Latest news with #Goals
Scoop
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
UN Forum Affirms Stronger Commitment To Achieve Sustainable Development
24 July 2025 At the end of the conference on Wednesday, Member States adopted a Ministerial Declaration by a vote of 154-2-2, with the United States and Israel voting against the document and Paraguay and Iran abstaining. 'We strongly reaffirm our commitment to effectively implement the 2030 Agenda [which]... remains our overarching roadmap for achieving sustainable development and overcoming the multiple crises we face,' the Declaration said. Junhua Li, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, commended Member States for adopting this declaration as a 'powerful reaffirmation of multilateral resolve.' 'Let us leave this HLPF with a renewed resolve, shared sense of possibility, and a reinvigorated sense of responsibility to lead the way forward,' he said. 15 years of HLPF The HLPF has happened on an annual basis since 2010 and is convened by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to discuss the progress, or lack thereof, on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda and aspire to create a more equitable and inclusive world. This year, the forum focused on five of these goals: good health and wellbeing, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, life below water and partnerships. Negotiations regarding the ministerial document were led by representatives from Czechia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who highlighted the significance of the proceedings. 'This year's deliberations have held particular significance. Ten years after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, a range of interlinked and persistent challenges continues to jeopardise the full realisation of the SDGs,' said Jakub Kulhánek, permanent representative of Czechia and one of the two lead facilitators of the declaration. The clock is ticking In the ministerial declaration, Member States said that time is running out to achieve the SDGs, which remain severely off track. According to the Secretary-General's report on the Goals, which was released on the first day of the HLPF, only 18 per cent of the SDGs are on track to be achieved by 2030, with over half making progress that is too slow. While the ministerial declaration addressed each of the five SDGs in the spotlight at the forum, Member States particularly emphasised the role of poverty in impeding sustainable development and the worsening climate crisis that is threatening all aspects of the development agenda. The declaration called both of these issues some of the 'greatest global challenges' that the world faces. In keeping with SDG 16, which underlines the role that institutions like governments must play in promoting peace, Member States also affirmed that strong governance and partnership is essential to realising peace as a prerequisite for development. 'We recognise that sustainable development cannot be realised without peace and security, and peace and security will be at risk without sustainable development,' it stated. Plan of Action In the midst of challenges to multilateralism, Member States said that the declaration was an affirmation of the UN's commitment to multilateralism, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. 'At a time when serious doubts about the future of multilateralism persist, your steadfast commitment has been both reassuring and inspiring,' said Mr. Kulhánek. Member States, in the declaration, affirmed a commitment to urgently working towards the SDGs in order to achieve a better world. 'We will act with urgency to realise its vision as a plan of action for people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership, leaving no one behind.'
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
The SDGs Have Improved Millions Of Lives Over The Past Decade, But Progress Remains Insufficient, UN Report Finds
New York, 14 July 2025 – A decade after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations released today the 10th edition of its annual progress report, The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025. The report provides a stark assessment and a strong call for action. While millions of lives have improved, through gains in health, education, energy, and digital connectivity, the pace of change remains insufficient to meet the Goals by 2030. The latest available data show that only 35 per cent of targets are on track or making moderate progress, while nearly half are moving too slowly and 18 per cent have regressed. "We are facing a development emergency,' said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. 'But this report is more than a snapshot of today. It's also a compass pointing the way to progress. This report shows that the Sustainable Development Goals are still within reach. But only if we act – with urgency, unity, and unwavering resolve.' Progress amid adversity Despite cascading global challenges, the report documents notable global achievements: New HIV infections have declined by nearly 40 per cent since 2010. Malaria prevention has averted 2.2 billion cases and saved 12.7 million lives since 2000. Social protection now reaches over half the world's population, up significantly from a decade ago. Since 2015, 110 million more children and youth have entered school. Child marriage is in decline, with more girls staying in school and women gaining ground in parliaments around the world. In 2023, 92 per cent of the world's population had access to electricity. Internet use has surged from 40 per cent in 2015 to 68 per cent in 2024, unlocking access to education, jobs, and civic participation. Conservation efforts have doubled protection of key ecosystems, contributing to global biodiversity resilience. Hard truths and systemic risks At the same time, the report calls attention to challenges that continue to hold back sustainable development progress: More than 800 million people still live in extreme poverty. Billions still lack access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Climate change pushed 2024 to be the hottest year on record, with temperatures 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. Conflicts caused nearly 50,000 deaths in 2024. By the end of that year, over 120 million people were forcibly displaced. Low- and middle-income countries faced record-high debt servicing costs of $1.4 trillion in 2023. A roadmap for acceleration The report calls for action across six priority areas where intensified effort can generate transformative impact: food systems, energy access, digital transformation, education, jobs and social protection, and climate and biodiversity action. It also urges governments and partners to implement the Medellín Framework for Action, a roadmap adopted at the 2024 UN World Data Forum, to strengthen data systems essential for responsive policymaking. Success stories show that the Goals are achievable Global averages may mask meaningful advances in many countries that have made substantial progress across different Goals. For example, 45 countries have achieved universal electricity access in the past decade and 54 countries had eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease by the end of 2024. These national and local successes, driven by sound policies, strong institutions, and inclusive partnerships, prove that accelerated progress is not only possible, but already happening. The final five years to 2030 present an opportunity to deliver on the promises of the SDGs. The 2030 Agenda is not aspirational; it is non-negotiable. 