From Millennium to Sustainable Development Goals: Evolving discourses and their reflection in policy coherence for development

The discourse of sustainable development is highly influential in global and national governance frameworks, though its meaning operationalisation are context-dependent have evolved over time. transition from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to Sustainable (SDGs) reflects most recent evolution this discourse. We analyse key differences storylines between MDGs SDGs develop an analytical framework study these, focusing on objectives development, means reach those objectives, relations developing developed countries. use quantitative qualitative analyses policy coherence for (PCD) approach Netherlands. This shows that discourses closely reflected national-level frameworks. During MDG era, objective was poverty reduction be reached through economic growth participation trade system. aim a broader set across full spectrum economic, social environmental dimensions. Dutch PCD approach, first conceptualisation safeguards growth, later with sustainability as equally important alongside reduction. While mainly focus averages poorest, target marginalised vulnerable groups disaggregate data. In respect, Netherlands ahead time; already early 2000s it acknowledged “there no question “the” countries”. Related this, also changed aid countries MDGs, toward partnerships them, initially purpose stimulating trade, aimed at sustainability. article ends reflection how our research findings contribute debates around (the effectiveness of) goals, well understanding political nature (sustainable) development.