Goal 2: Zero hunger

The number of undernourished people has dropped by almost half in the past two
decades because of rapid economic growth and increased agricultural
productivity. Many developing countries that used to suffer from famine and
hunger can now meet their nutritional needs. Central and East Asia, Latin
America and the Caribbean have all made huge progress in eradicating extreme
hunger.

Unfortunately, extreme hunger and malnutrition remain a huge barrier to

development in many countries. There are 821 million people estimated to be
chronically undernourished as of 2017, often as a direct consequence of
environmental degradation, drought and biodiversity loss. Over 90 million children
under five are dangerously underweight. Undernourishment and severe food
insecurity appear to be increasing in almost all regions of Africa, as well as in
South America.

The SDGs aim to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030, making sure
all people–especially children–have sufficient and nutritious food all year. This
involves promoting sustainable agricultural, supporting small -scale farmers and
equal access to land, technology and markets. It also requires international
cooperation to ensure investment in infrastructure and technology to improve
agricultural productivity.

Goal 1: No poverty
Eradicating poverty in all its forms remains one of the greatest challenges facing
humanity. While the number of people living in extreme poverty dropped by more than
half between 1990 and 2015, too many are still struggling for the most basic human
needs.
As of 2015, about 736 million people still lived on less than US$1.90 a day; many lack
food, clean drinking water and sanitation. Rapid growth in countries such as China and
India has lifted millions out of poverty, but progress has been uneven. Women are more
likely to be poor than men because they have less paid work, education, and own less
property.
Progress has also been limited in other regions, such as South Asia and sub -Saharan
Africa, which account for 80 percent of those living in extreme poverty. New threats
brought on by climate change, conflict and food insecurity, mean even more work is
needed to bring people out of poverty.
The SDGs are a bold commitment to finish what we started, and end poverty in all fo rms
and dimensions by 2030. This involves targeting the most vulnerable, increasing basic
resources and services, and supporting communities affected by conflict and climate -
related disasters.

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

We have made great progress against several leading causes of death and
disease. Life expectancy has increased dramatically; infant and maternal mortality
rates have declined, we’ve turned the tide on HIV and malaria deaths have
halved.

Good health is essential to sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda

reflects the complexity and interconnectedness of the two. It takes into account
widening economic and social inequalities, rapid urbanization, threats to the
climate and the environment, the continuing burden of HIV and other in fectious
diseases, and emerging challenges such as noncommunicable diseases.
Universal health coverage will be integral to achieving SDG 3, ending poverty and
reducing inequalities. Emerging global health priorities not explicitly included in
the SDGs, including antimicrobial resistance, also demand action.

But the world is off-track to achieve the health-related SDGs. Progress has been
uneven, both between and within countries. There’s a 31-year gap between the
countries with the shortest and longest life expectancies. And while some
countries have made impressive gains, national averages hide that many are
being left behind. Multisectoral, rights-based and gender-sensitive approaches
are essential to address inequalities and to build good health for all.

Goal 4: Quality education

Since 2000, there has been enormous progress in achieving the target of
universal primary education. The total enrolment rate in developing regions
reached 91 percent in 2015, and the worldwide number of children out of school
has dropped by almost half. There has also been a dramatic increase in literacy
rates, and many more girls are in school than ever before. These are all
remarkable successes.

Progress has also been tough in some developing regions due to high levels of
poverty, armed conflicts and other emergencies. In Western Asia and North
Africa, ongoing armed conflict has seen an increase in the number of children out
of school. This is a worrying trend. While Sub-Saharan Africa made the greatest
progress in primary school enrolment among all developing regions – from 52
percent in 1990, up to 78 percent in 2012 – large disparities still remain. Children
from the poorest households are up to four times more likely to be out of school
than those of the richest households. Disparities between rural and urban areas
also remain high.

Achieving inclusive and quality education for all reaffirms the belief that education
is one of the most powerful and proven vehicles for sustainable development.
This goal ensures that all girls and boys complete free primary and secondary
schooling by 2030. It also aims to provide equal access to affordable vocational
training, to eliminate gender and wealth disparities, and achieve universal access
to a quality higher education.

Goal 5: Gender equality

Ending all discrimination against women and girls is not only a basic human right,
it’s crucial for sustainable future; it’s proven that empowering women and girls
helps economic growth and development.

UNDP has made gender equality central to its work and we’ve seen remarkable
progress in the past 20 years. There are more girls in school now compared to 15
years ago, and most regions have reached gender parity in primary education.

But although there are more women than ever in the labour market, there are still
large inequalities in some regions, with women systematically denied the same
work rights as men. Sexual violence and exploitation, the unequal division of
unpaid care and domestic work, and discrimination in public office all remain hu ge
barriers. Climate change and disasters continue to have a disproportionate effect
on women and children, as do conflict and migration.

