World Off-Track in Meeting 2030 Agenda – UN deputy Chief

By Michelle Nurse Last updated Jul 19, 2020

A woman and children use new handwashing facilities installed by UNICEF in Embratel, an informal urban settlement in Boa Vista, in northern Brazil. (United Nations News)

(United Nations News) The world was off track in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, even before the COVID-19 crisis erupted, but can get back on course by increasing investment in public services, showing solidarity on financing, and “reshaping” how people work, learn, live and consume.

“We can turn this around, if we stay true to the 2030 Agenda”, said Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, as she closed the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) – an annual stock-take of the world’s progress in reaching the SDGs, but “the road ahead is now even steeper”, she added.

After eight days of discussions, she said the message is clear on the need for solidarity and foresight on financing, and greater investments in social protections, health systems, education, water, sanitation and digital connectivity.

New approaches

Staying true to the 2030 Agenda also means reimagining the way people work, learn, live and consume, and listening to young people, who are demanding justice and equality. And it means investing in an inclusive, networked multilateralism, with the United Nations at the centre.