ADDIS ABABA - The continent's young population and growing digital movement place Africa in a position of both risk and opportunity to drive advancement toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as highlighted in the UN's 2025 SDG report.
Only one-third of the goals are making adequate progress, according to the report, with five years left until the 2030 target. Specialists are pushing for the elimination of obstacles that prevent nations from carrying out the SDGs efficiently.
"A global development crisis is underway. Approximately 800 million individuals continue to reside in extreme poverty, facing worsening climate challenges and ongoing debt obligations that deplete the funds nations require to support their populations," stated UN Secretary-General António Guterres during the report's release.
Although there have been continuous global challenges, such as conflicts, climate change, and health crises, the report points out that millions of people have experienced better living conditions in the last ten years. More individuals in Africa and other areas now benefit from electricity, clean cooking methods, and internet connectivity. Social safety nets have grown to include more than half of the world's population, marking a major increase compared to ten years ago.
In Africa, however, development has faced challenges due to multiple intertwined issues, including high debt and decreasing assistance, along with ongoing disparities. Nevertheless, the report highlights the continent's distinct opportunities, stating, "With the youngest population globally and a rapidly growing digital economy, the continent is both at risk and full of potential."
Meeting the SDGs in Africa will demand more than just internal changes. The report emphasizes the need for renewed global unity, addressing debt issues, reducing conflicts, and making focused investments in the continent's young population.
To avoid further decline, the report recommends strong collaborations and funding for climate adaptability, job opportunities for young people, healthcare infrastructure, education, and initiatives promoting peace to support long-term development.
Adding to the difficulty, official development assistance (ODA) decreased by over 7 percent in 2024 following five straight years of increase. Further reductions are expected in 2025, increasing the strain on nations already facing unprecedented debt repayment obligations.
Extreme deprivation persists, impacting one out of every ten individuals worldwide. As per the report, sub-Saharan Africa and regions affected by conflict still face the greatest challenges as recent emergencies hinder advancement.
The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua, highlighted that the global community must act with determination, not despair. "We possess the expertise, resources, and collaborations necessary to bring about change. What is required now is active multilateralism—a renewed commitment to collective accountability and ongoing investment."
"In the next five years, it will be decided whether we rise to face this challenge or fall even further behind. Let us take advantage of this crucial period to recommit, to take action, and to achieve results," Li added.
To drive significant change, the report outlines six key focus areas: reinforcing agricultural systems, increasing energy availability, speeding up digital progress, boosting education, generating employment and improving social safety nets, and promoting climate and ecological conservation.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 18, July 2025
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Tagged: Ethiopia, Africa, International Organizations and Africa, East Africa, External Relations