United Nations in Ghana

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Ghana:

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Publication

06 June 2024

UN Ghana Annual Results Report 2023

In response to multifaceted development challenges, in 2023 the United Nations Country Team in Ghana, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator, embarked on several strategic initiatives across key development areas. These ranged from supporting food systems transformation, driving digital transformation, enhancing educational reforms, strengthening peace and security frameworks, addressing climate change impacts, to advancing urbanization efforts and humanitarian preparedness and response. Our collective efforts aimed not only at addressing immediate concerns but also at laying the groundwork for long-term sustainable development, fully integrating the principle of Leaving No One Behind.

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19 March 2024

Advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda: UNIC Accra Hosts Successful Film Screening and Panel Discussion.

“Being a woman gave other women the opportunity to easily approach me” says Captain Esinam D. Baah, a Ghanaian soldier who once led her platoon for a year with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. Capt. Baah was sharing her peacekeeping experience on a panel discussion on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) during an event in Accra, Ghana. In 2000, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on WPS in response to lessons learned on peacekeeping and peacebuilding. The Resolution called on countries to address the impacts that conflict had on women and girls around the world and to systematically include women in peacebuilding efforts, including peace talks, peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. The WPS agenda remains critically important today and thus strengthening the meaningful participation of women peacekeepers is a priority for UN peacekeeping, and it is an operational necessity.To highlight the importance of the the WPS agenda and advance women inclusion in peacekeeping, the Department of Peace Operations’ Strategic Communications Section through the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Accra held a highly impactful panel discussion and film screening in Accra dedicated to advancing the role of women in peace and security efforts.The event highlighted the success story of Ghana and national efforts at advancing this agenda. The five member panelist included Group Captain Theodora Agornyo, Ghana Armed Forces - Gender Policy Advisor Unit; Dr. Emma Birikorang, Deputy Director, Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC)-Women Peace Security Institute; Bertha Desmennu, Snr. Liaison Officer for Canada’s Elsie Initiative Bilateral Partnership Ghana; Afua Ansre, Snr. Gender Advisor, UN Women; and Captain Esinam D. Baah of the Ghana Armed Forces. They delved deeper into the theme for the event, “Women, Peace, and Security & Gender-responsive Leadership” with a resonating call for more qualified women to receive leadership roles. Delivering his opening statement, the the UN Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani noted that it is increasingly clear that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the full and meaningful participation of women at all levels of decision-making, especially as conflicts persist and new challenges emerge. “Throughout history, women have been agents of change, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity. Their contributions to conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and community empowerment are undeniable. It's time to amplify their voices, recognize their agency, and ensure their meaningful participation in decision-making processes at all levels” he said. The keynote address was delivered by the former Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye. She said the journey in achieving gender equality had not been an easy one and more actions are needed to achieve gender parity. “We can and must do better because equality for women is progress for all. Let us embrace equity and invest in women for accelerated growth”. She urged the women in various security services to challenge themselves and take up the mantle in holding various positions wherever they find themselves. Speaking to the Elsie initiative, Bertha Desmennu said “the initiative is just not looking at women in numbers but rather women participating in all ranks, taking up all roles and not being limited to what historically has been recognized as gender based”."We are thrilled with the success of this event and the meaningful conversations it sparked," said the head of UNIC , Accra, Cynthia Prah. "It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and commitment of all participants sharing their thought and experiences towards advancing the WPS agenda."Two videos recounting the journey of Captain Baah, before and during her deployment and return home, and Ghana’s efforts at enhancing women's involvement in peacekeeping missions were screened. The audience engaged actively as they asked questions, fostering an atmosphere of curiosity, knowledge sharing and inspiration. The success of the event underscores the UN’s commitment to promoting awareness and understanding the WPS agenda and encouraging women inclusion in peacekeeping.

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16 September 2024

Ghanaian media briefed on the Summit of the Future.

