On 28 June, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN DESA Head Li Junhua launched , presenting the latest SDG data. Ahead of the launch, we spoke with UN DESA’s Heather Page who explained what goes into the work of collecting, monitoring and analyzing the data and what the latest report reveals. ?
What do you want readers to know about the work of tracking SDG progress around the world?
“Monitoring and reporting SDG progress is a massive global effort, requiring significant resources, expertise, and collaboration among governments, international organizations and other stakeholders. Despite challenges, countries are strengthening their SDG monitoring and providing data to custodian agencies on more and more SDG indicators as the years progress. Over 50 international and regional agencies then process and compile data and prepare analysis for the global SDG database and annual SDG reports. UN DESA’s Statistics Division plays a crucial role in coordinating the global SDG reporting process, compiling data and storylines on over 220 SDG indicators and disseminating them in a variety of ways in order to reach diverse audiences -- from data experts to the general public. Our goal is to make the global data and insights on SDGs accessible and understandable for everyone.”
What does the SDG Progress Report reveal this year?
“The report shows that the clock has not stopped but we’re grappling with significant challenges to make substantial strides towards the SDGs, with only 17 per cent of the SDG targets currently on track. The world has faced severe headwinds since 2020 and the latest data and insights do not yet show the determined, sustained comeback that we need. The report details areas with setbacks while also showcasing where tangible progress has been made, for instance, in reducing global child mortality, preventing HIV infection, and access to energy and mobile broadband. The report highlights where action must accelerate, particularly in critical areas undermining SDG progress - climate change, peace and security, inequalities among and between countries, among others.”
Learn more:
Watch the launch event via .
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