As we wrap up a momentous year, which saw the world come together to renew its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, we look back at the stories that resonated with you and – hopefully – inspired you to take action. Thank you for being with us and join us next year as we continue our work towards sustainable development for all!



1. World population is expected to reach 9.7 billion in 2050 and could peak at nearly 11 billion around 2100

The world’s population is expected to increase by 2 billion persons in the next 30 years, from 7.7 billion currently to 9.7 billion in 2050, according to the World Population Prospects 2019 report. Published by the Population Division of UN DESA, the report provides a comprehensive overview of global demographic patterns and prospects. The study concluded that the world’s population could reach its peak around the end of the current century, at a level of nearly 11 billion. Read more ->

2. The number of international migrants reaches 272 million, continuing an upward trend in all world regions

The number of international migrants globally reached an estimated 272 million in 2019, an increase of 51 million since 2010. Currently, international migrants comprise 3.5 per cent of the global population, compared to 2.8 per cent in the year 2000, according to the International Migrant Stock 2019. This dataset provides the latest estimates of the number of international migrants by age, sex and origin for all countries and areas of the world. Read more ->

3. What is ‘South-South cooperation’ and why does it matter?

In March 2019, in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, over one thousand people, gathered for the Second High-level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation, or BAPA+40. The central theme of discussion was the opportunity that South-South cooperation represents for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Read more ->

4. SDG Progress Reports 2019: Are we on track to achieve the global goals?

The year 2019 closed the first cycle of the 2030 Agenda implementation. By July, the High-Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development (HLPF) had reviewed global progress on the last remaining set of SDGs and 142 countries had presented their Voluntary National Reviews. Two SDG progress reports shed light on the progress the world was making to achieve the SDGs and highlighted the areas that need our most urgent attention. Read more ->

 5. World Youth Report: Addressing the complex challenges facing young people today

Today, there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 years, accounting for 16 per cent of the global population. Far from being mere beneficiaries of the 2030 Agenda, young people have been active architects in its development and continue to be engaged in processes that support its implementation, follow-up and review. Launched in February 2019, UN DESA’s World Youth Report focused on youth education and employment, and explored the complex challenges facing the largest generation of youth the world has ever seen. Read more ->