2030 Agenda Progress: Peril in the Premises

1. Introduction

Building upon our previous exploration of the UN’s vision for UN Sustainable Goals, this article delves deeper into the progress made at the midpoint of our journey towards the UN 2030 Agenda Goals. The challenges are many, and the stakes are high. From the tangible strides in specific UN SDG Goals to the alarming gaps in others, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of where we stand. Additionally, we’ll highlight the urgent calls to action and the transformative solutions proposed to ensure that the world remains on track. As we sound the alarm on the critical areas of concern, this article also serves as a rallying cry, emphasizing the collective effort required to achieve the UN Sustainable Goals.

1.2 Crossing the Midpoint: Challenges and Opportunities in the Journey to 2030 Agenda

The midpoint of the UN 2030 Agenda Goals marks a critical juncture in our collective journey towards sustainability. While notable gains have been made in poverty reduction, education, and healthcare, significant challenges persist (see Sustainable Development Goals Report). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, affecting the livelihoods of millions and impeding progress in various sectors. Additionally, the climate crisis, conflicts, and other global challenges continue to cast shadows on the path to UN Sustainable Goals.

With an unbiased and data-driven midpoint assessment, the report aims to identify areas where advancements have been most substantial and areas where progress has been slow or even regressive. Understanding these dynamics is essential for reallocating resources, refining strategies, and fostering global cooperation to overcome obstacles.

2. Sounding the Alarm: Assessing UN SDG Goals Progress at the Midpoint

The UN Sustainable Goals encompass a global agenda aimed at tackling pressing challenges and shaping a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030. As we approach the midpoint of this transformative journey, it is crucial to take stock of the progress made thus far and identify critical areas that demand urgent attention and action.

2.1 Global Progress and Challenges Towards UN SDG Goals

An examination of progress under each SDG reveals a nuanced landscape. While some UN SDG Goals have experienced notable advancements, others have encountered setbacks. Here is an overview of select Development Goals and their status:

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UN 2030 Agenda Goal 1: End Poverty Everywhere

• Overview: Global poverty reduction had been decelerating since 2015. The COVID-19 pandemic reversed three decades of progress of this Agenda Goal, marking the first increase in extreme poverty in a generation. Recovery has been slow and uneven due to various geopolitical, socioeconomic, and climatic challenges. By 2030, 575 million people (7% of the global population) will be in extreme poverty, compared to 800 million (10.8%) in 2015. Eradicating extreme poverty will be challenging, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and conflict zones. Over 4 billion people lack social protection, emphasizing the need for increased action and investment.
• Extreme Poverty (Target 1.1): The pandemic pushed millions into extreme poverty (below $2.15/day at 2017 purchasing power parity). The rate rose from 8.5% in 2019 to 9.3% in 2020. By the end of 2022, around 670 million people could be in extreme poverty, dropping to 575 million by 2030—a less than 30% decrease since 2015.
• National Poverty Rates (Target 1.2): Based on historical trends, only one-third of countries will halve their national poverty rates by 2030 from 2015 levels.
• Social Protection (Target 1.3): By 2020, only 47% of the global population had effective coverage by at least one social protection cash benefit, a slight increase from 45% in 2015. Specific coverage rates include 26% for children under 15, 33% for persons with severe disabilities, 35% for workers in case of work injury, and 18.6% for unemployed workers.
• Government Spending on Essential Services (Target 1.4): Redirecting public resources to essential services is vital for poverty reduction. 2021 data from 100 countries indicates that governments spend an average of 53% on essential services—62% in advanced economies and 44% in emerging and developing economies.

