The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) intentionally place a greater emphasis on environmental issues than the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). However, whether that attention translates into meaningful action depends on how effectively policymakers integrate the environmental dimensions of the SDGs into development policies, plans, and programs. 

In 2017, ADB initiated a Regional Technical Assistance project (RETA 9245) to equip policymakers with the knowledge and tools to integrate select environment-related goals (SDGs 12, 14, and 15) and targets into their development plans, policies, and programs. This workshop shared the preliminary results and findings of the TA's regional stocktaking on the implementation of select environment-related goals and targets in 15 countries from Asia and the Pacific. It also reflected on the next steps to strengthen the implementation of the environmental dimensions of the SDGs through national development policies, plans, and programs. Policymakers from target countries presented and discussed the integration of select environment-related goals and targets into their national policies, plans and programs, the tools and methods they use to support that integration, and shared experiences, issues, and challenges they've encountered. 
 
The workshop comprised of four parts: 

1. Country perspectives on the integration of select environment-related goals (SDGs 12, 14 and 15) and targets;
2. Addressing issues and challenges faced;
3. Regional initiatives; and
4. Innovative tools and approaches for integrating the environmental dimensions of the SDGs.