United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark warning about the progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, citing significant setbacks caused by global conflicts and funding shortages.
Adopted by UN member states in 2015, the SDGs represent a comprehensive blueprint for improving global conditions by 2030. These 17 goals aim to end extreme poverty, eradicate hunger, and address various challenges to create a more sustainable and equitable world.
However, Guterres’ latest progress report highlights that “the world is getting a failing grade” in meeting these ambitious targets. In a briefing in New York, he emphasized that current global crises are severely undermining efforts to achieve the SDGs. “Our failure to secure peace, to confront climate change, and to boost international finance is undermining development,” Guterres said.
The SDGs have faced numerous obstacles, including the Covid-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, worsening climate emergencies, and rising living costs. Despite these challenges, Guterres noted some positive developments, such as a decrease in new HIV infections, increased internet accessibility, and a surge in the use of renewable energy sources.
Nevertheless, Guterres expressed frustration at the inadequate progress, stating, “The denial of basic needs for so many is outrageous and inexcusable.” He called for urgent and expanded efforts to address both global conflicts and climate change to move closer to the SDGs. “It means multiplying the lending capacity of multilateral development banks to provide more resources for climate action and sustainable development,” he urged.
With only 17 percent of the SDG targets on track, Guterres emphasized that there is no time to waste in accelerating global efforts to meet these critical goals.