UN 2030 Agenda Goal 2: Combat Hunger and Promote Sustainable Agriculture

• Overview: Hunger and food insecurity have been rising since 2015, worsened by the pandemic, conflict, climate change, and growing inequalities. From 589 million people experiencing hunger in 2015, the number rose to 768 million in 2021. By 2030, around 670 million people (8% of the global population) will still face hunger. Malnutrition in children remains a concern, and immediate efforts are needed to transform food systems, invest in sustainable agriculture hoping to achieve the Agenda Goal.
• Food Security (Target 2.1): The pandemic worsened food security, with 150 million more people facing hunger in 2021 than in 2019. Nearly 1 in 3 people (2.3 billion) were moderately or severely food insecure in 2021, an increase of 350 million since the pandemic began. Sub-Saharan Africa saw the most significant increases.
• Child Nutrition (Target 2.2): In 2022, 22.3% of children under 5 (148 million) were stunted, down from 24.6% in 2015. Higher Weight affected 37 million children under 5, and wasting affected 45 million in 2022. The global prevalence of children with higher weight has stagnated, and the 2030 Agenda target will be missed by 17.5 million children. Anaemia in women of reproductive age remains around 30%.
• Genetic Resources (Target 2.5): 71% of local livestock breeds are at risk of extinction. However, progress in ex situ cryopreservation has been made. By 2021, 5.8 million accessions of plant genetic resources were conserved in 846 gene banks across 115 countries.
• Agricultural Investment (Target 2.a): Investment in agriculture is declining. The ratio of government expenditure on agriculture to the agriculture sector’s contribution to GDP fell from 0.50 in 2015 to 0.45 in 2021.
• Export Subsidies (Target 2.b): WTO member States agreed to eliminate all forms of agricultural export subsidy entitlements in 2015. Total notified annual export subsidy outlays dropped from 218 million in 2015 to almost zero in 2021.
• Food Prices (Target 2.c): In 2021, 21.5% of countries faced moderately to abnormally high food prices, down from 48% in 2020 but still above the 2015-2019 average of 15.2%. This reflects increased food prices due to higher production and transport costs.

UN 2030 Agenda Goal 3: Promote Health and Well-being

• Overview: The pandemic, along with other crises, has hindered progress towards the Agenda Goal, exacerbating health inequalities and threatening universal health coverage. In 2021, 25 million children missed routine immunizations, and deaths from tuberculosis and malaria increased. Strengthening health systems is urgently required to overcome these setbacks.
• Maternal Mortality (Target 3.1): The global maternal mortality ratio slightly decreased from 227 in 2015 to 223 in 2020. Almost 800 women die daily from preventable pregnancy-related causes, with 95% of these deaths in low and lower-middle-income countries. Skilled health personnel attended 86% of global births in 2022, but only 70% in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Child Mortality (Target 3.2): The global under-5 mortality rate dropped by 12% between 2015 and 2021. In 2021, 5 million children died before age five. Only 54 out of 200 countries are on track to meet the under-5 mortality target.
• Communicable Diseases (Target 3.3): Progress towards ending communicable diseases by 2030 is off course. New HIV infections decreased by one-third since 2010. Tuberculosis incidence rose by 3.6% between 2020 and 2021. Malaria cases increased from 224 million in 2015 to 247 million in 2021. Treatment for neglected tropical diseases declined from 1.8 billion people in 2015 to 1.65 billion in 2021.
• Reproductive Health (Target 3.7): The proportion of women using modern contraceptive methods increased slightly from 76.5% in 2015 to 77.6% in 2023. Sub-Saharan Africa saw the most significant increase.
• Vaccination (Target 3.b): Childhood vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis fell by 5% between 2019 and 2021. As a result, 25 million children missed out on vaccines in 2021. Coverage for the human papillomavirus vaccine was only 12% in 2021.
• Health Workers (Target 3.c): The projected global shortage of health workers by 2030 decreased from 18 million to 10 million. Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest health worker density, while Europe and North America have the highest.

UN 2030 Agenda Goal 4: Promote Quality Education for All

• Overview: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the world was not on track to achieve the Agenda Goal targets. By 2030, without additional measures, only one in six countries will achieve universal access to quality education. An estimated 84 million children and young people will remain out of school, and 300 million students will lack basic numeracy and literacy skills. There’s a call to reimagine education systems and prioritize education financing.
• Primary to Upper Secondary Education (Target 4.1): From 2015 to 2021, school completion rates increased across primary (85% to 87%), lower secondary (74% to 77%), and upper secondary (53% to 58%) levels. However, global learning levels showed no progress between 2015 and 2019. Learning losses due to COVID-19 have been documented in 80% of the 104 countries studied.
• Pre-primary Education (Target 4.2): Participation in organized learning one year before primary school has remained around 75% since 2015, falling short of the target for universal access to quality pre-primary education by 2030.
• Adult Education (Target 4.3): On average, one in six individuals aged 15 to 64 participated in formal or non-formal education and training in recent years. Participation is higher for those aged 15 to 24 (40-50%) compared to those aged 25 to 55 (less than 5% in most regions).
• School Infrastructure (Target 4.a): In 2020, about a quarter of global primary schools lacked basic services like electricity, drinking water, and sanitation. Only around 50% had access to computer facilities and disability-adapted infrastructure.
• Qualified Teachers (Target 4.c): In 2020, over 14% of teachers globally were not qualified as per national standards, showing minimal improvement since 2015.

UN 2030 Agenda Goal 5: Achieve Gender Equality

• Overview: The world is not on track to achieve this Agenda Goal by 2030. None of the 14 indicators met or were close to the targets. It’s estimated that it will take up to 286 years to close legal protection gaps, 140 years for equal representation in leadership, and 47 years for equal representation in national parliaments. Global crises have exacerbated gender inequalities.
• Legal Protections (Target 5.1): In 2022, 55% of 119 countries lacked laws against discrimination towards women. Half lacked quotas for women in parliament, 60% lacked consent-based rape laws, and 45% didn’t mandate equal pay for equal work. Many countries also lacked provisions for marriage and divorce equality and proper age of marriage.
• Child Marriage (Target 5.3): 19% of young women were married as children in 2022, a decline from 21% in 2016. However, COVID-19 threatens this progress, with 10 million additional girls at risk of child marriage.
• Political Representation (Target 5.5): As of 2023, women held 26.5% of seats in national parliaments, an increase from 22.3% in 2015. Women held 35.5% of seats in local bodies. Globally, women held 28.2% of management positions in 2021.
• Reproductive Rights (Target 5.6): Only 56% of married women aged 15-49 make their own decisions regarding sexual and reproductive health. On average, countries have 76% of the necessary laws for reproductive health rights.
• Land Ownership (Target 5.a): Many involved in agriculture lack land ownership rights. In one third of 46 countries, less than 50% of prople have ownership or secure rights over agricultural land. Men’s ownership is often double that of women’s.
• Mobile Ownership (Target 5.b): 73% of the global population owned a mobile phone in 2022. Women were 12% less likely to own mobile phones than men.
• Gender Equality Systems (Target 5.c): Of 105 countries, 26% have comprehensive systems to track and publicize gender equality allocations, 59% have some features, and 15% lack minimum elements.

UN 2030 Agenda SDG 6: Water and Sanitation for All

• Overview: Billions still lack access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. Water scarcity, intensified by conflicts and climate change, is rising. Water pollution is a significant concern. To achieve universal coverage by 2030, there’s a need for a six-fold increase in progress rates for drinking water, five-fold for sanitation, and three-fold for hygiene.
• Drinking Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (Targets 6.1 & 6.2): In 2022, 2.2 billion lacked safely managed drinking water, 3.5 billion lacked safely managed sanitation, and 2 billion lacked basic hygiene services. The majority are in rural areas, but numbers are stagnating or increasing in urban regions.
• Wastewater Treatment (Target 6.3): In 2022, 58% of household wastewater was safely treated, based on data from 140 countries.
• Water Use Efficiency (Target 6.4): Efficiency rose by 9% from 2015 to 2020, reaching $18.9/m^3 in 2020. About 57% of countries had a water use efficiency of $20/m^3 or less in 2020.
• Water Stress (Target 6.4): Global water stress was at 18.2% in 2020, a 1.2% increase from 2015. Regions like Northern Africa and Western Asia saw an 18% increase in water stress levels from 2015 to 2020.
• Sustainable Water Management (Target 6.5): Half of the countries lack effective frameworks. Cross-sector coordination is needed to achieve several UN SDG Goals. Progress has been made globally, but the rate needs to double.
• Transboundary Waters (Target 6.5): Only 32 out of 153 countries with shared waters have 90% or more covered by operational arrangements.
• Surface Water Bodies (Target 6.6): One in five river basins experienced high fluctuations in surface water in the past five years.
• ODA to Water Sector (Target 6.a): ODA disbursements decreased by 15% from 2015 to 2021, from $9.6 billion to $8.1 billion. Commitments also reduced by 12% during the same period.
• Community Participation (Target 6.b): Since 2016, over 70% of countries have had procedures for local community participation in law or policy. However, high levels of participation remain under 40%.

