Tribune News network
Doha
A series of global setbacks mean that only 17 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are currently on track to meet the targets, one of the United Nations’ leading figures warned while speaking at Qatar Foundation’s Education City Speaker Series.
Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, Amina J. Mohammed, explained how overlapping crises, uneven progress, rising geopolitical conflicts, climate challenges, and economic disruptions have deepened inequalities, seriously affecting prospects of achieving the SDGs.
“The number of people living in extreme poverty is almost 700 million and growing; the number of people facing hunger is over 730 million and growing; access to quality and relevant education, decent work, universal healthcare, social protection, and digital connectivity still remain limited, with billions at risk of being left behind,” she said.
“The message is clear, and it’s stark: the outlook for achieving people-centred development and meeting the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is very fragile, but it isn’t too late to change course.
“We need to step up our efforts and reaffirm our commitment of leaving no one behind. And when we say leave no one behind, we really mean it in every single context - whether it is a country or a community, we must identify who those ‘no ones’ are and factor them into the planning and investments that we make in people and our planet.”
Next year, Qatar will play host to the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, which aims to reinforce momentum toward achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – and this, according to Her Excellency Mohammed, is a “tremendous opportunity”.
“The summit comes at an opportune time,” she said. “With only five years left to achieve the SDGs, we need to address all 17 goals, from poverty, hunger, and inequality to education, peace, and inclusivity.
“The 2025 Summit, as we see it, must nominate a detailed and measurable action plan for social development that is fit for the 21st Century, safeguarding the progress we have made over the years.
“At every step, process toward the summit must be inclusive, and there will be many opportunities to engage at country level, at global level, and, in particular, through regions. There must be not just provision and a space for people’s voices to be heard, but an intergenerational conversation.”
Speaking about conflicts in the Middle East, Her Excellency Mohammed said: “First things first, we know we can resolve these – they’re man-made. And let me just underscore ‘man’. Because if women were in leadership, we wouldn’t be in this situation. And this is important for conflict, because the burden of conflict is on women and children.
“There is no war that is deserving of the kind of damage and atrocities committed on society. I think we’ve gone so far, and crossed so many red lines - Gaza is apparent, but there are many others. There must be a pathway back to peace.”
The Education City Speaker Series brings together global experts to engage the community in meaningful discussions that challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives – with topics that include education, youth empowerment, sport, sustainability, and social change.
