The latest UN report warns that the crisis generated by the Covid-19 pandemic, the climate emergency and the rise of conflicts in the world put at risk the achievement of the 17 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed in the 2030 Agenda.
According to the report, published on 7 July, the world is "on the brink of a critical situation" that requires a redoubling of efforts. These developments affect food security, education and health systems, the environment and peace, priorities in the SDG action plan for more resilient, egalitarian and peaceful societies in the coming years.
The report points out that this combination of crises could mean that between 75 and 95 million more people living in extreme poverty by 2022compared to pre-pandemic estimates.
Increasing inequalities
The evidence is clear. The pandemic has wiped out the equivalent of four years of progress against poverty. Rising inflation and the impact of the war in Ukraine have further derailed that pace of progress, and rising unemployment and worsening working conditions have led to 8 million more working people in poverty.
According to the agency's data, some 147 million children will miss more than half of face-to-face classes between 2020 and 2021, and the UN estimates that 24 million school-age children, from pre-school to university, are at risk of no longer returning to school, further deepening inequalities. in education.
In 2021, emissions increased by 6%
With regard to the climate crisisThe report warns that "our window to avoid climate catastrophe is closing fast".
Emissions increased by 6% in 2021emissions, reaching their highest historical level and counteracting the declines experienced during confinement. An increase that could be increased by almost 14% in the next decade, in breach of the Paris Agreement emissions by 2050. Added to this is the continuing rise in global temperatures, which is leading to a more extreme climate.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Liu Zhenmin said the roadmap spelled out in the SDGs is clear. The proposals have a cascading effect because "when we take action to strengthen social protection systems, improve public services and invest in clean energy, we address the underlying causes of growing inequality, environmental degradation and climate change at the same time.
The Sustainable Development 2022 report provides data collected from more than 200 countries, and makes the case for transformative action by countries as a matter of urgency to achieve the SDGs.
The full report is available for download.