UN 2030 Agenda Goal 7: Access to Modern Energy

• Overview: While access to electricity and clean cooking fuels has improved, 675 million people remain without electricity, and 2.3 billion use unsafe cooking fuels. The Ukraine war and global economic factors have caused energy price volatility, affecting renewable energy investments. By 2030, if the current pace persists, 660 million will lack electricity, and 2 billion will use polluting fuels for cooking compromising very seriously the achievement of the Agenda Goal.
• Electricity Access (Target 7.1): Global electricity access rose from 87% in 2015 to 91% in 2021. However, the growth rate slowed down, leaving 675 million people, primarily in least developed countries and sub-Saharan Africa, without access.
• Clean Cooking Fuels (Target 7.1): 71% of the global population had access to clean cooking fuels in 2021, up from 64% in 2015. However, in 7 sub-Saharan African countries, less than 10% had access, threatening global progress.
• Renewable Energy (Target 7.2): Renewable energy’s share in total final energy consumption was 19.1% in 2020, a 2.4 percentage point increase from 2015. The electricity sector saw the most growth in renewable energy use, while heat and transport sectors lagged.
• Energy Efficiency (Target 7.3): The improvement rate in primary energy intensity dropped to 0.6% in 2020, the lowest since the global financial crisis. To meet the 2030 Agenda target, an annual improvement of 3.4% is required.
• Financial Support for Clean Energy (Target 7.a): International public financial support for clean energy in developing countries decreased by 11% in 2021 to $10.8 billion, 35% less than the 2010-2019 average.
• Renewable Capacity in Developing Countries (Target 7.b): In 2021, there was a record installation of 268 watts per capita of renewable capacity in developing countries. Despite this growth, these countries are not on track to achieve Goal 7 by 2030.

UN 2030 Agenda Goal 8: Economic Growth and Decent Work

• Overview: Achieving Goal 8 is challenging due to the lingering effects of COVID-19, cost-of-living crises, trade tensions, uncertain monetary policies, rising debts in developing countries, and the Ukraine war. These combined crises threaten the global economy. Achieving Goal 8 demands reforming the financial system to address debts, economic uncertainties, and trade tensions, and to promote equitable pay and decent work.
• Economic Growth (Target 8.1): Global real GDP per capita grew by 5.2% in 2021 after a 4.1% decline in 2020. However, it’s forecasted to slow down in the coming years. Least developed countries saw a recovery in GDP growth in 2021.
• Labour Productivity (Target 8.2): Labour productivity rebounded in 2021 by 2.4% but slowed in 2022. The trend has been declining since before the pandemic.
• Informal Employment (Target 8.3): 58% of employed individuals were in informal employment in 2022. The pandemic led to job losses, especially for informal workers, with a subsequent recovery driven by informal employment.
• Equal Treatment & Unemployment (Target 8.5): The median gender pay gap is around 14%. Global unemployment rate declined in 2022 to 5.8% from 6.9% in 2020, with a slight projected increase in 2023.
• Youth Employment (Target 8.6): 23.5% of young people were not in education, employment, or training in 2022, a slight decrease from 2020 but still above the 2015 baseline.
• Child Labour (Target 8.7): The number of children in child labour rose to 160 million in 2020, which is almost 1 in 10 of all children worldwide.
• Tourism’s Contribution (Target 8.9): The share of tourism in global GDP dropped significantly in 2020 due to COVID-19 but showed a 6% upturn in 2021.
• Access to Finance (Target 8.10): In 2021, 76% of adults had an account at a bank or regulated institution, up from 62% in 2014.

UN 2030 Agenda Goal 9: Infrastructure, Industrialization, and Innovation

• Overview: The recovery of the manufacturing industry from COVID-19 is uneven. High-income regions achieved record-high manufacturing value in 2022, while least developed countries barely surpassed the 2015 baseline. Higher-technology industries showed resilience, emphasizing the need for innovation and technology transfer. Achieving theis Agenda Goal by 2030 requires support for the least developed countries, investment in advanced technologies, carbon emission reduction, and increased mobile broadband access.
• Manufacturing Value (Target 9.2): Global manufacturing value added per capita rose from $1,646 in 2015 to $1,875 in 2022. Europe and North America reached $5,052 in 2022, while least developed countries only reached $159. The share of manufacturing in least developed countries increased from 12.1% in 2015 to 14.0% in 2022.
• Manufacturing Employment (Target 9.2): Global manufacturing employment returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2021. However, its share in total employment dropped from 14.3% in 2015 to 13.6% in 2021.
• Carbon Emissions (Target 9.4): Global carbon dioxide emissions reached 36.8 billion tonnes in 2022, a 0.9% increase. Emissions decreased by over 5% in 2020 but surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2021 with a 6% growth.
• High-Technology Industries (Target 9.b): In 2022, medium-high and high-technology industries saw growth, especially in the automotive sector and electronics. However, basic pharmaceuticals production declined due to COVID-19 and input shortages. Sub-Saharan Africa and least developed countries had low shares of high-technology manufacturing compared to Europe, North America, and Eastern Asia.
• Mobile Broadband Access (Target 9.c): 95% of the global population has access to mobile broadband (3G or above), and 4G coverage doubled to 88% between 2015 and 2022. Growth is slowing, with an 18% gap in sub-Saharan Africa and similar gaps in least developed and landlocked developing countries.

