Where We Are
Ten years after adoption, the Sustainable Development Goals remain a universal call for action by all countries – developed and developing.
Progress is being made: more girls are in school than ever before, maternal and child mortality continue to decline, HIV infections are falling, and electricity now reaches 92 per cent of the global population.
Yet major challenges remain. Geopolitical divides, conflict, climate shocks, and widening inequality are slowing progress and straining cooperation.
At the upcoming High-level Political Forum, countries will focus on accelerating action on five critical goals: SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, and upholding the commitments in the Pact for the Future.
SDGs in numbers
- 92% of the world's population now has access to electricity, up from 87% in 2015.
- Since 2015, nearly 1 billion people gained access to safely managed drinking water
- 134 countries have met the SDG target for reducing child mortality
- More than 190 countries will have undertaken Voluntary National Reviews at HLPF in 2026, accelerating SDG implementation.
Media Resources for journalists
Explore the Media Resources hub for the latest from UN WebTV, UN Audiovisual Library, UN Photo, UNifeed and more! https://media.un.org/en. For the latest UN Reports, click here.
“The United Nations remains the essential, one-of-a-kind meeting ground to advance peace, sustainable development & human rights. But it is only as strong as countries’ commitment to it.”
– António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, 20 May 2026
In Focus
Global Dialogue on AI Governance | 6-7 July
As artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy, the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva will aim to ensure that governance reflects the priorities of all nations, not just the most technologically advanced – and that the benefits of AI are shared by all. This inclusive UN platform brings together governments and stakeholders to facilitate open, transparent and inclusive discussions on artificial intelligence governance, as well as share best practices to ensure that AI’s benefits—and guardrails— takes into account the needs of all countries.
High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) | 7-15 July
The 2026 HLPF serves as the global platform to assess and mobilize SDG progress, featuring 36 countries presenting their voluntary actions. The Forum will bring together high-level representatives of governments, and a wide range of experts and other stakeholders, and conduct in-depth review of SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Sustainable Development Goals Report launch 2026 | 7 July
With less than five years until 2030, the SDGs Report 2026 offers a candid assessment of progress and challenges. While real gains have been achieved across all goals, progress remains uneven and insufficient. Today, we face serious headwinds—from escalating conflicts and slowing global economic growth to climate chaos, rising debt burdens, and declining official aid. Watch live on UN WebTV.
Transforming Education Summit + 4 | 10 July
At a time when education systems are under growing pressure from fiscal constraints, climate shocks, protracted crises and rapid technological change, the Transforming Education Summit + 4 (TES+4) will bring together leaders and partners to review progress to accelerate action towards achieving SDG 4.
Highlights
UN SDG 6 Synthesis Report on Water and Sanitation | 7 July
The UN SDG 6 Synthesis Report on Water and Sanitation 2026 will be released during HLPF and will assess progress towards achieving SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, for all by 2030. It will highlight how SDG 6 has driven action at both national and global levels, strengthened policy coherence, and brought together governments, communities, and partners in more inclusive and coordinated ways to address water and sanitation challenges. Read more.
State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 | 21 July
The 2026 edition of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI), to be launched in Rome, will examine the challenges posed by the high cost of healthy diets to end hunger, food insecurity, and all forms of malnutrition by 2030.
Jointly prepared by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, this annual report advocates for effective strategies to combat hunger and malnutrition. Read more.
Website: Everyday peacebuilders: 20 years of Peacebuilding, 20 stories of impact
The United Nations proudly champions local heroes—from teachers to activists—who work tirelessly to rebuild their communities after conflict and secure lasting peace. Since 2006, the UN Peacebuilding Fund,has invested over $2 billion across 75 countries to support these vital efforts. As the Fund marks its 20th anniversary, we celebrate the extraordinary courage of everyday peacebuilders worldwide.
News Features
News Feature | Selected Story
Young peacebuilders: Funding matters, but so do trust and partnerships
Young people working on promoting peace in some of the world’s most fragile and polarized places say financial support remains essential, but money alone will not sustain their efforts to organize youth to participate in peacebuilding.
Africa Renewal | Selected Story
Africa’s Fourth Industrial Decade: From political mandate to industrial transformation
UNIDO Deputy Director General Fatou Haidara and African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals Francisca Tatchouop Belobe reflect on what this new decade means for Africa and the actions needed to translate ambition into industrial progress.
International Days and Years
ACTNOW for our Common Future
ActNow is the United Nations campaign to inspire people to act for the Sustainable Development Goals, improving life for everyone: A healthy planet. A better economy. A just society. A peaceful world. Visit ActNow to learn more https://www.un.org/actnow
Awake at Night Podcast
Hear about the daily work of Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, as he navigates international media relations and global crises in real time. Tune in to the podcast here.
Latest episodes: Season 12 of Awake at Night.