“Unless we act now, the 2030 agenda will become an epitaph for a world that might have been,”
Said the Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres
This was the comment highlighted in the 2023 UN Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) report. This report from July painted a dark image of our capacity to reach the goals that were set for 2030, with Climate disasters on the rise, even hunger progressing after years of decline.
So what did the report say ? Let’s look at the top 3 positive and more worrisome messages along with other key messages.
Top 3 Wins:
- Renewable Energy Advances 🌞: A shining example of progress is the substantial growth in renewable energy. Investments and innovations in solar, wind, and other renewable sources are reshaping our energy landscape, promising a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Global renewable energy capacity has increased dramatically, with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reporting a record addition of 260 gigawatts (GW) in 2020 alone, which is a nearly 50% increase over the capacity added in 2019. - Digitalization Leap 💻: The acceleration in digital technology has been a game-changer, especially in enhancing access to information, education, and services. This digital leap is bridging gaps and opening new avenues for development and equity.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), internet usage worldwide has grown from 17% of the global population in 2005 to over 60% in 2021, showcasing the massive leap in digital connectivity. - Education Access 📚: Notable strides in education have been made, with increased access to quality education worldwide. This progress is crucial in equipping future generations with the skills and knowledge to sustain and advance our global community.
UNESCO reports that the global primary school net enrollment rate rose from 83% in 2000 to over 91% in 2020, demonstrating significant progress towards universal primary education.
Top 3 Misses:
- Escalating Climate Crisis 🌍: Despite progress in renewable energy, the report soberly notes that we are lagging in combating climate change. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss remain alarming challenges needing immediate action.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) stated that the last seven years, up to 2020, have been the warmest on record, indicating a continuing trend of global warming. - Widening Inequalities 📉: Inequality continues to be a significant global issue, exacerbated by the pandemic. Economic disparities within and between countries are growing, threatening social cohesion and sustainable development.
The World Bank highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed an additional estimated 88 million to 115 million people into extreme poverty in 2020, reversing a two-decade trend of poverty reduction. - Reversal in Hunger Reduction 🍽️: Alarmingly, after years of decline, hunger and food insecurity have been on the rise. This reversal is a stark reminder of the fragility of our progress and the need for sustained efforts in food security.
The United Nations reported that the number of undernourished people grew by as many as 161 million in 2020, reaching an estimated total of 811 million worldwide, significantly set back by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other Important Messages:
- Health Systems Under Pressure 🏥: The global health crises have stressed the importance of robust health systems. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure remains crucial for combating current and future health challenges.
- Sustainability in Business 🌿: The report emphasizes the vital role of the private sector in achieving the SDGs. Businesses are encouraged to integrate sustainability into their core strategies, aligning profit with planetary and societal well-being.
- Call to Collective Action 🤝: The overarching message is clear – achieving the SDGs requires a collective effort. It calls for partnerships across governments, businesses, and civil society to unite in this critical mission.
In conclusion, while the 2023 SDG Report presents a mixed bag of progress and setbacks, its underlying message is unmistakably clear: there’s an urgent need for concerted and accelerated action across all sectors.
And while we could say that this is “government stuff”, businesses are key in shaping a sustainable, equitable future and should contribute as much and to as many of these goals as it can. It can be as much as an opportunity for growth and efficiency as it remains an imperative for compliance to existing and upcoming regulations.
As business leaders, the report offers not just insights but actionable pathways to integrate these goals into our strategies, ensuring our businesses are not just successful but also responsible stewards of a sustainable future. 🌟🌏
