SDG Annual Report highlights pathways to progress amidst warnings

The recently released UN Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024 underscores the imperative for substantial investment and escalated action if the SDGs - a blueprint for a more resilient and prosperous world and the roadmap out of current global crises - are to be achieved. Detailing how global pressures such as poverty, insecurity, and adverse climate change have impeded progress towards the Goals, the latest progress report reveals that only 17% of the overall SDGs are on track to be realised. Nearly half show minimal or moderate progress, with over one-third stalled or regressing.

The report also highlights success stories pointing the way forward. For instance, renewable energy capacity has expanded at an unprecedented rate of 8.1% annually over the past five years. Extreme poverty continues to decline in upper-middle and high-income countries, while Central and Southern Asia reduced working poverty by 6.9 percentage points. There has been increased educational attainment, with primary school completion rising to 88%, and gender parity achieved in most regions. Global water use efficiency has increased by 19%, and marine protected area coverage has increased more than tenfold from 2000 to 2024. Additionally, the proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels increased in more than a quarter of major fishing areas between 2004 and 2021.

The Report’s focus on SDG 12 reflects both the challenges across the goals and transformative examples of circular economy uptake and mainstreaming crucial elements for achieving global sustainable consumption and production.

Unlocking Renewable Energy Potential

A notable success is the acceleration of renewable energy deployment, with global capacity to generate electricity from renewable sources growing by 8.1% annually over the past five years. This shift reduces reliance on fossil fuels and offers a blueprint for sectors aiming to implement sustainable practices.

Transformative Solutions in Food Waste Management

In 2021, 13.2% of globally produced food was lost post-harvest and during transport, storage, and processing, with 19% wasted at the retail or consumption stage in 2022. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive strategies spanning the entire food supply chain. Encouragingly, some countries have integrated food waste reduction into national strategies, although only nine out of 193 countries included food waste measures in their nationally determined contributions (NDCs). These initiatives set important precedents through legislative measures, public awareness campaigns, and private sector partnerships, demonstrating achievable reductions in food waste.

Tackling E-Waste through Circular Economy Models

The rapid increase in e-waste generation, with only 22% being sustainably managed, highlights the need for robust recycling and reuse infrastructures. Solutions are emerging through circular economy models emphasizing product life extension and resource recovery. Countries with successful e-waste management systems showcase effective models, such as formal recycling centres and strict e-waste disposal regulations, which improve collection rates and environmental management practices.

Policy Innovations for Sustainable Consumption and Production

A positive trend highlighted in the report is the increasing number of countries adopting Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) policies. By 2023, 63 member states, including the EU, reported a total of 516 policy instruments fostering sustainable and circular approaches. These range from national roadmaps to legal and voluntary instruments, indicating growing political will to address unsustainable consumption and production patterns. Noteworthy examples include the Philippines’ efforts to promote responsible mining and the United States’ plans to transform its food system for broader benefits, demonstrating how targeted policies can drive sustainable improvements across sectors.

Increased Business Sustainability Reporting

The rise in sustainability reporting by companies, now at 73% globally, reflects a trend towards transparency and accountability. This growth acknowledges that sustainability is integral to business resilience and competitiveness. Despite challenges in standardising national reporting requirements, the increasing number of companies publishing sustainability reports signifies progress. The trend is bolstered by a growing number of stock exchanges with written ESG reporting guidance, rising from fewer than 10 a decade ago to 69 in 2022. Enhanced reporting practices enable better tracking of sustainability efforts and foster greater corporate responsibility.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described this as a pivotal moment, stating, “This report highlights the urgent need for stronger and more effective international cooperation to maximise progress starting now. With over six years left, we must not falter on our 2030 promise to end poverty, protect the planet, and leave no one behind.”

The report calls for renewed commitment to sustainable consumption and production principles and emphasises the need for greater collaboration among governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals. Such collaboration is essential for scaling successful initiatives and actions to realise the promise of the SDGs.

Read more on the UN SDG Report Website: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2024/

See the SDG 12 report section: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2024/Goal-12/

Track progress and take action at the SDG 12 Hub: https://sdg12hub.org/