2024 SDG Report | We don’t have a moment to lose – UN Chief | Press Conference

28 June 2024, New York, At the launch, UN Chief confirmed only 17 per cent of the SDG targets are on track, progress on over one-third has stalled or even regressed. The fact shows the denial of basic needs for so many is outrageous and inexcusable in a world of unprecedented wealth, knowledge, and technologies. At the same time, we have what it takes to breakthrough to a better future, however the report carries some glimmers of hope. The regression is caused mainly by the failure to secure peace, to confront climate change, and to boost international finance which now is undermining development. The speed and scale of the change needed for sustainable development progress is too slow.

The world needs to go further and faster in three areas simultaneously.

First, we need real action for peace. From Gaza to Sudan, Ukraine and beyond, it’s time to silence the guns, to support the displaced, and to pivot from spending on destruction and war to investing in people and peace.
Second, we need action on the green and digital transitions.

The Secretary-General urged countries to put forward ambitious National Climate Action plans in 2025 that align with the 1.5-degree limit, cover the whole economy and double as investment plans. He also encouraged a surge in investment in expanding access to digital connectivity and the benefits of the digital economy. UN Chief then called on countries to make these transitions just, inclusive and fully aligned with broader efforts to achieve gender equality.

Third, we need action on finance. The UN chief stressed that many developing countries are lacking financial resources and the fiscal space to invest in their futures as well as for the future of their people. He then elaborated that it is a must to step up efforts to deliver the SDG Stimulus which means doing much more to reduce debt pressures and debt servicing costs by expanding access to contingency financing for countries at risk of a cash flow crisis. By means multiplying the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to provide more resources for climate action and sustainable development and changing the business model to leverage the necessary massive amounts of private finance. He concluded that he is now working with ten leaders from a diverse group of countries who are championing efforts to make the SDG Stimulus a reality.

For the part of 2024 SDG Report, Li Jinhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs described the report as carrying some glimmers of hope. The report details the urgent priorities and areas needed for stronger and more effective action to ensure the 2030 promise to end poverty, protect the planet and leave no one behind. It also details the significant challenges the world is facing in making substantial strides towards achieving the SDGs based on the latest data and estimates. It features areas with setbacks while also showcasing where tangible progress has been made, for instance, in reducing global child mortality, preventing HIV infection, and access to energy and mobile broadband. In summary:

The increased access to life saving HIV treatment has averted 20.8 million aid related deaths in the past three decades.
The girls have achieved parity and even surpass boys in completing their schooling at all levels in most regions.
The digital divide is narrowing a little bit gradually, whereas two thirds of the world’s population now have access to the internet, nearly 30 percent more than the figure in 2015.

The report also highlights where action must accelerate, particularly in critical areas undermining SDG progress – climate change, peace and security, inequalities among and between countries, among others.
With just six years remaining, the current progress falls far short of what is required to meet the SDGs. It is predicted that without massive investment and scaled up action, the achievement of the SDGs — the blueprint for a more resilient and prosperous world and the roadmap out of current global crises — will remain elusive. The lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating conflicts, geopolitical tensions and growing climate chaos have severely hindered the progress.