As global leaders prepare to converge in New York for the Summit of the Future (SoTF) on September 22-23, 2024, Ghana is poised to make a significant impact on discussions for a sustainable future. This upcoming Summit builds on the momentum of the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Summit and aims to supercharge the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The SoTF presents a critical opportunity to enhance global cooperation, address gaps in global governance, and reaffirm commitments to the SDGs and the UN Charter.
In preparation for the summit, the United Nations in Ghana, in collaboration with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and the SDGs Advisory Unit of the Office of the President, hosted a press briefing to update local media on the SoTF's objectives and Ghana's contributions. The briefing also aimed to dispel misconceptions, ensure accurate communication about the summit, and highlight Ghana's active role.
Addressing the media, outlined the SoTF's concept as a catalyst for achieving the SDGs by 2030 and creating the desired world for current and future generations.
"As a nation at the forefront of pan-African leadership, Ghana has always embraced its responsibility to contribute to shaping the global agenda. SoTF provides an unparalleled opportunity for Ghana to share its unique perspectives, foster collaboration, and engage in meaningful dialogue with international partners” he said.
The Chairman of the NDPC, Professor George Gyan Baffour, expressed Ghana's eagerness to share ideas and contribute to finding solutions towards a safer, healthier, and more peaceful world. He highlighted that Ghana is focused on key priorities including climate change and human development.
Professor Baffour emphasized, "We desire to increase African involvement in global decision-making, ensuring African aspirations and needs are brought to the fore as global leaders meet to shape the world's future."
The briefing included interactive sessions with the media, urging them to amplify the messaging of SoTF.
Post-summit engagements for Ghana will include assessing participation and engagement strategies, preparing a summit participation report and disseminating outcomes and recommendations to relevant national stakeholders.

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29 August 2024

Ghana signs historic Presidential Compact on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene to accelerate universal access to WASH services

The Compact, with a commitment of $1.7billion in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) annually until 2030, Ghana has raised WASH to the highest political level to make WASH services accessible to all. It demonstrates the government's commitment to expedite access to WASH services across the country, and forms part of the government's commitment to improving public health and increasing climate resilience. The President of the Republic of Ghana, H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, signed this historic Compact at a ceremony held at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, 28 August 2024, one year after it was announced as a commitment at the UN 2023 Water Conference. The United Nations Resident Coordinator, ad interim, Ms Ifeoma Esther Charles-Monwuba signed on behalf of the UN and development partners.Speaking at the signing ceremony in Accra, President Akufo-Addo noted that "The journey on which we are embarking is built on the fundamental truth that without WASH services, sustainable development will remain an elusive dream. This Compact represents not the start, but the continuation and amplification of our efforts; a decisive step to ensure that every citizen, irrespective of their location or circumstance, enjoys sustainable access to these vital services." Ms. Charles-Monwuba said the UN is “committed to leveraging our collective expertise, resources, and partnerships to ensure the successful implementation of this Compact.” She emphasized the need for the establishment of a National Sanitation Fund to support the National Sanitation Authority, an outcome of the Compact, which will support the government's efforts to eliminate open defecation by 2030. The Compact, the third of its kind in Africa, is the result of an extensive consultation process with government agencies, development partners, the academic community, and local civil society organizations. It is supported, under the Heads of State Initiatives, by the Government of the Netherlands, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UNICEF, the Sanitation and Water for All partnership and IRC WASH. These partners will serve in an advisory capacity for the Compact's implementation, providing technical expertise and coordinated advocacy.Furthermore, Ghana's national climate strategy will now include building climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure and services, ensuring that the country is ready to address the challenges posed by increasing droughts and floods.

