UN SDG Report 2025
The 2025 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Report reveals a worrying slowdown or reversal in progress across 35 per cent of targets. With only five years remaining to meet the 2030 Agenda, critical goals such as Zero Hunger, Quality Education, and Clean Water are most affected. The report puts stress on the urgent need for multilateral cooperation and financial reforms to reinvigorate global efforts.
Current Status of SDG Targets
The report shows that 35 per cent of measurable targets under 14 of the 17 SDGs have stalled or moved backward. Particularly affected are SDG2 (Zero Hunger), SDG4 (Quality Education), SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities). Between 50 and 57 per cent of targets in these areas are off-track. Other goals like Responsible Consumption (SDG12), Life Below Water (SDG14), and Peace and Justice (SDG16) also face setbacks.
Food Insecurity and Hunger Crisis
Global hunger remains alarmingly high. In 2023, 9.1 per cent of the world population suffered from undernourishment, up from 7.5 per cent in 2019. Conflict, climate change, and economic instability drive this trend. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest hunger rate at 23.2 per cent, while Southern Asia hosts the largest number of hungry people. Over 2.3 billion people faced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023, an increase of 383 million since 2019. Food prices remain elevated, especially in Eastern and South-Eastern Asia and Small Island Developing States.
Economic Recovery and Labour Market Challenges
Economic progress is uneven. SDG8 targets show that half of monitored objectives have stagnated or declined. Informal employment increased slightly, with 57.8 per cent of the global workforce lacking social protections by 2024. Youth unemployment, though improved, remains triple the adult rate. These factors hinder decent work and economic growth, especially in vulnerable populations.
Environmental and Health Concerns
SDG14 (Life Below Water) faces worsening marine pollution, fish stock depletion, and ocean ecosystem degradation. It is also the least funded SDG. Health targets under SDG3 show stagnation in maternal mortality and universal health coverage. Many health systems remain strained due to post-pandemic effects, inequality, and funding gaps. Climate change intensifies risks, with 2024 recorded as the hottest year globally and temperatures continuing to rise.
Progress and Persistent Challenges
Despite setbacks, progress exists. New HIV infections declined by nearly 40 per cent since 2010. Malaria prevention has saved millions of lives. Social protection coverage expanded to over half the global population. However, over 800 million people still live in extreme poverty. Access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene remains inadequate for billions. Official development assistance fell by 7.1 per cent in 2024, impacting developing nations.
Calls for Financial Reform and Multilateral Action
The report stresses the need to unlock large-scale financing. Reforming international financial systems, debt relief, and boosting multilateral development bank lending are key. UN leaders call for urgent multilateralism, shared responsibility, and sustained investments. A roadmap includes transforming food systems, expanding energy access, accelerating digital transformation, inclusive education, decent jobs, social protection, and climate action. Robust data systems are essential to guide policies.
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