The top-down effect of such frameworks of action can highly influence the external action of countries as well as the pursuance for a common goal. International trade has become a key player in the advancement of sustainable development. The EU Global Strategy 2016 introduced the new generation of free trade agreements between the world’s largest economy, the EU, and other states to create an economic and political incentive for sustainable development. The promotion of international regulatory standards, consumer protection, as well as labour, environmental, health and safety norms are among its objectives. The EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (2019) is a clear example as it includes an entire chapter on Sustainable Development. As a result, the enforcement mechanism of a trade agreement between states can afford greater protection. 

Further, the UN Sustainable Development Goals are embodied in several major agreements aside from the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015), the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development (2015) and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015) are some of the agreements that champion the 17 SDGs. As it is well known, international conventions, agreements and treaties belong to the regime of international law. Thereupon, the principle of custom between states can be used as an enforcement mechanism of such agreements, but more importantly, a call for compliance to UN Member States. The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT) has been recognised as a codification of customary international law. Arguably, the legal enforceability of the UN Sustainable Development Goals is ultimately protected at an international level through Article 12 of the VCLT. 

1.The consent of a State to be bound by a treaty is expressed by the signature of its representative when: 

International political pressure and state responsibility could be considered as last resorts against the breach of international obligations and a means to afford future compliance between signatory states. Yet, while the scope and legal enforceability of the UN SDGs can be undermined due to its aspirational nature and form, there are enforcement mechanisms available which can protect the sustainable development among states. 

Giselle Vega 

 
2. Ideally these goals should complement each other, however environmental wellbeing should be prioritised as it leads to long term economic and social stability. This can be attributed to how restricting the damage of climate change will positively affect all aspects of society. Focusing on the environmental pillar, this will provide a safe operating space for humanity, for social equality and the economy to flourish. 

3. Prioritizing human and environmental wellbeing over corporate interests, with more market interventionist governments to provide necessary regulation to solve these issues which have been furthered by neoliberalism. More specifically, moving forward government policy should be utilised to incentivise employers to establish working from home where the sector allows this. In addition, the government should play a central role in reframing, and so promoting, the public perceptions on sustainable transport, such as cycling. Consequently, this will facilitate the goal of decarbonising transport. Moreover, focus should be placed on vulnerable, marginalised communities facing structural inequalities, for instance accessibility in relation to working from home. Moving forward, there needs to be an explicit recognition that this is ultimately also an issue of human rights