UN 2030 Agenda Goal 10: Reduce Inequality

• Overview: Prior to the pandemic, incomes of the bottom 40% grew faster than national averages in most countries. However, the pandemic’s impacts and uneven recoveries threaten to reverse this trend, exacerbating global inequality. By mid-2022, 1 in 251 people globally was a refugee, the highest ever recorded. Addressing wage disparities and unequal resource access is crucial to achieve the Agenda Goal 10.
• Income Growth (Target 10.1): Before the pandemic, over half of 119 countries saw the bottom 40% of the population’s income grow faster than the national average. Post-2019 data from 50 countries indicates two-thirds experienced shared prosperity, especially in North America and Europe.
• Median Income (Target 10.2): In 53 countries with data from 2015 and 2020, people living below half the median income decreased by 1 percentage point, from 13.4% to 12.5%. This trend persisted during COVID-19 due to social assistance programs. However, in 17 countries, over 20% of the population lives below half the median.
• Economic Output (Target 10.4): The share of economic output earned by workers declined from 54.1% in 2004 to 52.6% in 2019, equating to a loss of $590 (purchasing power parity) per worker.
• Migration and Displacement (Target 10.7):
  • Since 2015, 54,127 deaths on migratory routes have been recorded, with 6,878 in 2022. The actual number is likely higher.
  • By mid-2022, there were 32.5 million refugees globally, part of 103 million forcibly displaced persons. The ratio of refugees per 100,000 people increased to 398, an 87% rise from 2015.
  • In 2021, 62.3% of 138 countries reported having comprehensive migration policies.
• Remittances (Target 10.c): The global average cost of sending $200 in remittances decreased from 9.3% in 2011 to 6.3% in 2021, still above the target of 3%.

UN 2030 Agenda Goal 11: Sustainable Cities

• Overview: The pandemic has altered migration patterns, with significant movements in and out of urban areas. Climate change and conflicts disproportionately affect cities. The rising slum populations in developing countries jeopardize the target of adequate housing for all by 2030. Since 2015, countries with national disaster risk reduction strategies have more than doubled. Achieving Goal 11 necessitates enhanced urban planning, improved public transportation access, and better waste management.
• Slums (Target 11.1): By 2020, about 1.1 billion people resided in urban slums, with an expected 2 billion more in the next 30 years. The growing slum population highlights the housing crisis, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Public Transport (Target 11.2): 2020 data from 1,507 cities in 126 countries showed that only 51.6% of urban inhabitants have easy access to public transport.
• Urban Expansion (Target 11.3): From 1990–2020, cities expanded physically faster than their population growth. Land consumption rates were higher than population growth rates between 2000–2010 and 2010–2020.
• Waste Management (Target 11.6): In 2020, the global average for municipal solid waste collection in cities was 84%, with 61% managed in controlled facilities. Sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania had collection rates below 60%.
• Public Spaces (Target 11.7): 2020 data from 1,072 cities in 120 countries revealed that over 75% of these cities dedicated less than 20% of their area to open public spaces and streets.
• Urban Policies (Target 11.a): A 2021 assessment of 58 national urban policies showed that 95% addressed “population dynamics”, 93% ensured “balanced territorial development”, but only 45% considered “increased local fiscal space”.
• Disaster Risk Reduction (Target 11.b): By the end of 2022, 102 countries reported having local governments with disaster risk reduction strategies, a significant increase from 51 countries in 2015.

