UN Secretary-General Guterres urges accelerated action on 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda

United Nations Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres called on the international community to speed up implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Speaking at the opening of the ministerial segment of the high‑level political forum, he noted progress such as lower child and maternal mortality, expanded access to water, sanitation, electricity and the internet, and rapid growth in renewable energy. However, he warned that recent setbacks – rising conflicts, widening inequality and looming climate overshoot – have left many SDG targets off track, with only 36 % of assessable goals showing moderate progress and 15 % reversing.

Guterres stressed the need for large‑scale investment in proven poverty‑reduction tools, policies that promote decent work, gender equality and digital inclusion, and a just transition to renewable energy. He highlighted the role of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies in expanding public services, while urging that all people have access to the internet and necessary skills. The Secretary‑General also called for urgent action on the global housing crisis and for mobilising equitable financing to close the estimated $4 trillion annual funding gap for the SDGs. This year’s forum will focus on clean water and sanitation, affordable clean energy, industry‑innovation‑infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, and strengthened partnerships.