Garfield Ekon
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, July 19, 2024 – Countries across the globe are being called on by United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, to “double down” their efforts to achieve the 17 Sustainable Goals (SDGs) and set the world on a more sustainable path by 2030.
The UN Chief said failure to secure peace, and to confront Climate Change, and to boost international finance is “undermining development,” and the countries must “accelerate action” for the SDGs, and “we don’t have a moment to lose.
“Only 17% of the SDG targets are on track, and we need to go further and faster in three areas simultaneously. We must not let up on our promise to end poverty, protect the planet and leave no one behind,” he told a recent press briefing to present the SDGs 2024 Report.
Noting that the Report shows that the world is getting a “failing grade,” Mr. Guterres underscored that progress on over one third has stalled, or even regressed, and in a world of “unprecedented wealth” knowledge and technologies, the denial of basic needs for so many is “outrageous and inexcusable.
“At the same time, we have what it takes to breakthrough to a better future, and the Report carries some glimmers of hope. 
A few examples, girls in most regions are now achieving parity with boys in education. Many women are breaking more glass ceilings in politics, in business and beyond. Internet access is up. HIV infections are down. New malaria vaccines are being rolled out that could save millions of lives,” he reported.
The Secretary-General also highlighted that renewables are booming, and already make up 30 per cent of the world’s electricity supply. The speed and scale of the change needed for sustainable development is still far too slow, he said, and the examples “I gave, prove that it is possible, but we need to go further and faster in three areas simultaneously.
“We need action for peace. From Gaza to Sudan, Ukraine and beyond, it is time to silence the guns, to support the displaced, and to pivot from spending on destruction and war to investing in people and peace. Second, we need action on the green and digital transitions,” he said.
Making an impassion plea for countries to put forward ambitious national Climate action plans in 2025, that align with the 1.5°C limit, cover the whole economy and double as investment plans, he said a “surge in investment” in expanding access to digital connectivity and the benefits of the digital economy, is needed, and countries should make these transitions “inclusive and fully aligned” with broader efforts to achieve gender equality.
“We need action on finance. Many developing countries lack the financial resources and the fiscal space to invest in their futures and the future of their people. We must step up efforts to deliver the SDG Stimulus. That means doing much more to reduce debt pressures and debt servicing costs. It means expanding access to contingency financing for countries at risk of a cash flow crisis,” the UN Chief said.