It is vital to give women equal rights land and property, sexual and reproductive
health, and to technology and the internet. Today there are more women in public
office than ever before, but encouraging more women leaders will help achieve
greater gender equality.

Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation

Water scarcity affects more than 40 percent of people, an alarming figure that is
projected to rise as temperatures do. Although 2.1 billion people have improved
water sanitation since 1990, dwindling drinking water supplies are affecting every
continent.

More and more countries are experiencing water stress, and increasing drought
and desertification is already worsening these trends. By 2050, it is projected that
at least one in four people will suffer recurring water shortages.
Safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030 requires we invest in adequate
infrastructure, provide sanitation facilities, and encourage hygiene. Protecting and
restoring water-related ecosystems is essential.

Ensuring universal safe and affordable drinking water involves reaching over 800
million people who lack basic services and improving accessibility and safety of
services for over two billion.

In 2015, 4.5 billion people lacked safely managed sanitation services (with
adequately disposed or treated excreta) and 2.3 billion lacked even basic
sanitation.

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Between 2000 and 2016, the number of people with electricity increased from 78
to 87 percent, and the numbers without electricity dipped to just below one billion.

Yet as the population continues to grow, so will the demand for cheap energy,
and an economy reliant on fossil fuels is creating drastic changes to our climate.

Investing in solar, wind and thermal power, improving energy productivity, and
ensuring energy for all is vital if we are to achieve SDG 7 by 2030.

Expanding infrastructure and upgrading technology to provide clean and more

efficient energy in all countries will encourage growth and help the environment.

Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

Over the past 25 years the number of workers living in extreme poverty has
declined dramatically, despite the lasting impact of the 2008 economic crisis and
global recession. In developing countries, the middle class now makes up more
than 34 percent of total employment – a number that has almost tripled between
1991 and 2015.

However, as the global economy continues to recover we are seeing slower

growth, widening inequalities, and not enough jobs to keep up with a growing
labour force. According to the International Labour Organization, more than 204
million people were unemployed in 2015.

The SDGs promote sustained economic growth, higher levels of productivity and
technological innovation. Encouraging entrepreneurship and job creation are key
to this, as are effective measures to eradicate forced labour, slavery and human
trafficking. With these targets in mind, the goal is to achieve full and productive
employment, and decent work, for all women and men by 2030.

Goal 9: Industry, innovation and

infrastructure
Investment in infrastructure and innovation are crucial drivers of economic growth
and development. With over half the world population now living in cities, mass
transport and renewable energy are becoming ever more important, as are the
growth of new industries and information and communication technologies.

Technological progress is also key to finding lasting solutions to both economic

and environmental challenges, such as providing new jobs and promoting energy
efficiency. Promoting sustainable industries, and investing in scientific research
and innovation, are all important ways to facilitate sustainable development.

More than 4 billion people still do not have access to the Internet, and 90 percent
are from the developing world. Bridging this digital divide is crucial to ensure
equal access to information and knowledge, as well as foster innovation and
entrepreneurship.

Goal 10: Reduced inequalities

Income inequality is on the rise—the richest 10 percent have up to 40 percent of
global income whereas the poorest 10 percent earn only between 2 to 7 percent .
If we take into account population growth inequality in developing countries,
inequality has increased by 11 percent.

Income inequality has increased in nearly everywhere in recent decades, but at

different speeds. It’s lowest in Europe and highest in the Middle East.

These widening disparities require sound policies to empower lower income

earners, and promote economic inclusion of all regardless of sex, race or
ethnicity.

Income inequality requires global solutions. This involves improving the regulatio n
and monitoring of financial markets and institutions, encouraging development
assistance and foreign direct investment to regions where the need is greatest.
Facilitating the safe migration and mobility of people is also key to bridging the
widening divide.

Goal 11: Sustainable cities and

communities
More than half of us live in cities. By 2050, two-thirds of all humanity—6.5 billion
people—will be urban. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without
significantly transforming the way we build and manage our urban spaces.

The rapid growth of cities—a result of rising populations and increasing

migration—has led to a boom in mega-cities, especially in the developing world,
and slums are becoming a more significant feature of urban life.

Making cities sustainable means creating career and business opportunities, safe
and affordable housing, and building resilient societies and economies. It involves
investment in public transport, creating green public spaces, and improving urban
planning and management in participatory and inclusive ways.

Goal 12: Responsible consumption and

production
Achieving economic growth and sustainable development requires that we
urgently reduce our ecological footprint by changing the way we produce and
consume goods and resources. Agriculture is the biggest user of water worldwide,
and irrigation now claims close to 70 percent of all freshwater for human use.

