What You Need to Know About the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2024

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), introduced by the United Nations in 2015, serve as a blueprint for global progress towards a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030. These 17 goals address critical challenges such as poverty, hunger, education, climate change, and inequality.

How Do the SDGs Function?

Each SDG is backed by specific targets, 169 in total, designed to create measurable progress across multiple sectors. The 2024 UN SDG Progress Report reveals that only 17% of the targets are on track, with nearly half experiencing minimal or moderate progress and over a third stagnating or regressing. Key disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and climate crises, have severely hindered progress.

Despite these challenges, there has been noteworthy progress in areas like access to clean energy, reducing under-five mortality rates, and expanding global broadband coverage. Yet, issues like extreme poverty, hunger, and rising greenhouse gas emissions remain critical concerns, with carbon dioxide levels reaching unprecedented highs in 2023.

Why Were the SDGs Established?

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to ensure that global progress towards a more sustainable future is inclusive, equitable, and far-reaching. The overarching goal is to leave no one behind in the transition to a better future, promoting solutions that protect both people and the planet.

What Are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals?

1. No Poverty

The aim of SDG 1 is to end poverty in all forms, everywhere. It focuses on improving income for the world's most impoverished, ensuring equal access to economic resources, and building social protection systems.

2. Zero Hunger

SDG 2 seeks to end hunger, ensure food security, and improve nutrition. It calls for sustainable agricultural practices that can increase food production while also preserving the environment.

3. Good Health and Well-being

SDG 3 promotes healthy lives and well-being for all at every stage of life. It focuses on reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and combating diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.

4. Quality Education

SDG 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. It promotes lifelong learning opportunities and seeks to eliminate barriers to education, especially in disadvantaged communities.

5. Gender Equality

SDG 5 is about achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls. It focuses on eliminating gender-based discrimination and violence, and ensuring equal access to leadership and decision-making roles.

6. Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. It addresses issues such as water scarcity, access to safe drinking water, and the protection of water-related ecosystems.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 7 seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all. It promotes the use of renewable energy sources and aims to improve energy efficiency globally.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 8 focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. It advocates for full and productive employment and decent work conditions for everyone, with a special focus on youth employment.

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

SDG 9 promotes the building of resilient infrastructure, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainable industrialisation. It encourages investment in infrastructure that supports economic development and innovation.

10. Reduced Inequalities

SDG 10 aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. It focuses on policies that promote income equality and social inclusion, and it advocates for fairer access to resources for marginalised groups.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

SDG 11 aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It promotes urban planning that addresses housing, transport, and disaster risk reduction.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production

SDG 12 focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. It advocates for reducing waste, promoting recycling, and encouraging more efficient use of natural resources.

13. Climate Action

SDG 13 calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. It promotes climate resilience, adaptation strategies, and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

14. Life Below Water

SDG 14 is aimed at conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources. It addresses issues like marine pollution, ocean acidification, and overfishing.

15. Life on Land

SDG 15 focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. It calls for efforts to halt deforestation, combat desertification, and protect biodiversity.

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

SDG 16 promotes peaceful, inclusive societies and access to justice for all. It emphasises the importance of strong, transparent, and accountable institutions to ensure social justice and human rights.

17. Partnerships for the Goals

SDG 17 highlights the need for strong global partnerships to achieve the SDGs. It encourages international cooperation, financial support, and the sharing of knowledge and technologies to address global challenges.

Current SDG Progress in 2024

According to the latest UN SDG Progress Report (2024), significant challenges persist, with nearly half of the global targets deviating from their desired trajectory. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed an additional 23 million people into extreme poverty, while 123 million more faced hunger compared to pre-pandemic figures. Climate action continues to lag, with greenhouse gas concentrations reaching record levels and public funding for fossil fuel industries more than doubling from 2021 to 2022.

The report highlights the global crisis in education, with 58% of students worldwide failing to reach minimum proficiency in reading by the end of primary school. Health progress has also slowed, with setbacks in maternal and infant mortality rates. Meanwhile, rising conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, have caused a surge in displaced populations, reaching 110 million globally in 2023.

The 2024 UN SDG Progress Report paints a concerning picture of global inequalities, with many of the Sustainable Development Goals falling behind. One of the most alarming statistics is the backslide in poverty reduction efforts, exacerbated by the pandemic, inflation, and ongoing conflicts. Additionally, the report highlights that extreme weather events and natural disasters, linked to climate change, have displaced millions, undermining progress in poverty alleviation and access to safe housing.

Gender equality also remains an area of concern, with progress stalling in many regions. Women's representation in leadership roles has seen limited growth, and pandemic-related economic hardships have disproportionately affected women, reversing gains in employment and income equality. Progress in SDG 5 (Gender Equality) is critical for accelerating many other SDGs, yet persistent barriers continue to hinder full participation for women and girls, especially in the workforce.

Another issue is the rising level of debt distress in developing countries, which limits their ability to invest in key areas such as health, education, and infrastructure. Many nations now struggle to finance necessary reforms, deepening inequalities both within and between countries. The report calls for an urgent re-evaluation of global financial structures to offer greater support to these economies, aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Without systemic changes, the financial burden will continue to hamper progress toward these essential targets.

