Accelerating the implementation of the Agenda 2030 in times of global crisis

Introduction - delivering on promises

            We are halfway towards 2030 and the world is facing unprecedented challenges. Global economic fallout from COVID 19 pandemic and the current global security situation had greatly impacted the progress towards the SDGs. As things stand, we are on a path to fulfill only 12% of the Goals, with more the 30% of the Goals have regressed compared to the levels of 2013 when the Agenda was adopted. As we have only 7 years left, concrete and decisive action is needed on part of all stakeholders if we are to fulfill the promise of the SDGs. Important points of discussion include, but are not limited to:

1. Growing divide - preserving peace in times of global uncertainty

With the spike of conflict in the past years, in Africa, Middle East and even Europe for the first time in 20 years, the global security situation hasn’t been this strained since the 1990s, and the developing countries find themselves at the forefront of these crises. Furthermore, democratic backsliding has impacted developing countries especially.

2. Triple planetary crisis

Devastating loss of biodiversity, prevailing climate crisis and pollution present a serious risk to the wellbeing of the people and planet. Developing nations have been the most impacted, despite contributing historically the least. Urgent action is needed to achieve full implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development and to secure a viable future on this planet.

3. Ending global hunger

The current generation of youth is the first generation that has the chance to eliminate global hunger. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the global economy, and the recent conflict in Eastern Europe hit the global food exporting system, hunger worldwide has been on the rise, and some 700 million people suffer from hunger, potentially making the elimination thereof more and more out of reach.

4. The digitalization and use of AI in developing countries

Technology is a cornerstone of development, as there is a gap in digitalization between developed and developing countries, greater digitalization should be another priority, as it would allow developing countries to participate in the global economy and information flows to a greater extent, and enhance the ability of their population to innovate and secure better living conditions.