Asia-Pacific SDG Progress Report 2024: An Overview

1: Introduction to Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report

- The Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report, published annually by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), provides an overview of the progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.

- The report underscores the challenges faced and successes achieved in the region towards realising the SDGs.

- The report also places emphasis on the priorities for improving data availability on SDG indicators, especially for vulnerable populations, in a bid to shape more inclusive and equitable development strategies.

2: Noteworthy Points from the Report

- The SDG progress is uneven and inadequate across various population segments and within the five subregions of Asia and the Pacific, with achievement of all SDGs projected for 2062, 32 years behind the 2030 target.

- Only 11% of the 116 measurable SDG targets are on track, and if the current pace continues, only one-third of the progress required is projected to be achieved by 2030, according to the report.

- All targets related to SDG 13 (Climate Action) are either stalled or regressing, highlighting the urgency for integrating climate action measures into national policies and strengthening resilience against climate-related disasters.

3: Role of Public-Private Partnerships and National Statistics System

- Digital transformation and bridging skills and employment opportunities for youth and migrant workers, particularly in countries like Vietnam, have been accelerated through Public-Private Partnerships, as noted by the report.

- In North and Central Asia, the national statistical systems in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have been upgraded to better serve stateless populations.

4: Key Recommendations of the Report

- There's a pressing need to address inequalities affecting marginalised groups such as women, girls, the rural populace, and the urban poor, to provide them with educational and employment opportunities.

- The report underscores the need for substantial increase in investments in sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy to combat challenges posed by climate change and achieve various SDGs.

5: India's Progress in Line with the Report

- According to the report, India's overall SDG score has shown an improvement, rising from 60 in 2019 to 66 in 2020–21.

- Noteworthy achievements for India include Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), with goal scores of 83 and 92 respectively.

6: About UNESCAP

- UNESCAP, the regional development arm of the United Nations for the Asia-Pacific region, has 53 Member States and 9 Associate Members from the region including India.

- It was established in 1947, with its headquarters based in Bangkok, Thailand.

- The objective of UNESCAP is to overcome some of the region’s greatest challenges by providing results-oriented projects, technical assistance and capacity building to member States.