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18 July 2024

Breaking barriers in Ghana: how positive female leadership can transform prisons

Just a few months ago, this wouldn’t have been possible. Abena is a prisoner at Sunyani Female Prison. Until recently, children were not allowed to visit the prison for fear of ‘contamination’, and the only contact between them and their parents took place through a window. They could never touch. Today, as a result of a policy directive from the Director-General of Prisons, visits by children are encouraged – an innovation in Ghana’s female prisons that has improved prisoner morale, strengthened their ties with family members, and brought Ghana in line with international standards and norms, such as the Bangkok Rules. The change came about in part due to the advocacy of Chief Superintendent Mary Asante Sarfo, Officer in Charge of Sunyani Female Prison, who is one of a small but growing number of female senior figures in Ghana’s prison service. In the complex world of prison administration, where maintaining security is sometimes perceived to clash with the need for humane treatment, Mary has emerged as an inspirational leader. Breaking barriers Mary began her journey with the Ghana Prisons Service in 1985, despite skepticism from her friends and community. Enlisting as a recruit from her earlier career as a teacher, she joined a field where women were significantly underrepresented. In her recruitment year, there were only 33 women to 125 men. Starting her career at Nsawam Medium-Security Prison (Male), Mary discovered that women were confined to office roles, excluded from direct prisoner management. Undeterred, she pushed for opportunities to engage in yard duties and headcounts, with support from her male counterparts. "The prisoners were eager to see a female officer, and everybody wanted to get closer to share his story," she recalls.“You must first and foremost know that they are human beings” “The law is there but we also look at the human aspects and treat them as people,” says Mary. She seeks to maintain order through respecting prisoners' dignity, prioritizing empathy and communication. She emphasizes that, in her experience, empathy does not undermine authority but rather enhances it by fostering trust and cooperation. Regular communication with prisoners, understanding their concerns and stress, and addressing their needs are practices Mary has ingrained in the prison's culture. This approach is in harmony with the United Nation Minimum Standards for the Treatment of Prisoners – known as the Nelson Mandela Rules. These rules provide the blueprint for good, rights-respecting prison management in the 21st Century, and Mary has been a tireless advocate for them. Mary credits a training from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with helping her bring the Mandela Rules to life in Sunyani Female Prison. Abena’s experience is testament to the power of this approach: "Because of the way they relate to us, even if you are a difficult person, you will change.” Mary adds, “The fact that they have been incarcerated doesn’t mean that they have lost their rights. You must first and foremost know that they are human beings.”Rehabilitation through education Mary remembers when she was posted to the Sunyani Female Prison as a junior officer in 1993. At that time, she and the Officer in Charge introduced dressmaking and kenkey (a Ghanaian dish) - making programs for prisoners. These programs have expanded over the years to include a bakery, a tailoring shop, and a salon. Understanding that most prisoners lack literacy or vocational skills, she has championed programs aimed at equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for their reintegration into society, in line with the vision of the Prisons Service. While in prison, Abena received training in hairdressing and beading, and now teaches her fellow prisoners so that they too can learn a trade. Afua, another prisoner, has also benefited from vocational training provided in the prison. “They gave me the opportunity to choose what I wanted to learn and for me, it was professional catering skills even though it was not part of what was typically on offer,” she says. Mary and her colleagues went the extra mile to seek community collaboration, affording Afua access to catering lessons. This training has allowed her to focus on creating a better future for herself and her three children. “If I’d had that guidance and training before, I probably would not have ended up in prison.” Read further.

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15 July 2024

Ghana hosts its first electric mobility conference

In a significant effort to advance energy solutions across the continent, Ghana hosted its first Electric Revolution Africa (ERA) E-Mobility Conference in Accra under the theme “The New ERA: Innovation and Sustainability,”. The two-day conference organized by Energy Quest Foundation in partnership with the UN in Ghana and other partners sought to foster business collaboration, address policy challenges, and accelerate the growth of Africa’s e-mobility ecosystem. It included dialogues on environmental sustainability, climate change, energy transition, and investment opportunities within the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry.Speaking at the event, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Mr. Charles Abani, highlighted the significance of the country's lithium resources and the potential for advancing electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Mr. Abani emphasized that Ghana is fortunate to have an abundance of lithium, a critical component for EV batteries and stressed on the need for public education on the benefits and importance of using electric vehicles. “We must invest in training programs to develop the skills needed to support the e-mobility sector. As we move towards a more sustainable and innovative transportation system, we must reward innovators and inventors for their contributions and protect their ideas from unauthorized use. Our [UN in Ghana] efforts in e-mobility are aligned with the UN's Six Transitions framework, which emphasizes the need for sustainable energy systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals” he stated. The Deputy Minister for Energy, Mr. John Sanie highlighted the role of government in creating the right environment and the necessary infrastructure to ensure viability for e-mobility including increasing the charging stations in Accra.“Electric vehicles represent the future of transportation and that future is already here with us... we have no choice but to step up and be counted” he stated. The Chief Executive Officer of Cubica Energy and Founder of Energy Quest Foundation, Madam Lesley Arthur, delivered an inspiring address at the ERA E-Mobility Conference and Exhibition. She emphasized the tremendous potential of Africa, noting that by 2035, the continent is projected to have the youngest and largest workforce in the world and the need to groom that potential to reach full realization."The global shift towards electric vehicles is undeniable, driven by the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. We are excited about this new industry that contributes to Africa's Just Energy Transition, providing sustainable transport solutions, and generating carbon mitigation impact” she stated. Key highlights of the conference include exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge EV technologies, corporate networking sessions, and an electric vehicle show (EV Experience). This unique opportunity offered firsthand insights into the future of mobility. The conference brought together innovators, policymakers, investors, and enthusiasts to explore the vast potential of electric mobility.