The efficient management of our shared natural resources, and the way we
dispose of toxic waste and pollutants, are important targets to achieve this goal.
Encouraging industries, businesses and consumers to recycle and reduce waste
is equally important, as is supporting developing countries to move towards more
sustainable patterns of consumption by 2030.

A large share of the world population is still consuming far too little to meet even
their basic needs. Halving the per capita of global food waste at the retailer and
consumer levels is also important for creating more efficient production and
supply chains. This can help with food security, and shift us towards a more
resource efficient economy.
Goal 13: Climate action
There is no country that is not experiencing the drastic effects of climate change.
Greenhouse gas emissions are more than 50 percent higher than in 1990. Global
warming is causing long-lasting changes to our climate system, which threatens
irreversible consequences if we do not act.

The annual average economic losses from climate-related disasters are in the
hundreds of billions of dollars. This is not to mention the human impact of geo-
physical disasters, which are 91 percent climate-related, and which between 1998
and 2017 killed 1.3 million people, and left 4.4 billion injured. The goal aims to
mobilize US$100 billion annually by 2020 to address the needs of developing
countries to both adapt to climate change and invest in low-carbon development.

Supporting vulnerable regions will directly contribute not only to Goal 13 but also
to the other SDGs. These actions must also go hand in hand with efforts to
integrate disaster risk measures, sustainable natural resource management, and
human security into national development strategies. It is still possible, with
strong political will, increased investment, and using existing technology, t o limit
the increase in global mean temperature to two degrees Celsius above pre -
industrial levels, aiming at 1.5°C, but this requires urgent and ambitious collective
action.

Goal 14: Life Below Water

The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive global
systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. How we manage this vital
resource is essential for humanity as a whole, and to counterbalance the effects
of climate change.

Over three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their
livelihoods. However, today we are seeing 30 percent of the world’s fish stocks
overexploited, reaching below the level at which they can produce sustainable
yields.

Oceans also absorb about 30 percent of the carbon dioxide produced by humans,
and we are seeing a 26 percent rise in ocean acidification since the beginning of
the industrial revolution. Marine pollution, an overwhelming majority of which
comes from land-based sources, is reaching alarming levels, with an average o f
13,000 pieces of plastic litter to be found on every square kilometre of ocean.
The SDGs aim to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems
from pollution, as well as address the impacts of ocean acidification. Enhancing
conservation and the sustainable use of ocean-based resources through
international law will also help mitigate some of the challenges facing our oceans.

Goal 15: Life on land

Human life depends on the earth as much as the ocean for our sustenance and
livelihoods. Plant life provides 80 percent of the human diet, and we rely on
agriculture as an important economic resources. Forests cover 30 percent of the
Earth’s surface, provide vital habitats for millions of species, and important
sources for clean air and water, as well as being crucial for combating climate
change.

Every year, 13 million hectares of forests are lost, while the persistent
degradation of drylands has led to the desertification of 3.6 billion hectares,
disproportionately affecting poor communities.

While 15 percent of land is protected, biodiversity is still at risk. Nearly 7,000

species of animals and plants have been illegally traded. Wildlife trafficking not
only erodes biodiversity, but creates insecurity, fuels conflict, and feeds
corruption.

Urgent action must be taken to reduce the loss of natural habitats and biodiversity
which are part of our common heritage and support global food and water
security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and peace and security.

Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong

institutions
We cannot hope for sustainable development without peace, stability, human
rights and effective governance, based on the rule of law. Yet our world is
increasingly divided. Some regions enjoy peace, security and prosperity, while
others fall into seemingly endless cycles of conflict and violence. This is not
inevitable and must be addressed.

Armed violence and insecurity have a destructive impact on a country’s

development, affecting economic growth, and often resulting in grievances tha t
last for generations. Sexual violence, crime, exploitation and torture are also
prevalent where there is conflict, or no rule of law, and countries must take
measures to protect those who are most at risk

The SDGs aim to significantly reduce all forms of violence, and work with
governments and communities to end conflict and insecurity. Promoting the rule
of law and human rights are key to this process, as is reducing the flow of illicit
arms and strengthening the participation of developing countries in the institutions
of global governance.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals

The SDGs can only be realized with strong global partnerships and cooperation.
Official Development Assistance remained steady but below target, at US$147
billion in 2017. While humanitarian crises brought on by conflict or natural
disasters continue to demand more financial resources and aid. Many countries
also require Official Development Assistance to encourage growth and trade.

The world is more interconnected than ever. Improving access to technology and
knowledge is an important way to share ideas and foster innovation. Coordinating
policies to help developing countries manage their debt, as well as promoting
investment for the least developed, is vital for sustainable growt h and
development.

The goals aim to enhance North-South and South-South cooperation by

supporting national plans to achieve all the targets. Promoting international trade,
and helping developing countries increase their exports is all part of achieving a
universal rules-based and equitable trading system that is fair and open and
benefits all.