In a bold move to reignite global momentum towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations has unveiled “Our Common Agenda,” a comprehensive report designed to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. This initiative comes in response to significant setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted progress and widened gaps in many of the 17 Goals.
Our Common Agenda is the Secretary-General’s vision for the future of global cooperation. It calls for inclusive, networked, and effective multilateralism to better respond and deliver for the people and planet and to get the world back on track by turbocharging action on the Sustainable Development Goals. It outlines possible solutions to address the gaps and risks that have emerged since 2015, calling for a Summit of the Future that will be held in New York, 2024, 20-21 September — Action Days, 22-23 September — Summit.
“Our Common Agenda” is not just a roadmap but a call to action for the global community. Recognizing the urgent need to get back on track, the report lays out proposals aimed at turbocharging efforts across all SDGs. The intention is to reignite the collective commitment made by UN Member States to tackle pressing global challenges—ranging from poverty and inequality to climate change and environmental degradation.
The upcoming Summit of the Future in 2024 is set to be a pivotal moment in this effort. Building on the outcomes of the SDG Summit held in 2023, the Summit of the Future will provide Member States with an opportunity to explore new avenues for strengthening global cooperation. This gathering will focus on laying the foundations for more effective and cohesive international strategies to achieve the SDGs, ensuring that no country is left behind in the race against time.
The “Our Common Agenda” report underscores the importance of collective action and shared responsibility. It highlights the need for innovative approaches, greater solidarity, and enhanced cooperation between governments, civil society, and the private sector. The report also emphasizes the importance of addressing the structural challenges that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education, and economic resilience.
As the world faces these challenges, innovators and experts have a unique opportunity to collaborate with the global community to improve the trajectory of global development. By bringing cutting-edge technologies, fresh ideas, and expert knowledge to the table, they can play a crucial role in finding solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. Sustainatech, through its Innovation Hub, is committed to supporting such efforts by connecting innovators with the tools, resources, and partnerships they need to make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s through developing new technologies, advising on sustainable practices, or facilitating cross-border collaborations, Sustainatech is at the forefront of driving innovation that aligns with the UN’s SDG goals.
The UN’s renewed focus on the SDGs through “Our Common Agenda” reflects a commitment to not only recovering from the pandemic but also building a more equitable and sustainable future for all. As the world faces increasing uncertainty and complex global challenges, this agenda represents a crucial step in ensuring that the 2030 targets are met and that the benefits of sustainable development are shared by everyone, everywhere.
As we approach the Summit of the Future, the world watches closely. The decisions made and the actions taken will have a profound impact on the trajectory of global development. The UN is calling on all nations, innovators, and experts to recommit to the SDGs and to work together. Platforms like Sustainatech can aid in building a better, connected, networked, collaborative and more sustainable world.