Environmental sustainability remains a central theme in the report, as climate change impacts worsen. SDG 13 (Climate Action) is far behind schedule, with countries failing to meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement. The report stresses the need for more ambitious climate policies, improved disaster preparedness, and increased funding for clean energy initiatives if we are to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.

Urgent Need for Strengthened Global Partnerships

The success of the SDGs is highly dependent on strong global partnerships, as outlined in SDG 17. Governments, businesses, and civil society need to collaborate closely to achieve the ambitious 2030 targets. The 2024 Progress Report underscores the importance of international cooperation, particularly in providing financial and technical support to developing countries. With increasing debt burdens and financial instability, low-income nations struggle to finance the necessary reforms to support the SDGs. A robust global partnership, with equitable resource distribution, is essential to ensure progress in all regions.

Innovations in Sustainable Infrastructure

Achieving SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) has become increasingly important as nations work to build resilient economies. Innovations in green technologies and infrastructure are not only essential for economic growth but also critical for reducing environmental impacts and fostering sustainable industrialisation. Countries are investing in cleaner production methods, renewable energy, and eco-friendly transportation systems. However, the progress in building sustainable infrastructure varies significantly across regions, with developing nations requiring greater investments and access to cutting-edge technologies to meet their targets.

The Role of Technology in Driving Education and Healthcare Progress

Technology is playing a pivotal role in bridging gaps in SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Digital learning platforms are providing access to education for millions of students in underserved areas, especially after the pandemic widened educational inequalities. In healthcare, technological advancements, such as telemedicine and digital health services, are helping to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in remote regions. However, the 2024 report highlights that many countries still lack the necessary infrastructure to fully utilise these advancements, slowing down progress.

Climate Finance: The Key to Achieving SDG 13

Addressing SDG 13 (Climate Action) requires significant financial investments in climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. The 2024 Progress Report stresses the importance of climate finance in helping countries transition to low-carbon economies and build resilience against the impacts of climate change. Yet, many nations, especially those most vulnerable to climate change, struggle to secure the necessary funding. Without a substantial increase in global climate finance, particularly from developed countries, the world risks falling far short of its climate targets, leaving communities increasingly vulnerable to environmental disasters.

Corporate Responsibility in Achieving the SDGs

Businesses have a profound influence on the success of the SDGs, particularly through their supply chains and operational practices. As consumers demand more ethically produced goods, companies are taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint and promote social responsibility. Many businesses are aligning their operations with the SDGs by adopting circular economy models, improving labour conditions, and investing in renewable energy. These efforts not only contribute to global sustainability but also enhance corporate reputation and resilience in an increasingly sustainability-conscious market.

How Can Businesses Support the SDGs?

Businesses play a crucial role in advancing the SDGs by:

Reducing their carbon footprints and environmental impact
Promoting diversity and equality in the workplace
Supporting sustainable practices across supply chains
Collaborating with governments and NGOs to address key global challenges

As of 2023, nearly 72% of global companies had aligned their corporate reports with the SDGs, demonstrating the growing role of the private sector in achieving sustainable development.

An Example of Businesses Supporting the SDGs

Businesses can significantly advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supporting social enterprises that prioritise sustainable and ethical practices. Purchasing from social enterprises like Social Stories Club allows companies to contribute to environmental and social progress. Social Stories Club curates gift hampers that feature products from social enterprises, each with a meaningful impact—whether it's reducing waste, supporting underprivileged communities, or promoting fair trade. By choosing such products, businesses support responsible consumption, drive economic inclusivity, and help meet goals like SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Not only do these initiatives reduce a company’s environmental footprint, but they also align with global efforts to foster inclusive economic growth. Collaborating with social enterprises strengthens ethical supply chains, allowing businesses to tangibly support SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by investing in products that empower disadvantaged communities, including women-run ventures. By integrating sustainable purchasing decisions, businesses can play a direct role in promoting global development and meeting key SDG targets.

Conclusion: A Final Word on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

As we move deeper into the decade leading up to 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals remain a critical framework for achieving global progress. However, the challenges highlighted in the 2024 UN SDG Progress Report serve as a reminder that without immediate and coordinated action, many of the goals are at risk of failure. Global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic inequality, climate change, and ongoing conflicts have exposed vulnerabilities in the system, widening the gap between current realities and the 2030 targets.

Despite these obstacles, there are areas of notable progress that provide a beacon of hope. Innovations in renewable energy, education, and healthcare demonstrate that transformative change is possible when governments, businesses, and civil society work together. However, this progress needs to be scaled up rapidly. Businesses play a pivotal role in this transformation by integrating sustainable practices into their operations and investing in social enterprises that directly address the SDGs. Partnerships between public and private sectors, supported by international cooperation, will be key to reversing the current trajectory and ensuring no one is left behind.

The road to 2030 is undeniably steep, but the commitment to achieving the SDGs remains strong. By fostering collaboration, amplifying innovation, and increasing investments in sustainable development, it is still possible to close the gaps and drive meaningful progress. Governments, businesses, and individuals alike have a responsibility to act now and contribute to a more sustainable, just, and prosperous world. Every action counts, and with concerted effort, the SDGs can still serve as a blueprint for a better future for all.