Purpose: This paper aims to analyze some knowledge management (KM) frameworks that sustainable development goals (SDGs) can apply to such a challenging implementation. Design/methodology/approach: To accomplish this, a systematic scientific literature review was carried out about the KM concept. Searching, analyzing and collecting different KM frameworks were crossed and compared to achieve a standard KM framework list, based on the most important and relevant information collected. Findings: The study outlines how and which KM frameworks may be applied in an effort to reach the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDGs, so it can overcome the barriers and pitfalls related to the knowledge management use. Research limitations/implications: The paper shows some SDG areas that deserve future attention and deep implementation with KM frameworks. Originality/value: With the enormous potential and vision of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), there is a barrier in its progress and development--the knowledge use, in both the local knowledge aspects and general knowledge management. This paper creates a Knowledge Management Excellence Model (KMEM) linked to SDGs, which will help and promote its use to educate and involve all those interested in meeting these goals.