SDG Data Structure Definition

This technical guidance document explains the data structure used to organise and report indicators for the Sustainable Development Goals within a unified statistical framework. Developed by a working group established in 2016 and first released in 2019, it defines a single data structure that supports all indicators while allowing flexible application of dimensions depending on indicator relevance. The document outlines the key statistical dimensions used for disaggregation, including reporting type, reference area, sex, age, education, occupation, economic activity, and other classifications, as well as custom and composite breakdowns. It also specifies time representation, observation values, and required metadata attributes such as units, observation status, and data sources. Finally, it describes global dataflows and content constraints used to manage national and global reporting datasets.