The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was approved by the United Nations in New York on September 25, 2015. Nearly 200 nations gave themselves 15 years to meet 17 ambitious goals, which seek to balance the development needs of countries, especially poorer ones, with the global need to protect natural resources, ranging from ending poverty to improving education and empowering women. Other areas covered include climate change, marine resources, infrastructure and innovation. Meeting the goals would cost an estimated three trillion U.S. dollars.