Devendra Kumar
World leaders gathered at the United Nations on Monday warned of the catastrophic consequences if immediate action is not taken to achieve the set of 2030 development goals aimed at eradicating hunger and extreme poverty, combating climate change, and promoting global prosperity. The leaders adopted a declaration by consensus, emphasizing that the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals is in peril, with most targets moving at a snail’s pace or even regressing below the 2015 baseline. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sounded the alarm, stating that only 15 per cent of the targets are on track, with many heading in reverse.
The deteriorating situation has been fueled by geopolitical tensions, particularly the war in Ukraine, as major powers vie for influence over developing countries, where achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is crucial.
Guterres stressed that instead of leaving no one behind, the world risks leaving the goals behind, and urged countries to act with urgency to rescue the SDGs. The UN report highlighted that there are 745 million more moderately to severely hungry people in the world today than in 2015, and the world is far off track in meeting the ambitious goal to end hunger by 2030.
The leaders’ warning is not just limited to hunger and poverty; the declaration also emphasizes the urgent need to address climate change, which is exacerbating the situation. Guterres called on G20 leaders to provide a stimulus of at least $500 billion per year towards meeting the goals. The report also noted that the cost of meeting global targets rose 25 per cent to $176 trillion during the year that ended in September 2022, with performance on several measures reversing. The leaders meeting at the UN are aware that the window of opportunity is narrowing, and if no action is taken, the world will face catastrophic consequences. The international community must act with unity and resolve to rescue the SDGs and ensure a sustainable future for all.