UN 2030 Agenda Goal 12: Sustainable Consumption & Production

• Overview: The world is lagging in its goal to halve food waste and losses by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains and altered consumer behavior. To recover, responsible consumption and production are essential. The global economy must decouple economic growth from resource use. Corporate sustainability reporting has tripled since the start of the Sustainable Development Goals, but more comprehensive reporting is needed. Achieving Goal 12 requires policies that promote sustainable practices and decouple growth from resource use.
• Policy Instruments (Target 12.1): From 2019-2022, 485 policy instruments supporting sustainable consumption and production were reported by 62 countries and the EU. However, reporting decreased by 30% annually since 2019, with over half of the policies coming from Europe and Central Asia.
• Material Footprint (Target 12.2): In 2019, the total material footprint was 95.9 billion tonnes, almost equal to the world’s domestic material consumption of 95.1 billion tonnes. Europe and North America had a 14% higher material footprint than their domestic material consumption.
• Food Loss (Target 12.3): In 2021, 13.2% of food was lost globally after harvest, unchanged from 2016, making the target of halving post-harvest food losses by 2030 challenging.
• Sustainability Reporting (Target 12.6): In 2022, about 70% of monitored companies published sustainability reports, a threefold increase from 2016. Most companies disclosed policies on water, energy, carbon dioxide emissions, occupational health, safety, and board diversity. Only 10% reported on all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
• Sustainable Public Procurement (Target 12.7): In 2022, 67 national governments reported implementing sustainable public procurement policies and action plans, a 50% increase from 2020.
• Fossil Fuel Subsidies (Target 12.c): In 2021, governments spent an estimated $732 billion on fossil fuel subsidies, up from $375 billion in 2020, returning to pre-2015 levels. High energy prices in 2022 might lead to another increase in subsidies.

UN 2030 Agenda Goal 13: Combat Climate Change & Its Impacts

• Overview: The world faces a looming climate catastrophe. Without immediate and transformative action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the 1.5°C target will be jeopardized, endangering over 3 billion people. The consequences of inaction include severe heatwaves, droughts, floods, wildfires, rising sea levels, and famines. Emissions need to be halved by 2030. Urgent action is required to uphold the Paris Agreement’s commitments.
• Disaster Impact (Target 13.1): Deaths and missing persons due to disasters decreased from 1.64 per 100,000 (2005–2015) to 0.86 (2012–2021). However, affected persons increased from 1,198 to 2,113 in the same periods. Countries with national disaster risk reduction strategies rose from 55 in 2015 to 126 by 2021.
• Global Temperatures (Target 13.2): Global temperatures have risen by 1.1°C due to record-high greenhouse gas emissions in 2021. Emissions in 2022 continue to rise. Carbon dioxide levels increased significantly from 2020 to 2021 and are 149% higher than pre-industrial levels. Current and planned fossil fuel infrastructure’s projected emissions exceed the limits for 1.5°C warming.
• Climate Education (Target 13.3): In 2021, 47% of 100 national curriculum frameworks did not mention climate change. While 95% of teachers recognize the importance of climate education, only a third can effectively explain regional effects. In 2022, 70% of young people had a basic understanding of climate change.
• Climate Finance (Target 13.a): In 2020, developed countries provided and mobilized $83.3 billion in climate finance for developing countries, a 4% increase from 2019 but below the $100 billion target. Most of this finance is directed towards mitigation, with adaptation finance significantly lagging.

UN 2030 Agenda Goal 14: Conserve Oceans & Marine Resources

• Overview: The world’s largest ecosystem, the ocean, faces threats from rising acidification, eutrophication, declining fish stocks, and increasing plastic pollution. While some progress has been made, urgent global action is essential to achieve Goal 14.
• Coastal Eutrophication (Target 14.1): Elevated coastal eutrophication persisted in 2022, with the highest rates observed in the Arabian Sea.
• Ocean Acidification (Target 14.3): The ocean’s acidity is increasing due to rising carbon dioxide emissions. The current average pH level is 8.1, making the ocean 30% more acidic than during pre-industrial times.
• Fishery Resources (Target 14.4): Overfishing, pollution, and other threats endanger fishery resources. In 2019, 35.4% of global fish stocks were overfished, a 1.2% increase since 2017.
• Combatting Illegal Fishing (Target 14.6): By 2022, 74 States, including the European Union, joined the Agreement on Port State Measures to combat illegal fishing. The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted in June 2022, is a significant step towards ocean sustainability.
• Ocean Science Funding (Target 14.a): Although the ocean covers over 70% of the planet and contributes 2.5% to the world’s gross value added, only 1.1% of national research budgets were allocated to ocean science from 2013 to 2021.
• Small-Scale Fisheries (Target 14.b): In 2022, global frameworks recognizing and protecting access rights for small-scale fisheries reached their highest application level. However, fewer countries contributed to the reporting.

