SDG Action was launched in 2021 to support the UN’s Decade of Action. Its aim is to encourage cross-sector dialogue and problem solving to accelerate the transition to sustainability.
Economic development
“Leave no one behind,” the central tenet of the SDGs, underlines the importance of tackling inequality as countries strive to achieve the Global Goals. Rampant inequality is connected to setbacks in other areas, from democratic backsliding and the weakening rule of law to sluggish action on climate
Africa holds some of the world’s richest reserves of transition minerals, from cobalt and copper to lithium and platinum. To prevent the green revolution from becoming just another chapter of exploitation, African leaders and global partners must insist on value creation at home
The Paris Agreement’s long-debated Article 6 is now in place, opening the door to trade in carbon between nations. Could this finally turn carbon trading into a tool for sustainable development as well as decarbonization?
People’s rights to decide freely about sex, contraception, and parenthood are central to human dignity, economic growth, and gender equality – yet they remain under attack worldwide. Without urgent action to protect and expand these rights, decades of progress risk being undone, with young people bearing the greatest cost
The global development landscape is at a crossroads. As political fragmentation grows and the effectiveness of international aid comes into question, the future of the SDGs appears increasingly uncertain
The ocean is not just a victim of environmental decline – it is a foundation of global development. From climate resilience to food security to poverty reduction, ocean health now stands as a critical barometer of our capacity to achieve the SDGs
The world is far off track to meet the SDGs, with declining aid, rising debt burdens, and a global financial system that often works against the countries that need it most. The recent Seville conference offers a chance to reset – producing a new global commitment and a platform for action to reform how development is financed
Across the world, women’s rights are increasingly under attack from conservative and populist forces. Defending these rights – through broad democratic alliances and institutional resilience – is critical to safeguarding democracy itself
Social protection is a powerful – but underused – lever for gender equality and sustainable development. To get the SDGs back on track and close widening global gaps, governments must invest in inclusive systems that support women’s rights and needs at every stage of life
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of preventable health issues and premature deaths worldwide. Tackling them requires long-term thinking, including investing in adolescents – the next generation of parents, citizens, and leaders
COP30 – the UN Climate Change Conference that will be held in Belém, Brazil in November – will be a moment of truth. All parties to the Paris Agreement must submit new Nationally Determined Contributions for the next decade.
.
Indirect lobbying of governments and institutions by industry associations remains an important way for companies to sabotage climate progress, and it’s flying under the radar. We need more responsible firms and governments to call out and curb these hidden and harmful practices before it’s too late
Addressing climate change requires a paradigm shift: disruptive, decarbonizing technologies across agriculture, industrials, buildings, energy, and transportation, backed by strong government investment. By fostering exploratory innovation in each sector, we can create the comprehensive solutions for the sustainable transformation we need
Carbon emission reduction plans designed by developed nations can – whether by intention or not – deny developing nations the opportunity to develop. Balancing climate action with economic progress is critical to creating an inclusive, resilient future for all
Thirty years after the landmark Beijing Declaration, progress on gender equality is stalling – and in some cases reversing. Rekindling its vision demands urgent, united action to confront rising inequality, authoritarianism, and backlash against women’s rights
Digital innovation can drive progress toward the SDGs – yet the countries that stand to gain the most often face the highest barriers to adoption. We need a more inclusive model of technology transfer to close, not widen, the global development gap
Digital tools are enabling Irish farmers to achieve sustainability goals
