A useful metaphor would be to consider the SDGs as North Star — as van den Broek and Klingler-Vidra suggested in their study of the SDGs: “The SDGs serve as a guiding “North Star,” rather than a specific blueprint.”

Very poor analogy when, clearly, 17 is not the same as the singular North Star.

What we have is a constellation and then linear strategic planning processes.

The strategy was fine, then came the political compromising leading to the 17 so people, corporates, institutions and organisations could pick and chose. Thus the momentum was lost as plans and individual strategies said 'We are doing this SDG - Great!'

Work has been reactively trying to show how different elements fit into other elements - no, not a prioritisation, this would offend the politics of the UN system where everyone has to have something.

Building on your points Raz, only one SDG matters - SDG 17. All the others flow from this?