UN 2030 Agenda Goal 15: Protect Terrestrial Ecosystems

• Overview: The planet faces a crisis due to climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Forest loss, land degradation, and species extinction are worsening, necessitating a significant shift in our relationship with nature.
• Forest Decline (Target 15.2): Forest area decreased from 31.9% in 2000 to 31.2% in 2020, a net loss of 100 million hectares. Agricultural expansion is a major cause, but sustainable forest management is improving.
• Biodiversity Areas (Targets 14.5, 15.1, 15.4): Coverage of key biodiversity areas has increased, covering nearly half of each site in 2022. However, growth has slowed, and coverage varies regionally.
• Land Degradation (Target 15.3): Between 2015-2019, 100 million hectares of productive land were lost annually. If unchecked, an additional 1.5 billion hectares could be degraded by 2030.
• Species Extinction (Target 15.5): The Red List Index deteriorated by 4% from 2015 to 2023. Since 1993, it has worsened by 11%. In 2022, 21% of reptile species were threatened with extinction.
• Genetic Resources (Target 15.6): By 2022, 68 countries had measures for fair and equitable sharing of genetic resources benefits. Additionally, 88 countries implemented the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources.
• Invasive Species (Target 15.8): Most countries have adopted legislation to control invasive species. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened focus on controlling biological invasions, especially zoonotic pathogens.
• Biodiversity Values (Target 15.9): By 2022, 90% of countries had set national biodiversity targets. However, only a third are on track to meet them. 92 countries implemented the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting in 2022.

UN 2030 Agenda Goal 16: Promote Peace and Inclusivity

• Overview: Violent conflicts are increasing, with a quarter of humanity living in conflict zones. Displacements have doubled in a decade. Access to justice, basic services, and representation is lacking due to ineffective institutions. Structural injustices and human rights challenges persist.
• Violence (Target 16.1): Homicides in 2021 reached a 20-year high at 458,000. UN recorded 16,988 civilian deaths in conflicts in 2022, a 53% rise from 2021. 69% felt safe walking alone at night, but women felt less safe.
• Child Violence (Target 16.2): 8 in 10 children in 75 countries faced psychological or physical punishment at home. Trafficking victims decreased in 2020 due to COVID-19. Sexual violence data is limited but prevalent.
• Justice (Target 16.3): Global prison population in 2021 was 11.2 million, with 3.4 million unsentenced detainees.
• Illicit Firearms (Target 16.4): Only one-third of seized weapons were successfully traced between 2016 and 2021.
• Corruption (Target 16.5): 1 in 7 businesses globally face bribe requests from public officials.
• Budget Credibility (Target 16.6): Budget deviations increased in 2020-2021, reaching almost 10% in some regions.
• Representation (Target 16.7): People under 45 are underrepresented in parliaments, except in Europe.
• Legal Identity (Target 16.9): In 2022, 25% of children under 5 had unrecorded births. Only half in sub-Saharan Africa had registered births.
• Information Access (Target 16.10): 136 countries adopted access to information laws in 2022, up from 105 in 2015.

