Consideration of culture is vital if we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

•We investigate the importance of culture in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)•Culture mediates attainment 17 SDGs, represented by 79% SDG targets•Cultural values explain as much 26% variations achievement SDGs•Sustainable policies can be tailored to, but not captive cultural context For a long time, sustainability science and policy design have been rooted environmental economic perspectives, leaving role undervalued. Although growing number scholars organizations, such United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO), realized sustainable development made substantial effort to integrate them, debates against conventional discourses remain challenging. Our analysis contributes debate providing both conceptual framework empirical evidence on relations between (SDGs). findings imply necessity consider more nuances communication design. In particular, is suggested of, context. Integrating social natural sciences effectively tackle intertwined challenges (SDGs) has advocated for years. However, practice challenging, especially with respect beliefs, morals, practices individuals groups or, succinctly put, culture, which, despite attracting awareness, remains understated sustainability. Here, we examine how what extent are linked SDGs. Synthesizing knowledge from than 300 publications, show that traits all SDGs targets. Further, understanding obtained panel data highlights achievements, yet links strikingly divergent across indicators. need contexts communications develop new cross-disciplinary solutions challenges. 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