The Global Goals are 83% off track. That's actually an improvement.
The U.N.'s grim annual report card shows the Sustainable Development Goals improved from 85% off track last year.
Sustainable Business & Finance
Many businesses, governments and organizations are committed to sustainable goals like reducing their environmental footprints and conserving resources. Sustainable finance includes environmental, social and governance considerations in investment decisions. In 2015, the U.N.'s 193 member nations adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. Despite some progress, the U.N. says 85% of the agenda is off-track from the pandemic, climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and conflict.
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Global public debt soars to record US$97 trillion, straining budgets
Developing nations' 30% share of global public debt in 2023, particularly in Asia and Oceania, rose from 16% in 2010.
AfDB boosts capital as African leaders target climate-tied debt
Calls for more debt relief and climate finance dominated the multilateral development bank's annual meeting.
WIPO treaty approved on genetic resources and traditional knowledge
The treaty is the first on genetic resources and traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples and local communities.
World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab to exit leadership role
WEF said that since 2015 it has been transforming from a 'convening platform' to a leader of public-private cooperation.
Nations disagree over cuts in production on road to plastics treaty
Environmentalists said they were disappointed the treaty talks did not address plastic production measures.
Negotiators meet in fourth round over global rules in plastics treaty
The chair of the talks called for optimism despite divisions among plastic-producing nations and those urging restraints.
Wealthy nations to provide US$11B for World Bank-led global solutions
The wars in Europe and the Middle East, climate change and soaring national debts hung over the annual talks.
Trillions needed for anti-poverty goals to deal with climate, debt, war
A new U.N. report shows how prioritizing debt over services like health care and education plagues the developing world.
Recycling rates falling behind the pace of e-waste generated globally
Just 22.3% of all the e-waste - any product that has a plug or battery - was properly collected and recycled in 2022.
Uneven post-pandemic recovery widens gap between rich and poor
Europe dominates the top rankings as development in half of the world’s poorest nations falls below pre-pandemic levels.
WTO biennial summit goes extra day but lacks any new major agreements
From fishing subsidies to agricultural reforms, the World Trade Organization failed to reach common ground.
IMF sees path to 'soft landing' for the global economy in its latest outlook
IMF forecasts a strengthening global economy as inflation cools, but warns of the threat of wars and other disruptions.
Benchmark of global food prices eases from painful record highs
FAO's Food Price Index tracks five commodity groups. Experts say food distribution is a worry even if supplies are plentiful.
Rich economies bounce back as developing economies lose ground
Global economic growth is projected to slow to 2.4% this year, down from 2.7% in 2023 and 3% before the pandemic began.
Ballooning interest rates cripple developing nations with high debt
The World Bank is warning of a "lost decade" as rising interest rates push developing economies to the brink.