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10 July 2024

FAO and Chef Binta empower women fonio farmers in Ghana

In a collaborative effort to bolster food security and enhance the resilience of agrifood systems in Ghana, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and chef Fatmata Binta, with the support of the Government of Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture, has trained women fonio farmers on good agricultural practices to address the challenges of low yields and the labour-intensive nature of traditional fonio production methods.Fonio is a nutrient-packed type of millet from West Africa known for its ability to thrive in harsh climates. In northern Ghana, it is predominantly grown by women. It is also one of the foods featured in an FAO publication on 100 ‘forgotten foods’ in Africa – meaning it is under utilized.Chef Binta has recognised the potential of fonio both as an ingredient and a livelihood opportunity for women producers and is collaborating with FAO to promote fonio. "Fonio is an ancient grain with an exciting future. It cooks quickly like porridge, can be turned into flour for bread, and is highly nutritious. It is also able to withstand the pressures of the climate crisis by thriving in tough climates. By improving its production, we can unlock great dividends for nutrition, women’s livelihoods, and the environment while also preserving a vital part of culinary heritage,” she said. The three-day intensive training, in Chereponi in Northern Ghana, was designed to equip the participants with essential knowledge and skills to boost fonio production.Comfort Cobinaka, affectionately known in her community as “Mama Fonio,” has been a dedicated fonio farmer for over two decades, practising the farming methods she learned from her grandparents. "This training has been incredibly insightful. I now understand that sowing fonio seeds in rows is more effective than the broadcasting method I previously used," she said.The program featured comprehensive hands-on sessions that covered every aspect of fonio production. Topics included site selection, land preparation, seed selection, germination tests, planting methods, fertilizer application, weed control, cropping systems, bird damage control, harvesting, threshing, winnowing, grain drying, hulling and whitening, packaging, and market access. The fonio grain is small and encased in a tough husk that requires time-consuming pounding by hand to remove. This produces a fine powder that can be inhaled, potentially causing health issues. To overcome these hurdles, Chef Binta procured through her foundation four modern processing machines especially adapted for fonio, two for the Chereponi area where the training took place, and the training participants learned how to use them. The new machines not only reduce the labour burden but allow the women to process their fonio to a high standard for sale on the market.“By providing practical, field-based learning, the initiative aims to significantly enhance the capacity of women farmers to sustainably produce and process fonio,” said acting FAO Representative in Ghana Priya Gujadhur. "This training is a testament to the power of knowledge and skills transfer and the use of technological innovation to transform agricultural practices for better production,” she said.Janet Agyeiwaa Mensah, an agronomist with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s Directorate of Crop Services who facilitated at the training, underscored the long-term benefits for the farmers. "This program will greatly enhance sustainable production and postharvest handling practices among the women fonio farmers. The introduction of the fonio processing machine will alleviate the labour-intensive nature of traditional processing methods, thereby improving the quality of life for these women," she said. The training was funded by FAO through a Technical Cooperation Project modality. Better production is one of the four ‘betters’ in the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031, along with better nutrition, a better environment and a better life. The four betters aim to support countries to drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Chef Binta won the 2022 Basque Culinary World Prize because of her work to promote Fulani cuisine, including fonio, through her Dine on a Mat concept. She is based in Ghana and is working through her foundation to support women fonio producers. She has been collaborating with FAO since the 2023 Year of Millets.