UN 2030 Agenda Goal 17: Strengthen Global Partnership

• Overview: Mixed progress in achieving Goal 17. Advances in development aid, remittances, and technology access. However, funding challenges persist, especially in low-income countries. Geopolitical tensions and nationalism hinder international cooperation.
• Finance:
  • Target 17.1: Government revenue was 33% of GDP in 2021. Tax revenue was 26% of GDP in advanced economies and 17% in developing ones.
  • Target 17.2: Net ODA flows reached $206 billion in 2022, but still below the 0.7% target.
  • Target 17.3: Official UN SDG Goals grants reached $118 billion in 2021. However, developing countries need an estimated $3.9 trillion by 2030.
  • Target 17.4: Debt levels reached record highs during the pandemic. 37 out of 69 poorest countries are at high risk of debt distress.
• ICT:
  • Target 17.8: 66% of the global population used the Internet in 2022. 259 million more men than women used the Internet.
  • Target 17.6: Fixed-broadband subscriptions reached 18 per 100 inhabitants in 2022.
  • Target 17.7: Trade of environmentally sound technologies was $2,364 billion in 2020.
• Trade:
  • Targets 17.10, 17.12: Worldwide weighted tariff average was about 2% in 2020.
  • Target 17.11: Least developed countries’ exports share was 1.05% of global merchandise trade in 2021.
• Data and Monitoring:
  • Target 17.18: 147 countries reported having national statistical legislation compliant with official principles in 2022.
  • Target 17.19: International funding for data and statistics was $542 million in 2020, a decline of 16% since 2015.

2.2 Charting a Resolute Course: Accelerating the UN Sustainable Goals

The midpoint assessment of SDG progress provides valuable insights into the triumphs achieved and the challenges that endure. To ensure the continued momentum of the UN 2030 Agenda Goals, nations, organizations, and individuals must redouble their efforts, foster collaboration, and prioritize transformative actions. By surmounting obstacles and embracing collective action, we can chart a path towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Goals and a prosperous future for all.

3. Seizing the Moment: Uniting for a Sustainable Tomorrow

As we reflect on the progress made towards the UN Sustainable Goals and acknowledge the challenges faced at the midpoint, it becomes evident that urgent and transformative action is necessary to achieve the vision of a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030.

3.1 Embracing Transformative Solutions

The clock is ticking, and there is no time to spare. The UN SDG Goals represent an unprecedented opportunity to address global issues, but they also highlight the urgency of the task at hand. To make substantial progress, we must embrace transformational efforts that go beyond incremental changes. These efforts may include:

• Innovative Solutions: Embracing cutting-edge technologies and practices to tackle complex challenges and improve the efficiency of development efforts.
• Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Fostering powerful partnerships between governments, private sectors, civil society, and international organizations to pool resources and expertise.
• Empowering Local Communities: Ensuring that development initiatives are locally led, empowering communities to drive change that is meaningful to them.

3.2 Uniting for a Resilient Future

The achievement of the UN 2030 Agenda Goals requires a collective commitment to the future of both people and the planet. It demands the recognition that social, economic, and environmental well-being are interconnected and must be addressed holistically. This united effort entails:

• Global Solidarity: Recognizing that we are part of a global community and that progress in one region benefits us all.
• Responsible Consumption and Production: Encouraging sustainable consumption patterns and responsible production practices to reduce our ecological footprint.
• Preserving Biodiversity: Protecting and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity to safeguard the planet’s life-supporting systems.

3.3 Building on Lessons and Strengthening Commitment

As we move forward, it is crucial to build on the lessons learned from the first half of the SDG journey. Adaptability and flexibility are key to navigating the ever-changing landscape of development. This entails:

• Learning from Successes and Failures: Embracing a learning mindset to replicate successful interventions and adapt strategies that have not yielded desired outcomes.
• Adapting to New Challenges: Remaining responsive to emerging challenges, such as pandemics, conflicts, and technological disruptions.
• Maintaining Long-Term Commitment: Recognizing that the achievement of the UN 2030 Agenda Goals is a long-term endeavor that requires sustained commitment from all stakeholders.

3.4 Final Thoughts

The Sustainable Development Goals are more than a set of targets; they represent a shared vision for a better world. As we seize the moment and unite for action, let us remember that the pursuit of the UN SDG Goals is not just about meeting specific Development goals but about transforming societies and systems to create a brighter and more inclusive future for generations to come.

Let us join hands, leave no one behind, and pave the way for a world where prosperity, equality, and sustainability thrive hand in hand. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards will be immeasurable. Together, we can turn the promise of the UN 2030 Agenda Goals into reality and shape a future that is truly worth aspiring for.

4- Key Takeaways

• The UN’s 2030 Agenda reveals significant disparities in progress across different SDGs, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
• Global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and climate crisis, have intensified existing vulnerabilities, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the SDGs.
• While some SDGs have seen commendable advancements, others lag behind, underscoring the urgency for a balanced and holistic approach.
• The UN Secretary-General’s new plan underscores the importance of collective global action, innovative partnerships, and renewed commitment to ensure no SDG is left behind.

5- Questions & Answers: