The Global Sustainable Development Report was published by the UN this week, with the message that overall progress on the sustainable development goals (“SDGs”) has been disrupted by the severity of global challenges experienced over the last 3 years. Global conflict, the Covid-19 pandemic, food inflation and the rising cost of living have impeded the SDGs, with food security, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the prevention of species extinction having deteriorated, while limited to no progress has been recorded for the conservation of key marine and biodiversity areas, access to safe drinking water and eradication of extreme poverty.
To support the achievement of the SDGs, the report identifies key transformations needed and how they may occur, across the following areas:
- Human well-being and capabilities;
- Sustainable and just economies;
- Food systems and healthy nutrition;
- Energy decarbonisation and universal access;
- Urban and peri-urban development;
- Global environmental commons.
Phases of transformation
Emergence, acceleration and stabilisation are the elements of the model used in the report, to explain how transformations can occur. The first phase of emergence includes the technological, institutional, and social innovations that allow new practices to occur, and leads to the second phase of acceleration. This phase rapidly expands the adoption of innovations resulting in the third phase of stabilisation, where the innovations are embedded as a normal part of life.
The report notes that conflicts frequently occur during the acceleration phase as different interests may hamper transition efforts, and a mix of policies are required to balance the trade-offs between the SDGs. An example highlighted in the report is renewable energy, which is crucial in supporting progress towards emissions reductions and other SDGs such as health and education. However, the demand for critical minerals has led to environmental impacts and human rights violations in some regions, which need to be managed to avoid impeding the progress of other SDGs.
It is encouraging that the report lists agroecology as a governance tool to promote sustainable food systems, and also acknowledges the role of La Via Campesina in promoting social justice through family farming. To support energy decarbonisation, mandatory targets to increase the allocation of renewable energy in electricity generation, the use of tax rebates and purchase subsidies are included as some of the recommended actions.
The full citation of the report is: Independent Group of Scientists appointed by the Secretary-General, Global Sustainable Development Report 2023: Times of crises, times of change: Science for accelerating transformations to sustainable development and is available on the UN website here.
Sustainable Capabilities 