Recent reports show notable advances, including a rise in renewable energy capacity led by developing countries and increased representation of women in governance and business sectors.

Since 2015, there has been a significant increase of 110 million children and youth entering schools, along with reductions in child marriage and greater women’s representation in parliaments worldwide.

Progress has also been made in social protection coverage, with over half of the global population now benefiting from social safety nets, and maternal mortality rates declining.

Climate change and conflicts continue to exacerbate crises, with 2024 being the hottest year on record, nearly 50,000 deaths from conflicts, and over 120 million people forcibly displaced.

He emphasized that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains possible but requires immediate, united efforts and unwavering resolve, as progress is currently insufficient to meet the 2030 targets.

Despite some achievements, such as increased access to electricity, clean cooking, and internet, the pace of progress is too slow, with nearly half of the SDGs stalled or regressing, and significant gaps remain in areas like food security and health.

Success stories reveal that accelerated progress is achievable, with 45 countries reaching universal electricity access and 54 eliminating at least one neglected tropical disease by the end of 2024.

While there have been improvements in maternal and child health and disease elimination, setbacks persist, and the overall pace remains inadequate given the worsening climate crisis and rising debt burdens.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the urgent need for global action to address the worsening development crisis, with over 800 million people living in extreme poverty and climate impacts intensifying.

These crises have deepened suffering globally, with vulnerable populations suffering from reduced aid, food insecurity affecting 757 million people, and critical services like health and food aid being cut.

The latest UN report reveals that only 35% of SDGs are on track, with nearly half stalled and 18% regressing, underscoring the urgent need for accelerated action.

To meet the SDGs, the UN calls for reversing aid cuts, providing debt relief, redirecting fossil fuel subsidies to clean energy, and ensuring a just transition for affected communities.