The Strategic Framework for Capacity Development (SFCD) is the result of a widespread programme of activities and consultations during 2013 and 2015, including the World Parks Congress in Sydney Australia in November 2014. The SFCD is intended to complement, guide, and extend the recommendations on capacity development included in the Promise of Sydney that resulted from the Congress. It briefly describes the current situation concerning protected area capacity development, identifies major capacity development issues that need to be addressed over the next decade, and recommends pathways, goals, and objectives for future action.