We are at the midway point on the journey that started in 2015 with the creation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The goals, 17 in all, aim to address some of society’s toughest challenges, including eradicating poverty, increasing lifespans and health, and tackling climate change.
But progress has been slower than we would have liked. Although we have seen lasting gains in areas related to some basic needs—for example, electricity and internet access—the COVID-19 pandemic marked a major setback. Related developments such as spikes in inflation and interest rates, as well as global events including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have created additional stress around issues such as food security and economic development.
Of the roughly 140 SDG-related targets for which data is available, only 12% are on track to be delivered by 2030. Some 50% are advancing slowly. And for more than 30% we see either stalling or even reversal of progress. All told, not one SDG has yet been achieved.
Of the roughly 140 SDG-related targets for which data is available, only 12% are on track to be delivered by 2030.
It’s not too late, however, to deliver on the SDGs. The world has more resources and capabilities to advance the human condition than at any time in history. We see five areas where action at scale can unlock rapid SDG progress:
- Digital. Data and decision-making technologies are not new. But the tools at our disposal are radically better than they were even five years ago. Global data commons and public digital infrastructure have become as critical to human success as physical infrastructure. Advanced decision support tools (powered, for example, by satellite data) can drive effective localized solutions. Technology can be an even more incredibly powerful driver of progress.
- Private-Sector Engagement. When companies identify business models that both address social issues and create competitive advantage , those solutions can scale quickly. One need only look at the takeoff of the electric vehicle market and the impact that is having on emissions to understand the magnitude of potential private-sector impact. We see this potential for scalable private-sector impact across almost all SDGs.
- In-Country Collaboration. Programs and initiatives for most SDG goals will only work if they are delivered with deep local insight and the engagement of the beneficiaries. Building capabilities at the country level can marry local execution with global expertise and funding to achieve impact at scale.
- Innovative Financing. Achieving the SDGs will require large amounts of capital. That makes the role of blended finance—which must become even more commonly utilized and innovative—a powerful lever for maximizing impact.
- Climate Adaptation and Resilience. The SDGs aim to address issues facing people and the planet. Adaptation and resilience (A&R) sits at that nexus. Worsening climate change has ripple effects that put many of the SDGs further out of reach. Investments in A&R—based on data and accompanied by strong implementation—can stem and even reverse that dynamic.
The efforts and enablers listed here have proven effective at advancing many of the SDGs—and they could make a major difference if scaled. We should focus today on fully leveraging these opportunities. Together we can reignite momentum toward the SDGs and help create a more sustainable and equitable world for all.
