This extraordinary first-person story of what can be achieved through informal diplomacy traces the improbably successful struggle to achieve acceptance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—and thus transform the global development agenda—against all odds. Moving from the framing of the SDG concept through the entire negotiation process (including a trove of key documents), Paula Caballero and Patti Londoño’s vibrant narrative provides rare insight into informal diplomacy and multilateralism in action. Their insiders’ account provides a unique perspective on how global movements and agendas can be built and impelled forward. Not least, it also serves to prove that just a few committed individuals can generate radical change.

"This once-in-a-generation detailed insider's look at how a critically important UN decision was made will be valuable to both scholars and students." —Craig Murphy, Wellesley College