This briefing note summarises the main outcomes and findings from the Asian regional dialogue held in Sri Lanka (May 2016), as part of the series ‘Starting Strong: the first 1000 days of the SDGs’. The aim of the event was to gather participants from across Asia and the Pacific – representing government, civil society, academia and the private sector – to identify key actions toward addressing the unfinished business of the MDGs and how to reach those who are furthest behind in relation to the new SDGs. The series is a collaborative partnership to initiate a wider conversation around priority actions for the first three years of the SDGs – just over 1000 days – with relevant stakeholders with a regional focus.