UNESCAP ASIA PACIFIC SDG PROGRESS REPORT 2024

23-02-2024

In February 2024, The Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2024 was released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

Understanding Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report

The Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report is a significant annual publication produced by the UNESCAP.
This report offers a comprehensive assessment of the progress made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.

Key Highlights of the Report

This report highlights success stories, trends, and the unique challenges faced across different parts of the region as they work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Current Progress and Trajectory
1. Progress Lag: Asia-Pacific is not on track to meet any of the 17 SDGs by 2030; estimates suggest achievement by 2062.
2. Uneven Progress: Only one-third of necessary progress expected by 2030; average progress as of 2023 is 17%.
3. Challenges: Global context, including the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing crises, hinders progress.
Positive Trends and Challenges by Goal
1. Poverty Eradication (Goal 1) and Infrastructure (Goal 9):
  1. Substantial progress since 2015 but insufficient to meet targets.
  2. Notable contributions from resilient infrastructure and improved access to technology.
2. Areas Requiring Attention:
  1. Hunger (Goal 2), Health (Goal 3), Clean Water (Goal 6), Clean Energy (Goal 7), Sustainable Cities (Goal 11).
3. Climate Action (Goal 13) Urgency:
  1. Immediate priority due to ongoing regression.
  2. Need for robust measures integrated into national policies.
4. Economic Growth and Decent Work (Goal 8):
  1. Urgent actions needed to support economic growth and employment.
5. Other Critical Goals (12, 14, 15, 17):
  1. Require heightened attention and concerted efforts for substantive improvements.
India's Progress on SDGs:
1. Overall Score Improvement:
  1. India's overall SDG score has shown a significant improvement.
  2. The score has risen by 6 points from 2019 to 2020-21.
  3. It now stands at 66, indicating progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
2. Notable Achievements:
  1. Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation):
    1. India has made remarkable progress in ensuring clean water and sanitation.
    2. Achieved a composite goal score of 83, reflecting substantial advancement in this area.
  2. Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy):
    1. India has also excelled in providing affordable and clean energy solutions.
    2. Achieved a composite goal score of 92, demonstrating significant strides towards sustainable energy access.
Special Situations and Vulnerable Groups
1. Small Island Developing States (SIDS):
  1. Encounter notable difficulties and setbacks, notably worsened by the pandemic.
  2. Slow progress compared to other countries in special situations.
2. Gender, Urbanization, Education, Age, and Income:
  1. Women and girls face challenges in accessing education and employment.
  2. Location plays a crucial role in poverty and inequality levels.
  3. Urban areas show better conditions but also present challenges for the poorest.

Challenges	Solutions
Uneven Progress Towards SDGs	Implement region-specific policies tailored to address challenges. Prioritize areas with less progress for interventions.
Insufficient Climate Action	Integrate robust climate measures into national policies. Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacities. Enhance data access and accuracy for climate targets. Foster international collaboration for effective climate initiatives.
Slow Progress in Vulnerable Populations	Implement targeted initiatives for vulnerable groups. Enhance access to education, healthcare, and employment. Strengthen surveillance systems for healthcare improvement.
Data Insufficiency	Enhance coordination for data sharing within and between countries. Invest in upgrading statistical systems. Prioritize data collection for marginalized groups and critical areas. Promote dashboards for improved data utilization.
Slow Progress in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)	Provide targeted support and resources for SIDS. Strengthen regional collaboration for climate resilience. Invest in resilient infrastructure. Prioritize data collection in SIDS.
Inadequate Access to Education and Employment Opportunities	Implement comprehensive policies for bridging education and employment gaps. Enhance digital skills through partnerships. Monitor education indicators and refine policies. Invest in vocational training and inclusive economic growth.
Lack of Coordination in SDG Data Sharing	Enhance coordination mechanisms for data sharing. Invest in capacity building and technology infrastructure. Promote standardized data collection methods. Encourage collaborative platforms for addressing data gaps.

About the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)

UNESCAP serves as the regional development entity of the United Nations for the Asia-Pacific region.
It comprises 53 Member States and 9 Associate Members from the Asia-Pacific, including India.
It was founded in 1947, UNESCAP is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand.
The objective of UNESCAP is to address significant challenges in the region by offering practical projects, technical support, and capacity building to its member States.
UNESCAP aims to tackle pressing issues and promote sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific through collaborative initiatives and assistance programs.

Conclusion

The Asia-Pacific SDG Progress Report 2024 highlights significant challenges in achieving the 2030 Agenda, with current estimates projecting a delay until 2062. Urgent action, including improved data systems and policy reforms, is necessary to accelerate progress, especially for vulnerable groups and small island developing States