Dr. Arvind Kumar*
The world gathers at New York, lamenting the lack of progress on various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Poverty, hunger and climate change it once again reaffirms its shared commitment to eradicate poverty and end hunger at the High Level Political Forum 2024 which took place from 8-17 July 2024, They also recognised that the world was on track to meet only 15% of its 169 targets that make up the 17 goals – with quite a few going in reverse gear – and to that committed to an SDG stimulus of $500 billion annually as well as to define an effective debt-relief mechanism for the economically poorest countries. The HLPF reviewed in-depth the Sustainable Development Goal 1of no poverty, Goal 2 of no hunger, Gola 13 of taking climate action, Goal 16 of inclusive institutions and Goal 17 of partnerships. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, announced special sessions during the HLPF, including on transforming education and on financing to achieve the SDGs. She described how institutions are struggling under the weight of rapid technological change and political polarization, and invited delegates to reflect on the toll of protracted conflicts, as well as the need to reform the international financial architecture. She noted how the world is getting on track to achieve SDGs and the momentum for progress generated by the SDG Summit in 2023 and the importance of the Summit of the Future (SOTF) as an opportunity to restore trust and human solidarity in the face of multiple threats.
But is the world really on track to achieve the SDGs by 2030?
Aren’t we delusional if we pretend to think that it is achievable by 2030?
Disillusion of being on track
We are living in a bubble if we think that the world will be a happy, healthy, inclusive, equitable and a perfect place by 2030 because we are running to achieve the impossible 169 targets of 17 goals in all geographies.
Certainly, prioritizing a smaller number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and simplifying them could potentially accelerate global progress and increase the chances of success. Certain SDGs address urgent global issues that, if not tackled promptly, could lead to catastrophic outcomes. For instance, Goal 13, stabilizing the climate is critical to avoid severe environmental degradation and extreme weather events. Goal 3, preventing pandemics and controlling antimicrobial resistance are essential to avert large-scale human suffering and mortality. While all SDGs are important, some actions can be delayed without threatening humanity’s survival. These goals aim to enhance quality of life but do not pose an immediate existential risk if not promptly addressed like Quality Education (SDG 4) and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8). The estimated $4 trillion annual financing gap for achieving all 17 SDGs by 2030 is a significant hurdle. The reliance on public international finance from multilateral development banks and other entities makes it challenging to secure the necessary funds in the near future. By concentrating on the most critical goals, resources can be allocated more effectively, leading to faster and more substantial progress in areas that need immediate attention. A narrower focus can streamline international efforts, fostering better collaboration and coordination among countries, organizations, and stakeholders. Simplifying the SDGs can make the targets more manageable and realistic, increasing the likelihood of success and sustained commitment from various sectors.
Suman Bery representing India at the HLPF 2024 also said that by putting the SDGs at the heart of its G20 presidency, India has acknowledged that these are an almost sacred commitment by the global community to its less advantaged people. India is proving to be a source of solutions in multiple areas, be it public service delivery, be it digitalisation, even for multinational corporations, the so-called global capability centres. One thing that is clear is that this is ‘Amrit Kaal’ because this is when India will have the peak conditions for its working labour force. And to do what we can to make the most of that opportunity through skilling, training, better job matching, rising productivity. According to the latest SDG India Index report, India – overall, as a country – has improved in its actions taken towards achieving its SDGs, and so has every state and union territory too. As per the report, climate action is among the goals that India is doing particularly well at achieving. However, several moves by the union government – including diluting crucial legislations that protect the environment – suggest that the NITI Aayog’s 2024 report on SDG progress may in fact be contradictory in many aspects. Government has initiated many programmes and schemes for the same but while these programmes count as actions towards achieving these SDGs, many of these initiatives are still trailing; some have glaring loopholes and drawbacks.
India may claim to be doing well, but the annual SDG report card published by the United Nations on June 28, paints a grim picture. There are many areas that need greater emphasis like emerging health concerns such as non-communicable diseases and high levels of air, water and waste pollution. Further, increased emphasis is required on high-quality data, providing the correct information on the critical concerns at an appropriate time to inform designing, financing, monitoring and evaluating policies.
Way forward
There is no one size fits all approach that will work in achieving these targets and goals. One approach that works in Americas might not work on Africa and Asia. Countries have to prioritize a subset of SDGs based on national priorities, capacities, and immediate needs. Adopting a tailored approach allows nations to focus their resources and efforts on goals most relevant and achievable within their socio-economic context. Data collection and monitoring are the bedrock on which any policy or goal can succeed. It is needed to track the SDGs to provide the necessary information to evaluate progress, identify challenges, and make informed decisions. They enable countries to identify priority areas where they are lagging or facing challenges and are essential for governments to allocate resources effectively and address the most pressing issues. Prioritization does not imply neglecting other goals, but instead strategically concentrating efforts where a country can make the most significant impact. This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of the SDGs while recognizing the practical constraints that countries face. The dynamic nature of global challenges requires flexible strategies. Countries may need to periodically reassess their priorities based on evolving circumstances and emerging issues. This flexibility ensures a responsive and practical approach to sustainable development. While countries prioritize specific SDGs, international cooperation remains paramount. Collaboration and information sharing enable nations to learn from each other’s successes and challenges, fostering a collective effort towards achieving the overarching vision of sustainable development.
*Editor, Focus Global reporter
