Editorial
First quarter of this millennium has come to an end with more progress, more development, with more human beings on the globe. However, at the same time development in science, technology and economy has also brought number of problems that the human beings are faced with. COVID-19 pandemic is still fresh in the minds. Global warming with consequent Climate change and cyber crime of different sorts are new forms of problems that the global communities are faced with. Global issues are still revolving around issues such as poverty, inequality, health crises, conflicts & security, human rights, and sustainable development. Other grave issues are drinking water scarcity in different parts of the world, hunger, access to education at different levels, political volatility that require international cooperation for solutions. Digitization and digitalization have enhanced access to resources on the one hand, but this has also given rise to new forms of corruption and crime.
the future course of action to forge a strong alliance against the Modi-led BJP government at the Centre in the wake of the subsequent 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of Bihar, saw the results of his tireless efforts.
United Nations formulated Millennium Development Goals in 2000 with target to achieve the same by 2015. This was followed by 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of United Nations in 2016 with target to achieve the same by 2030. The 17 vital goals that the UN envisaged under SDGs include no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice and strong institutions, and lastly the partnerships for the goals. Undoubtedly, actions pertaining to any of these 17 SDGs counts towards a better future for the human beings on earth. UN has provided 169 targets under these 17 SDGs.
Thus, from reducing inequalities and poverty to protecting planet, these goals are truly a roadmap for global progress. Most countries on the globe have already started claiming the road that they have traversed to achieve the targets set through SDGs. States and non-state actors have started registering their contributions towards creating healthier, more equitable, and sustainable world aiming at SDGs and are also reiterating their target ahead.
The SDG Report 2025 marks the tenth annual stocktaking of global progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 2030 deadline that UN set for achieving SDGs are just five years away from today. Hence, assessments of the erstwhile actions are immediate imperatives. The report highlights that SDGs have improved millions of lives, but the current pace of change is insufficient to fully achieve all the Goals by 2030. The report reveals that since 2015, the world has made notable strides in expanding access to education, improving maternal and child health, and bridging the digital divide. According to this report, effective prevention efforts have significantly reduced the burdens of infectious diseases such as HIV and malaria. Access to electricity in 45 countries demonstrates that it is not only possible but is happening. Renewable energy is now the fastest-rising source of power worldwide. The stories related to elimination of neglected tropical diseases in 54 countries have similar tale to tell.
The report also highlights that the progress has been fragile and unequal as millions still face extreme poverty, hunger, inadequate housing, and a lack of basic services. Women, people with disabilities and marginalized communities continue to face systemic disadvantages. Escalating conflicts, climate chaos, rising inequalities, and soaring debt servicing costs are holding back further advancements. Accordingly, the report calls for action in six priority areas: food systems, energy access, digital transformation, education, jobs and social protection, and climate and biodiversity. It also emphasizes that international cooperation with sustained investment are sine qua non for achieving the ambitions by 2030. SDGs reports are the only official UN report that monitors global progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Report is based on UN Statistical System, consisting of more than 50 international and regional agencies, based on data from over 200 countries and territories.
B.K