The report provides a framework for understanding the interactions between SDGs. SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 7, and SDG 14 were analysed in detail in terms of target-level interactions. A team of scientists evaluated interactions based on their expert judgement and scientific literature, attributing scores on a seven-point scale. The most common score is +2 (‘reinforcing’), and the four goals evaluated are generally synergistic with other SDGs, as per expert judgement.

Greater collaboration between government departments and stakeholders, which fully considers environmental boundaries, is needed to take advantage of synergies. Multi-sector approaches across government departments and other stakeholders could provide specific management options with fewer trade-offs. Seven summary tables in the target-level interactions section of the report provide options for how policy could address the interactions in practice.

The authors recommend developing scenarios and pathways for a sustainable future that account for the complexity, contextuality, and uncertainties of the transformation processes. The report suggests that in-depth understanding of local situations will be critical to understand interactions between SDG 2 and the other goals and provide specific management options with fewer trade-offs.

The report stresses the need for a holistic and integrated perspective to monitor progress towards achieving the SDGs. At the outset, a baseline matrix of interactions is suggested for integrated monitoring. Data and information systems should be integrated to monitor interactions between targets, ideally with headline indicators to monitor progress across various SDG domains. Policy implementation and outcomes could be reviewed and assessed based on interactions using a seven-point scale to identify synergies and trade-offs.