Of the 36 SDG targets reviewed in the Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) to provide a snapshot of progress, only two were on track as of 2023: access to mobile networks and internet usage. Fourteen showed “fair” progress, with targets just in reach if efforts are stepped up. Twelve showed limited or no progress, including for poverty, safe drinking water and ecosystem conservation. And eight target areas were assessed as still deteriorating: greenhouse-gas emissions, threatened species, sustainable fishing, fossil-fuel subsidies, economic growth, vaccine coverage, unsentenced detainees and food security.

Some modest bright spots include growing public awareness, some government and corporate commitments to reaching the SDGs, and political discussions around the SDGs. Global leaders need to act now, the authors of the Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR), launched 12 September 2023, ahead of the SDG Summit in New York City under the auspices of the UN General Assembly, concluded — and scientists can help. The authors highlight three priority areas: removing roadblocks to progress; identifying feasible and cost-effective transformation pathways; and strengthening governance and accountability.