Introduction and key findings
Underpinning the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a shared promise by every country to work together to secure the rights and wellbeing of everyone on a healthy, thriving planet. However, at the halfway point on the way to 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are in deep trouble[1].
The Covid-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine and climate-related disasters have slowed the already faltering progress of the SDGs. Meanwhile, the cost-of-living crisis has affected economies globally, with vulnerable populations most affected by rising prices for energy and food. A preliminary UN assessment of 140 SDG targets that have data available shows that only about 12% are on track. Close to half are showing progress but moderately or severely off track, and 30% have either seen no movement or have regressed below the 2015 baseline[2].
The implications are stark. With the current trends, 575 million people will still be living in extreme poverty in 2030, and only about a third of countries will meet the target to halve national poverty levels.[3] Moreover, the world is back at hunger levels not seen since 2005. Food prices remain higher in more countries than in the 2015–2019 period[4].
A fundamental shift is therefore needed – in commitment, solidarity, financing and action – to put the world on a better path. The mobile industry has an important role to play in facilitating this shift.
Mobile is integral to advancing the SDGs
Mobile is the primary (in some cases, only) way most people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) access the internet. It provides access to critical information and services such as education, healthcare and financial services, as well as income-generating opportunities. Meanwhile, mobile operators worldwide are increasing their commitments to reach net-zero carbon emissions[5] and supporting the green transition across other industries.
However, at the halfway point, more can be done to improve mobile’s contribution to the SDGs. The mobile industry must therefore work closely with stakeholders (including governments, other industries, civil society and the international community) to find new ways to scale the impact of mobile.
This eighth edition of the annual SDG report demonstrates the mobile industry’s continued commitment to the goals, and identifies areas where the industry needs to improve or accelerate its actions to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
Introduction and key findings
Underpinning the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a shared promise by every country to work together to secure the rights and wellbeing of everyone on a healthy, thriving planet. However, at the halfway point on the way to 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are in deep trouble[1].
The Covid-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine and climate-related disasters have slowed the already faltering progress of the SDGs. Meanwhile, the cost-of-living crisis has affected economies globally, with vulnerable populations most affected by rising prices for energy and food. A preliminary UN assessment of 140 SDG targets that have data available shows that only about 12% are on track. Close to half are showing progress but moderately or severely off track, and 30% have either seen no movement or have regressed below the 2015 baseline[2].
The implications are stark. With the current trends, 575 million people will still be living in extreme poverty in 2030, and only about a third of countries will meet the target to halve national poverty levels.[3] Moreover, the world is back at hunger levels not seen since 2005. Food prices remain higher in more countries than in the 2015–2019 period[4].
A fundamental shift is therefore needed – in commitment, solidarity, financing and action – to put the world on a better path. The mobile industry has an important role to play in facilitating this shift.
Mobile is integral to advancing the SDGs
Mobile is the primary (in some cases, only) way most people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) access the internet. It provides access to critical information and services such as education, healthcare and financial services, as well as income-generating opportunities. Meanwhile, mobile operators worldwide are increasing their commitments to reach net-zero carbon emissions[5] and supporting the green transition across other industries.
However, at the halfway point, more can be done to improve mobile’s contribution to the SDGs. The mobile industry must therefore work closely with stakeholders (including governments, other industries, civil society and the international community) to find new ways to scale the impact of mobile.
This eighth edition of the annual SDG report demonstrates the mobile industry’s continued commitment to the goals, and identifies areas where the industry needs to improve or accelerate its actions to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
Introduction and key findings
Underpinning the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a shared promise by every country to work together to secure the rights and wellbeing of everyone on a healthy, thriving planet. However, at the halfway point on the way to 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are in deep trouble[1].
The Covid-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine and climate-related disasters have slowed the already faltering progress of the SDGs. Meanwhile, the cost-of-living crisis has affected economies globally, with vulnerable populations most affected by rising prices for energy and food. A preliminary UN assessment of 140 SDG targets that have data available shows that only about 12% are on track. Close to half are showing progress but moderately or severely off track, and 30% have either seen no movement or have regressed below the 2015 baseline[2].
The implications are stark. With the current trends, 575 million people will still be living in extreme poverty in 2030, and only about a third of countries will meet the target to halve national poverty levels.[3] Moreover, the world is back at hunger levels not seen since 2005. Food prices remain higher in more countries than in the 2015–2019 period[4].
A fundamental shift is therefore needed – in commitment, solidarity, financing and action – to put the world on a better path. The mobile industry has an important role to play in facilitating this shift.
Mobile is integral to advancing the SDGs
Mobile is the primary (in some cases, only) way most people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) access the internet. It provides access to critical information and services such as education, healthcare and financial services, as well as income-generating opportunities. Meanwhile, mobile operators worldwide are increasing their commitments to reach net-zero carbon emissions[5] and supporting the green transition across other industries.
However, at the halfway point, more can be done to improve mobile’s contribution to the SDGs. The mobile industry must therefore work closely with stakeholders (including governments, other industries, civil society and the international community) to find new ways to scale the impact of mobile.
This eighth edition of the annual SDG report demonstrates the mobile industry’s continued commitment to the goals, and identifies areas where the industry needs to improve or accelerate its actions to achieve the 2030 Agenda.