New Delhi, July 15 (H.S.): The UN Secretary-General reported that only 35% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are on track to be met by the 2030 deadline, declaring this a global development emergency.

In a press conference for the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025, Antonio Guterres highlighted achievements in education, clean energy, digital access, and social security, along with declines in child marriage and increased women’s participation. However, over 800 million people remain in extreme poverty, with nearly 18% of the goals regressing.

Climate change, the debt crisis, and conflicts are hindering progress, prompting a call for peace in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and West Asia. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, presented data showing a 40% drop in new HIV infections since 2010 and that malaria prevention has saved 12 million lives.

Additionally, since 2015, over 110 million children have been enrolled in schools, and 92% of the global population has electricity access, with internet usage up 70%. Nonetheless, challenges persist in water, sanitation, health services, and women’s equality. The report emphasizes transformation in food, energy, digital access, education, employment, and climate.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar