about UK aid and the Global Goals at: www.gov.uk/dfid