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Press Release

03 September 2024

Ghana starts the process to establish a suitable framework for effective management of climate and disaster risk reduction

The Government of Ghana, led by the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and supported by the United Nations, has started the process to establish a suitable framework for effective management of climate and disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Ghana. Findings and recommendations from a national and local capacity assessment conducted in 2022 to evaluate the country’s risk management capabilities were presented on 13 August 2024 in Accra. The report emphasizes the need for robust preparedness and response plans in key areas like agriculture, energy, social protection, the environment, water and sanitation. It also urges stakeholders to integrate lessons learnt and take actions to address the uneven distribution of climate impact, recognizing that the consequences of climate change are more severe for some communities than others, and ensuring that no one is left behind.At the opening session of the event, the Director General of NADMO, Hon Eric Nana Agyemang Prempeh said the findings will inform the development of the National DRR Strategy, “a key requirement for the member states of the United Nations, especially those who commit to the implementation of the provisions in the Sendai Framework of Action, 2015-2030". He further called on stakeholders, especially the UN system, to assist NADMO to coordinate the implementation of the recommendation.The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani, emphasized the importance of Ghana’s vison of self-resilience, noting that the UN’s support is rooted in prevention principles. He called for collaborative efforts to integrate the findings into existing policies, programs, and projects to strengthen DRR and climate adaptation in Ghana. Mr. Abani stressed the need for government investment in the Pwalugu multipurpose dam to control flooding and support livelihoods. The assessment in 2022 was under the leadership of NADMO, in close collaboration with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Accra, with the support of the UN system in Ghana and the Capacity for Disaster Reduction Initiative (CADRI) Partnership, an alliance of humanitarian and development partners working to strengthen DRR capacities. The report is a significant milestone in the shared journey between the UN and the Government towards strengthening Disaster Risk Management (DRM), DRR, and Climate Change Adaptation capacities in Ghana.The findings and recommendations stem from extensive consultations with 23 Central Institutions, 52 Local Institutions/departments, 2 Civil Society Organizations, 1 Private Sector Organization, 3 Multi and Bilateral Partners, and 1 University, as well as engagement with at national, regional, district and community levels. Following this report, the next step for the Government will be to develop an implementation plan, prepare a capacity development plan, ensure the dissemination of the results and recommendations at the regional and district Levels, develop the DRR Strategy and Action plan and hamonize the planned recommendations with international and national development frameworks.

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Press Release

20 July 2024

UN Global Compact and African Union Commission partner up to boost the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI)

In a significant move to boost sustainable development and economic growth in Africa, the United Nations Global Compact and the African Union Commission have officially partnered through the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI). This collaboration, aimed at promoting sustainable business practices across the continent, aligns with the broader objectives of the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).This new partnership was formalized through the exchange of a Letter of Intent between H.E. Ambassador Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, Mining (ETTIM), African Union Commission and Assistant Secretary-General Sanda Ojiambo, CEO of the UN Global Compact in the presence of H.E. Fatima Kyari Mohammed, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations and Charles Abani, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Ghana at an event hosted by the Global Africa Business Initiative on the sidelines of the African Union’s Sixth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (6th MYCM) in Accra, Ghana on Saturday, 20 July 2024. Building on the African Union-United Nations framework for the implementation of the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030), the partnership will support the next phase of Agenda 2063's Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (2023-2032), a comprehensive roadmap for Africa's development. The UN Global Compact will engage businesses across the continent to support the African Union Commission's goals and mandate.H.E. Ambassador Muchanga emphasized the importance of the new partnership, saying, “This collaboration marks a significant advancement in our efforts to realize the objectives outlined in the African Union Agenda 2063. By partnering with the UN Global Compact, we are reinforcing our commitment to driving sustainable business and promoting economic growth across Africa. Together, we aim to create a dynamic economic environment that supports inclusive progress and empowers African nations to achieve their full potential.”Ms. Sanda Ojiambo said, “Today’s exchange of letters presents an opportunity to strengthen the long-standing ties between the African Union Commission and the UN system through a partnership with the Global Africa Business Initiative. We share a transformative vision for the continent, where a strong and inclusive African private sector helps de-risk economies, attracts investment, and creates jobs, building more prosperous and sustainable communities. “Under the leadership of UN Deputy Secretary-General, H.E. Amina J. Mohammed, GABI aims to reposition Africa as a business destination and opportunity for investment on the global stage while also contributing towards the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Interested participants can now register to request for an invitation to attend GABI’s flagship event ‘Unstoppable Africa’ which will take place in New York 25-26 September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. For more information on the Global Africa Business Initiative, visit the website gabi.unglobalcompact.org. Media Contact: Rosemary.Otalor@apo-opa.com

