Climate — Global
While the world champions a shift toward circular economies, markets cling to linear growth principles that undermine real progress. True circularity requires a departure from systems designed for extraction, consumption, waste, and return on investment
Peace and security — Global
Achieving the SDGs in fragile, violent, and/or corrupt states represents a daunting challenge – but not an impossible one. Success calls for a tailored, multi-pronged approach that addresses the fundamental interplay between poverty and conflict
Gender — Middle East and Northern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa
The Gambia outlawed female genital mutilation (FGM) in 2015. This year, an attempt to relegalize it almost succeeded. Why are these types of abuse so persistent and how can they be eradicated?
Global governance — Global, US and Canada
The UN and the USA need each other. A failure to recognize the benefits that the USA receives has led to a push to defund the UN – the consequences would be detrimental to everyone
Global governance — Global
The UN is under attack from virtually every quarter. What might an effective, reformed UN look like, one that remains a central player in addressing the world’s most pressing issues?
Data and monitoring — Global
For decades, vulnerable nations have sought a more accurate and impactful means to evaluate their need for global assistance. Can the new Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) live up to its promise and more effectively help these countries prepare for risks and threats?
Environment — Global
Transitioning from linear to circular models of production and consumption remains a significant challenge. How can we transform deeply ingrained practices, attitudes, and incentives across both supply and demand chains to facilitate this shift?
SDG-related initiatives are increasingly under attack from the more right-wing, populist parts of the political spectrum, who portray the Goals as misguided, wasteful, vain, and coercive. How can cities and local governments enhance their policymaking and implementation, and – crucially – secure buy-in to ensure initiatives achieve their intended outcomes?
Economic development — Global
Technology transfer is fundamental in developing countries’ aspirations to decarbonize, yet the flow of green tech from developed nations is far below what’s needed. How can we shift investment and political incentives to truly enable the proliferation of sustainable technology worldwide?
Data and monitoring — Global
As momentum on the SDGs stalls, AI’s promise of exponential growth could offer much-needed rapid acceleration across the 2030 Agenda. To harness AI effectively, we must ensure it serves those most in need, and that all countries – not just those in the Global North – can tap into its development benefits
