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Sustainable Development Goals severely off track - World Bank report

Food aid is distributed in Deir Al Balah, Gaza, June 13, 2024 as part of a World Food Programme operation in this handout photo obtained by Reuters on June 14, 2024. (Photo: WFP/Reuters)

By Alfred Onyango | Monday, July 1, 2024

SDG 2 which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture is the leading in regression.

The world is severely off track in efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the World Bank has said.

In its 2024 SDG report, the lender says that of the assessable targets, only 17 per cent display progress sufficient for achievement by 2030.

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This means out of the total 17, only about three goals are on track.

"Nearly half (48 per cent) exhibit moderate to severe deviations from the desired trajectory, with 30 per cent showing marginal progress and 18 per cent moderate progress," the report reads.

"Alarmingly, 18 per cent indicate stagnation and 17 per cent regression below the 2015 baseline levels."

Notably, SDG number 7 (to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all), and 12 (on sustainable consumption and production patterns) are the top-ranked goals in terms of the fulfilment of targets.

SDG 2 which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture is the leading in regression.

The World Bank reiterated that most of the SDGs are off track despite commendable increases in data to monitor the SDGs.

This comprehensive assessment, according to the lender, underscores the urgent need for intensified efforts to put the SDGs on course.