Stagnating progress towards the SDGs: Reflections five years from 2030

With only five years to go until 2030, the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the global panorama requires us to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain.

The World SDG Dashboard 2024 shows insufficient progress on most targets, highlighting the urgency of redoubling collective efforts to save this global agenda. Based on the pace of progress since the international community adopted the SDGs in 2015, none of the 17 SDGs will be achieved by 2030.

A discouraging outlook

According to the UN Sustainable Development Report 2024, only 16% of the goals are on track to be achieved, while 84% show stagnant progress or significant setbacks. This last figure is alarming, as it reveals not only a lack of effective action, but also the disconnect between the goals set and the socioeconomic and political realities in the world.

Nordic countries, such as Sweden, Denmark and Finland, are leading the way on this agenda thanks to stable governance systems, sustainable economies and a culture of social well-being. In contrast, countries with the least progress are those affected by armed conflict or chronic political crises, such as Yemen, Somalia, Chad, South Sudan and the Central African Republic. However, even the most advanced nations face serious challenges on issues such as zero hunger (SDG 2), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13) and the protection of terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15).

At the rate of progress since the international community adopted the SDGs in 2015, none of the 17 SDGs will be achieved by 2030

Factors explaining stagnation

One of the most notable points of the report is the unsustainable way in which we consume and produce globally. This model, based on the linear economy, remains the main driver of the greatest environmental and social challenges. Added to this is the urgency of a transition towards a circular economy, which advocates:

1. Eliminate waste by design.

2. Circulate products and materials for as long as possible.

3. Restore ecosystems damaged by human activities.

Despite these clear principles, progress towards their implementation has been slow and uneven, severely affecting goals such as sustainable management of greenhouse gases and biodiversity loss.

Global setbacks

The report also identifies five specific goals where widespread regression has been observed:

1. Obesity rate (SDG 2): The increase in unhealthy diets and lack of access to nutritious foods contribute to this trend.

2. Press freedom (SDG 16): Increasing repression of the press and attacks against journalists undermine democratic stability.

3. Biodiversity loss (SDG 15): Overexploitation of natural resources continues to devastate ecosystems.

4. Sustainable nitrogen management (SDG 2): Intensive agriculture and excessive use of fertilizers damage soils and water sources.

5. Life expectancy at birth (SDG 3): The combined impact of conflicts, pandemics and unequal access to health services has reduced this indicator in some regions.

Encouraging progress

Although the overall context is worrying, there are also advances that deserve to be celebrated. Among the goals that show a positive trend are:

1. Mobile broadband and internet use (SDG 9): Digital connectivity has improved significantly, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

2. Access to electricity (SDG 7): Renewable energy projects have expanded access, reducing the energy gap.

3. Under-five mortality (SDG 3): Global initiatives to improve access to vaccines and pediatric care are saving lives.

SDG indicators for 2024 by region and income group (levels and trends)

Willpower: The Key Ingredient

The SDGs represent an inclusive and holistic agenda that requires the collaboration of governments, businesses, civil society and citizens to advance towards sustainable development based on justice and leaving no one behind. However, current challenges demonstrate that political will and active participation are essential to accelerate progress.

With only five years left until 2030, time is running out. The question remains whether we will even be able to achieve 50% of the goals set. At Way To Sustainable Impact, we reiterate our commitment to raising awareness and collective action to achieve a fairer and more sustainable future.