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Press Release

01 July 2024

Achieving the SDGs – the best pathway to tackle global challenges – remains elusive

New York, 28 June – With just six years remaining, current progress falls far short of what is required to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Without massive investment and scaled up action, the achievement of the SDGs — the blueprint for a more resilient and prosperous world and the roadmap out of current global crises — will remain elusive, warns The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024, launched today.A world in great upheavalThe report reveals that only 17 per cent of the SDG targets are currently on track, with nearly half showing minimal or moderate progress, and over one-third stalled or regressing. The lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating conflicts, geopolitical tensions and growing climate chaos have severely hindered progress. According to the report, an additional 23 million people were pushed into extreme poverty and over 100 million more were suffering from hunger in 2022 compared to 2019. The number of civilian deaths in armed conflict skyrocketed in 2023. That year was also the warmest on record, with global temperatures nearing the critical 1.5°C threshold. A moment of choice and consequence“This report highlights the urgent need for stronger and more effective international cooperation to maximize progress starting now,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “With more than six years left, we must not let up on our 2030 promise to end poverty, protect the planet and leave no one behind.”Urgent priorities:1. Financing development: The SDG investment gap in developing countries now stands at $4 trillion per year. Developing countries require more financial resources and fiscal space. Reforming the global financial architecture is crucial to unlocking the volume of financing required to spur sustainable development. 2. Peace and security: The number of forcibly displaced people has reached an unprecedented level, nearly 120 million by May 2024. Civilian casualties spiked by 72 percent between 2022 and 2023 amid escalating violence, highlighting the urgent need for peace. Resolving ongoing conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy is essential. 3. Implementation surge: Massive investment and effective partnerships are needed to drive critical transitions in food, energy, social protection, digital connectivity and more.Success stories and opportunities for action.The report spotlights examples of success and resilience that can be built upon through decisive action. The remarkable recent strides in deploying renewable energy, for example, highlight a clear pathway to a just energy transition. Girls in most regions have achieved parity and even pulled ahead of boys in completing schooling at all levels. Increasing internet access by about 70 per cent in just eight years also illustrates how rapid transformative change is possible. Similarly, decades of progress against HIV/AIDS provide a template for overcoming other pandemics through global solidarity and funding for scientific breakthroughs.“Time and again, humanity has demonstrated that when we work together and apply our collective mind, we can forge solutions to seemingly intractable problems,” said Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. Key moments for the SDGsThe Summit of the Future, taking place on 22 to 23 September at UN Headquarters in New York, will be pivotal to getting the world back on track to achieving the SDGs. Deliberations at the Summit will include addressing the debt crisis that is holding so many developing countries back and the urgent need for reform of the international financial architecture.According to the report, both the Financing for Development Conference and the World Summit for Social Development in 2025 will be key moments to drive SDG momentum. But as Mr. Li stressed: “The time for words has passed – the political declarations must urgently translate into actions. We must act now, and act boldly.”Key findings:• For the first time this century, per-capita GDP growth in half of the world’s most vulnerable nations is slower than that of advanced economies.• Nearly 60 per cent of countries faced moderately to abnormally high food prices in 2022.• Based on data collected in 2022 in 120 countries, 55 per cent of the countries lacked non-discrimination laws that prohibit direct and indirect discrimination against women.• Increased access to treatment has averted 20.8 million AIDS-related deaths in the past three decades.• Progress on education remains of grave concern, with only 58 per cent of students worldwide achieving minimum proficiency in reading by the end of primary school.• Global unemployment hit a historic low of 5 per cent in 2023, yet persistent roadblocks remain in achieving decent work.• Global capacity to generate electricity from renewable energy has begun expanding at an unprecedented rate, growing at 8.1 per cent annually for the past five years.• Mobile broadband (3G or higher) is accessible to 95 per cent of the world's population, up from 78 per cent in 2015.• Record high ocean temperatures have triggered a fourth global coral bleaching event.• External debt stock levels have remained unprecedentedly high in developing countries. About 60 per cent of low-income countries are at high risk of debt distress or already experiencing it. For more information, please visit: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2024/Hashtags: #SDGreport #SDGs #GlobalGoalsMedia contacts :Sharon Birch, UN Department of Global Communications, birchs@un.org Helen Rosengren, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, rosengrenh@un.org

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