'This is not a moment for despair, but for determined action,' said Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. 'We have the knowledge, tools, and partnerships to drive transformation. What we need now is urgent multilateralism—a recommitment to shared responsibility and sustained investment.' Additional key facts and figures: Progress Between 2012 and 2024, the prevalence of stunting among children under age 5 decreased from 26.4 per cent to 23.2 per cent. Healthy life expectancy increased by over five years between 2000 and 2019. However, COVID-19 reversed some of these gains, cutting life expectancy by 1.8 years. Global maternal mortality ratio dropped from 228 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015 to 197 in 2023. Under-5 mortality fell to 37 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023, a 16 per cent reduction from 44 in 2015. By the end of 2024, 54 countries had eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. Between 2019 and 2024, 99 positive legal reforms were implemented to remove discriminatory laws and establish gender equality frameworks. As of 1 January 2025, women held 27.2 per cent of the seats in national parliaments, up 4.9 percentage points from 2015. Renewable energy is the fastest-growing energy source today and is projected to surpass coal as the primary electricity source in 2025. 5G mobile broadband now covers 51 per cent of the global population. Setbacks Without a significant acceleration in efforts, 8.9 per cent of the global population will still be living in extreme poverty by 2030 under the revised international poverty line. Nearly 1 in 11 people worldwide faced hunger in 2023. In 2023, 272 million children and youth remained out of school. Women perform 2.5 times as many unpaid domestic and care work as men. In 2024, 2.2 billion people lacked safely managed drinking water, 3.4 billion went without safely managed sanitation, and 1.7 billion lacked basic hygiene services at home. The global refugee population has surged to 37.8 million by mid-2024. Worldwide, 1.12 billion people live in slums or informal settlements without basic services. Official development assistance declined 7.1 per cent in 2024 after five years of growth, with further cuts expected through 2025.
BBC News
01-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Oldham Athletic sign ex-Tranmere winger Hawkes
Oldham Athletic have signed winger Josh Hawkes on a two-year deal after he left Tranmere 26-year-old came through Hartlepool's academy and went on to make 61 league appearances for the club before joining Sunderland where he made just two there he eventually joined Tranmere Rovers in 2022 and scored 26 goals in 134 appearances before leaving at the end of last season."Boundary Park has a great atmosphere and a real ambition to climb the leagues which was a huge factor in me signing," he told the club website, external."I want to bring energy, creativity and goals from out wide, and help the team push up the table and match the ambitions the coaching staff have."
BBC News
01-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Accrington midfielder Martin signs one-year deal
Accrington Stanley midfielder Dan Martin has signed a one-year contract to remain with the League Two 23-year-old came through Accrington's academy and made his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup in then he has made 77 appearances for the club with eight of those coming last season."It took a while over the summer, but it's done - now I am here for another year, playing football in front of the Accy fans," Martin told the club website, external."Now I want to stamp my authority on the team and play the way I like, passing the ball and exciting football."I need to contribute with goals and assists, that's the aim."
Barnama
13-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Leadership Excellence Awards 2024/2025 Honours Leaders With Over 90 Prestigious Titles
PUTRAJAYA, June 13 (Bernama) — The Leadership Excellence Awards 2024/2025 brought together top-tier professionals, visionaries and changemakers from various industries to celebrate their achievements and contributions to leadership excellence. Director of the National Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Centre, Ministry of Economy, Asfaazam Kasbani said the awards also united exceptional individuals from diverse sectors, recognising their outstanding contributions. 'It is a great honour for Malaysia to inaugurate the Leadership Excellence Awards. We hope this platform continues to inspire emerging business leaders and entrepreneurs, both locally and internationally. 'It aims to support their entrepreneurial journeys within our vibrant nation and contribute to the country's economic growth,' Asfaazam said in his speech, representing Deputy Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, at the ceremony. The event featured keynote addresses, networking sessions, and award presentations that highlighted the unique accomplishments and leadership philosophies of this year's recipients. Organised by Des Prix Infinitus Media, the awards reflect an inclusive outlook, welcoming international nominees and celebrating cross-border collaboration and impact. Hagenz Choo, Managing Director of Des Prix Infinitus Media, said in his speech that proud is an understatement to recognise the leaders who continue to inspire growth and resilience in today's dynamic world. He said these remarkable leaders' dedication not only drives success within their organisations but also contributes positively to society because true leadership goes beyond titles; it is about influence, purpose, and the courage to drive change. The Leadership Excellence Awards continue to serve as a platform to elevate leadership standards and foster meaningful connections among regional and global leaders, while affirming the power of vision, perseverance and human potential.
