The sustainable development goals (SDGs) cannot be achieved without committed political leadership. Progress on women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health, requires such commitments to be upheld and translated into concrete action across sectors. ¹ Since 2000, the eight goals of the millennium development goals (MDGs) inspired our governments to improve health and socioeconomic development. Despite unfinished business, this is a strong foundation for the transition to the sustainable development goals (SDGs). ²