Ten years ago, the United Nations (UN) adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They were supposed to point the way to ending hunger, overcoming poverty and slowing down climate change, among other things - but the world is a long way from achieving them. On the occasion of the UN General Debate in New York (22 - 25 September), Misereor warns: In order to achieve the goals by 2030, the EU must take an important step - by submitting ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

"The SDGs are not a 'nice to have', but essential for survival - for people and for our planet," emphasises Kathrin Schroeder, Head of Policy and Global Issues at Misereor. "Despite some progress, we have known for years that we will not fully achieve any of the 17 goals by 2030 with the current course. The lost time costs human lives."

Missed SDGs affect the South

The figures speak for themselves: when the SDGs were launched in 2015, 736 million people were living in extreme poverty - today the figure is 808 million. SDG 1 ("No poverty") is therefore further away than ever before. The situation is similarly bleak when it comes to climate protection (SDG 13): Greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise instead of falling. Extreme weather events are increasing every year. "A lack of support for the SDGs means, above all, leaving people in the Global South in the lurch, although even small measures can often make a big difference there," says Schroeder.

EU risks failure with SDG 13

The NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) are the most important instrument for at least getting closer to the climate-related SDG targets. In these, the UN member states set out how they intend to reduce emissions. The NDCs are updated every five years and the new ones are to be presented at the upcoming climate summit (24 September). The EU is not expected to present a new NDC - and is therefore missing an important international moment. Schroeder criticises: "Europe in particular should set an example. The Paris Climate Agreement and the 2030 Agenda are promises and commitments, not political wishful thinking - simply postponing them is irresponsible."

Saving the SDGs: Making the most of the next five years

With a view to the next World Climate Conference (COP 30), Misereor appeals: "Climate justice is the key to saving the 17 development goals. Investing in climate protection and fair structures now will secure a humane future. The EU must deliver by COP 30 at the latest - no one should duck out, especially not Europe," said Schroeder. The SDGs provide guidance on how society and business can work together for sustainable development. Schroeder is therefore calling for clear signals from the EU heads of state and government: "The countdown is on. The next five years will decide whether the world can still achieve the SDGs. Now is the time to really roll up our sleeves and act."

The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda were launched in 2015 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development as a global plan to combat poverty, inequality and protect the environment. Misereor is working with its partners in the Global South to achieve these goals, particularly in the areas of education, food, water, energy and sustainable cities. However, countries have not yet sufficiently fulfilled their responsibilities by the 2030 target.