UN report points to a negative outlook for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, but it is still possible to reverse the situation.

In 2015, several global leaders came together to adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The idea was ambitious: to draw up a plan with 17 major Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved in order to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. However, a new report from the United Nations (UN) raises a worrying warning about the challenges of the SDGs: we are behind schedule.

On the path to achieving the Goals by 2030, UN Secretary-General António Guterres characterizes the moment as a “development emergency.” For him, the study is a compass that points the way to progress, seeking to understand the biggest challenges facing the SDGs today.

According to the study, only 35% of the 169 SDG targets are on track to be met by 2030. In addition, more than half are stagnant or making insufficient progress, and 30% have not progressed at all. In other words, without a drastic acceleration in action, the promise of a more just and sustainable future may not be fulfilled.

Despite the negative outlook, there is still a solution. The UN leader stressed that the SDGs are still within reach and called on countries to act “with urgency, unity, and unwavering determination.”

The main challenges of the SDGs

The report details progress on each SDG, revealing a picture of advances and setbacks. Some goals show a more promising path. This is the case, for example, with the goals related to access to electricity (SDG 7) and drinking water (SDG 6) and greater gender equality in education (SDG 4 and SDG 5). Even so, the advances are not enough to compensate for the delay in other critical areas.

The document points out that the SDGs most directly linked to environmental sustainability and the reduction of inequalities are the ones facing the most difficulties. The fight against climate change (SDG 13) and the protection of marine and terrestrial life (SDG 14 and SDG 15), for example, are slow.

In addition, world hunger is on the rise (SDG 2), and the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated poverty (SDG 1). In other words, the world is experiencing a setback after decades of progress. Thus, inequality (SDG 10) also remains an obstacle, hindering progress in all other areas.

The third sector as an engine of transformation

Faced with so many SDG challenges, the third sector becomes crucial. This is because these organizations are on the front lines, working directly in communities, filling the gaps left by governments and companies, and promoting change in an agile and effective manner.

Thus, the work of the third sector goes beyond assistance: it focuses on building long-term sustainable solutions, empowering people, promoting education and entrepreneurship, and creating support networks that strengthen society. In other words, institutions such as Ramacrisna act as a beacon of hope and a practical example of how local action can generate global impact.

Ramacrisna aligns its actions with the 2030 Agenda, focusing on transforming the reality of thousands of children, adolescents, and adults in situations of social vulnerability. The institution’s work directly impacts several SDGs, showing that it is possible to reverse the alarming situation described in the report.

Some of the SDGs most aligned with Ramacrisna’s work are:

• SDG 1: No Poverty: By including vulnerable children, young people, and families in projects that promote personal, social, and economic development.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture: Provides nutritious and safe food to students and, during the pandemic, distributed basic food baskets.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: This is the central pillar of the Institute. Through programs such as Adolescente Aprendiz (Teen Apprentice), FabLab, and CAER, the institution offers complementary education, professional training, and access to culture.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality: Ensures the full participation of women and promotes lectures and workshops on gender equality and female empowerment. The “Meninas em Rede” (Girls Network) project provides professional training for girls to enter the job market.
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: Uses a photovoltaic plant to generate clean and renewable energy, promoting the institution’s financial sustainability.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Empowers young people through the Adolescent Apprentice program and offers professional training for young people and adults, improving their employability.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Has a fence factory with modern machinery and FabLab Ramacrisna, which promotes digital inclusion.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: By working with socially vulnerable populations, Ramacrisna contributes to reducing social and economic inequalities, offering equal opportunities to all, regardless of their origin.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: It carries out transparent and ethical work, with inclusive and participatory management.
• SDG 17: Partnerships and Means of Implementation: It develops partnerships with the public sector, private companies, and international organizations to mobilize resources and knowledge in support of the SDGs.

The Ramacrisna Institute is a powerful reminder that, although the UN report paints a worrying picture, change is possible. Transformation will not come from a single source, but rather from the joint efforts of governments, businesses, and, above all, civil society.

Be part of the change

The stagnation of the 2030 Agenda is not an abstract problem; it directly affects the lives of millions of people. But the solution is not a mystery either: supporting the third sector and strengthening institutions such as Ramacrisna are the way to reverse this situation.

You can be part of this change. Whether by donating or spreading the word about our projects, your support is essential for Ramacrisna to continue educating, training, and transforming lives. Learn about our work and find out how you can contribute to a more just and sustainable future.