Sustainable Development Goal Progress Report 2025

The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025 is the tenth annual review published by the United Nations to track global progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Released on 14 July 2025, the report offers an updated overview of how countries are advancing on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with only five years left before the 2030 deadline. It emphasizes that while the SDGs have brought meaningful improvements to millions of lives since their launch in 2015, the overall pace of progress is still too slow to fully achieve all targets by 2030.

Over the past decade, notable achievements have been recorded. Access to education has expanded in many parts of the world, maternal and child health outcomes have improved, and prevention measures have reduced the impact of infectious diseases such as HIV and malaria. Access to electricity has grown steadily, while renewable energy has become the fastest-growing source of power worldwide. In addition, digital connectivity has advanced rapidly, helping to narrow the global digital divide and offering new opportunities for social and economic development.

At the same time, the report underlines serious challenges that continue to hinder progress. Millions of people still struggle with extreme poverty, hunger, and a lack of adequate housing. Women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities face persistent inequalities. Global instability—including armed conflicts, climate-related disasters, biodiversity loss, and economic pressures such as rising debt servicing—further complicates the path toward sustainable development.

Despite these obstacles, the report also highlights success stories that prove accelerated progress is possible. For instance, 45 countries have achieved universal electricity access, while 54 countries have successfully eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. These examples show that strong leadership, sound policies, and targeted investments can deliver tangible results when there is commitment and cooperation.

The 2025 edition identifies six priority areas for urgent action: food systems, energy access, digital transformation, education, jobs and social protection, and climate and biodiversity. It calls on the global community to direct resources and policies toward these areas in order to unlock greater impact across all SDGs. The report also stresses that international cooperation, financial investment, and local action must work hand in hand if the world is to meet its shared commitments.

A key theme of this year’s report is the importance of data and accountability. Reliable statistics, effective monitoring systems, and transparent reporting are essential for tracking progress and identifying where action is most needed. While data collection has improved significantly since 2015, important gaps remain, particularly in areas such as climate vulnerability, informal employment, and gender-based inequalities. Closing these gaps is crucial to ensuring that development is inclusive and evidence-based, leaving no one behind.

 

The report is prepared each year by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), working in collaboration with the UN Statistical System, which brings together over 50 international and regional agencies. It is based on the latest available data and estimates from more than 200 countries and territories. The 2025 edition was officially launched by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, and Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua, who presented the findings and reinforced the urgency of scaling up action.

 

Overall, the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025 is a vital reference point for governments, policymakers, organizations, and citizens worldwide. It provides clear evidence of both progress and setbacks, while serving as a guide for strategies that can accelerate change. With the 2030 deadline fast approaching, the report underscores the need for unity, determination, and bold action to create a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.