July 7, 2026, 10:58 p.mJuly 7, 2026, 10:58 p.m
Symbolic image.Image: keystone
With less than four years until its self-imposed deadline, the United Nations is in danger of missing its ambitious sustainability goals, such as ending extreme poverty and hunger in the world. Half of the targeted progress is lagging behind and in 15 percent of cases it is even below the starting level of 2015, according to the “Report on the Sustainable Development Goals 2026”. Only in 36 percent of cases are we on track.
Eleven years ago, the United Nations set a total of 17 goals for sustainable development on an economic, social and ecological level in the 2030 Agenda. They apply worldwide – the goals include an end to poverty and hunger, clean water and clean energy, but also decent work, high-quality education, climate protection and peace.
Funding gap of four trillion US dollars
The main reason for the lack of progress in some areas is a financing gap of four trillion US dollars. Development aid fell dramatically by 23 percent in 2025 – the largest annual decline ever recorded.
Specifically, progress in eliminating extreme poverty has stalled. “The global rate will be 10 percent in 2026 – just three percentage points below the 2015 average,” the report said.
Global crises have hindered progress towards a life without hunger – including the Iran war and the associated restriction of shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which is important for world food supply. Hunger and food insecurity have declined since 2021, but remain above 2015 levels. Cuts also jeopardize decades of progress in global health.
Goals still achievable
Significant progress has been made in the areas of access to clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. 92 percent of the world’s population now has access to electricity. The successes prove that progress is possible “when political will, investment, innovation and international cooperation come together”.
Child marriages are also declining, as is female genital mutilation in some countries, but progress is unevenly distributed. In sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, 31 percent and 25 percent of young women continue to be married in childhood. Unemployment is historically low, but secure work remains out of reach for many.
The goals are still achievable “if we decide to act together with greater urgency, on a larger scale and with more solidarity and determination,” said UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed in New York. “But this decision has to be made now.” (sda/dpa)