The Asia-Pacific region is at risk of missing a staggering 88% of its measurable targets for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the ‘Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Asia and Pacific SDG Progress Report 2024’ released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). If current trends continue, the region will fail to meet 103 out of 117 quantifiable targets across the 17 global goals.
The SDGs, adopted by world leaders in 2015, aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030, addressing critical issues such as ending extreme poverty and hunger, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, and providing quality universal education.
A Stark Contradiction
The report highlights what ESCAP describes as a ‘stark contradiction’: while the Asia-Pacific has made significant strides in areas like poverty reduction, expanding electricity access, and lowering maternal and child mortality, these gains are being undermined by environmental degradation and rising inequalities.
ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana stated, “The engines of growth that once lifted millions out of poverty and fueled rapid industrialization are now undermining our future.” She added, “Our greatest collective challenge is also our greatest opportunity: to build a region that is not only richer, but also smarter, healthier, and fairer.”
Regional Performance Snapshot
Areas On Track or Close to Target:
- Access to electricity
- Mobile network coverage
- Reduction in maternal and child deaths
Areas of Significant Regression:
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Biodiversity loss (Red List Index of Threatened Species)
- Fossil fuel subsidies
- Labor rights/safe working environments
- Disaster-related losses
Concerns Regarding Data Gaps:
- Gender equality (SDG 5)
- Peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16)
Environmental Backsliding
Progress in crucial environmental areas, including climate action, ocean conservation, and biodiversity, has not only stalled but is reversing, the report reveals. Greenhouse gas emissions continue to climb, and the Red List Index, which measures the risk of extinction for species, indicates an acceleration of biodiversity loss. Marine ecosystems are in serious decline, the economic contribution of sustainable fisheries is diminishing, and freshwater ecosystems are under threat. Urban resilience also remains fragile. Despite many countries adopting disaster risk reduction strategies, indicators tracking the human and economic impact of disasters are worsening, revealing what the report terms a “dangerous gap between planning and real-world resilience.”
Social Progress Under Pressure
The region maintains strong performance in industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), supported by near-universal mobile network coverage. Electricity access is expanding rapidly and is expected to reach its target ahead of schedule. Health outcomes have improved, with sustained reductions in maternal, newborn, and under-five child mortality rates. Income poverty has declined significantly over recent decades. However, inequality persists as a stubborn issue. Progress in income distribution is slow, labor income shares are declining, and adherence to labor rights is eroding. Informal employment and youth underemployment remain pressing concerns. While access to education has improved, learning outcomes are declining, coupled with a deterioration in foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
Data Gaps Obscure the Picture
While data accessibility has improved, with sufficient data available for 55% of SDG indicators—above the global average—critical data gaps persist. The lack of comprehensive data in areas like gender equality (SDG 5) and peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16) limits policymakers’ ability to measure progress for the most vulnerable groups. Representation of women in governance and political roles continues to advance slowly.
Incremental Change Will Not Suffice
With only five years remaining until the 2030 deadline, ESCAP warns that incremental change will be insufficient. “Our current development trajectory is unsustainable and the window for corrective action is closing fast,” the commission stated.
