Urbanization is one of the most transformative trends of the 21st century. More than half of the world’s population now lives in cities, and by 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 70%. Cities are engines of economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange — but they are also epicenters of inequality, congestion, pollution, and vulnerability to climate change. Recognizing these challenges, the eleventh Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 11) — Sustainable Cities and Communities — aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by 2030.

Sustainable urban development lies at the intersection of social inclusion, environmental responsibility, and economic vitality. SDG 11 acknowledges that how we design, govern, and inhabit cities will determine the future of humanity and the planet. It calls for rethinking urban planning, infrastructure, and housing to create cities that are livable for all — not just for the privileged few.

Understanding SDG 11

Cities are complex systems where people, resources, and institutions interact dynamically. They generate over 80% of global GDP, but they also consume two-thirds of the world’s energy and produce 70% of carbon emissions (UN-Habitat, 2023). The rapid pace of urban growth, especially in developing countries, has led to challenges such as inadequate housing, poor transport infrastructure, slums, and unplanned expansion.

SDG 11 recognizes that urbanization can be a positive force if it is well-managed and inclusive. Sustainable cities should provide access to basic services, housing, transportation, green spaces, and cultural amenities while maintaining environmental sustainability and resilience to disasters.

Targets of SDG 11

The United Nations has outlined several key targets for SDG 11 to guide global action:

1. Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services, and upgrade slums.
2. Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety and expanding public transit.
3. Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization through participatory and integrated planning and management.
4. Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
5. Reduce the number of deaths and economic losses caused by disasters, including those related to water and climate.
6. Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air pollution and waste management.
7. Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces, particularly for women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
8. Support positive economic, social, and environmental links between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas.
9. Substantially increase the number of cities adopting and implementing integrated policies toward inclusion, resource efficiency, and resilience.
10. Support least developed countries in building sustainable and resilient buildings using local materials.

These targets highlight the holistic nature of urban sustainability — encompassing housing, mobility, environment, resilience, and governance.

Global Progress and Challenges

Significant progress has been made in recent decades toward improving living conditions in urban areas. Between 2000 and 2020, the proportion of the global urban population living in slums declined from 28% to 23%, largely due to housing and infrastructure initiatives in Asia and Latin America. Many cities have invested in public transportation, green infrastructure, and waste management systems.

However, challenges remain daunting. Over 1 billion people still live in informal settlements without access to safe water, sanitation, or secure tenure. Rapid and unplanned urban growth continues to strain infrastructure, leading to congestion, pollution, and inequality. The COVID-19 pandemic further revealed urban vulnerabilities — overcrowded housing, unequal access to healthcare, and inadequate public spaces exacerbated risks for low-income populations.

Moreover, cities are on the frontlines of climate change. Rising temperatures, flooding, and extreme weather events threaten lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Urban areas must therefore adapt by adopting climate-resilient planning, reducing emissions, and enhancing green cover.

Strategies for Achieving SDG 11

1. Inclusive Urban Planning and Governance
   Participatory planning that engages citizens, especially marginalized groups, ensures that urban development reflects diverse needs. Decentralized governance and community-led housing programs can improve accountability and inclusiveness.
2. Affordable Housing and Slum Upgrading
   Governments must invest in affordable housing and upgrade informal settlements by improving sanitation, access to services, and secure land tenure. Partnerships with NGOs, private developers, and residents can make these efforts more effective.
3. Sustainable Mobility and Public Transport
   Expanding affordable and efficient public transport systems reduces congestion, pollution, and inequity. Non-motorized transport infrastructure — such as cycling lanes and pedestrian pathways — promotes health and sustainability.
4. Green and Resilient Infrastructure
   Urban resilience depends on climate-adaptive infrastructure such as green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and permeable pavements. Integrating nature-based solutions helps cities manage floods, improve air quality, and enhance biodiversity.
5. Waste Management and Circular Economy
   Cities must transition from linear to circular economies by promoting recycling, waste segregation, and resource recovery. Waste-to-energy technologies can reduce landfill use and provide clean energy.
6. Cultural Heritage and Public Spaces
   Preserving cultural sites strengthens community identity and tourism potential. Equitable access to parks, plazas, and recreational areas improves mental and physical well-being, fostering social inclusion.
7. Reducing Urban Inequality
   Policies should address unequal access to services, employment, and housing. Urban development must prioritize the poor, women, and persons with disabilities, ensuring equitable benefits from growth.
8. Smart Cities and Innovation
   Digital technologies can enhance urban management through real-time monitoring of traffic, energy, and waste. Smart city initiatives can improve efficiency, transparency, and sustainability if implemented inclusively.
9. Disaster Preparedness and Climate Resilience
   Building codes, risk mapping, and early warning systems are critical for reducing disaster risks. Integrating resilience planning into urban policy safeguards both lives and investments.

Case Studies and Best Practices

• Curitiba, Brazil is celebrated for its innovative urban planning, prioritizing public transport, green spaces, and recycling.
• Singapore demonstrates how integrated water management, vertical greenery, and efficient governance can make a city both livable and sustainable.
• Copenhagen, Denmark aims to be carbon neutral by 2025 through energy-efficient buildings, cycling infrastructure, and renewable energy use.
• Ahmedabad, India has successfully implemented slum redevelopment programs and heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations from extreme heat.

The Way Forward

Achieving SDG 11 requires a paradigm shift in how cities are planned and managed. Urban development must balance growth with sustainability, inclusion, and resilience. Governments should integrate SDG 11 into national urban policies and foster collaboration between public agencies, civil society, and the private sector.

Investment in sustainable infrastructure — housing, water, transport, and digital connectivity — is key to improving the quality of urban life. Equally important is empowering local communities to participate in decision-making and ensuring that urban development benefits all residents, not just elites.

Conclusion

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities envisions cities that are equitable, green, and resilient — places where people of all backgrounds can thrive in safety and dignity. Sustainable urbanization is not merely about infrastructure; it is about inclusiveness, justice, and environmental harmony.

As urban populations continue to grow, cities must become the driving force for sustainable development rather than sources of inequality and pollution. Achieving SDG 11 will define the future of humanity — building cities that serve as models of sustainability, innovation, and shared prosperity for generations to come.

Economic growth is essential for prosperity, social stability, and poverty reduction — but not all growth is inclusive or sustainable. The eighth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 8) — Decent Work and Economic Growth — seeks to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all by 2030. This goal emphasizes the creation of fair employment opportunities, respect for labor rights, entrepreneurship, and innovation as the foundations for shared prosperity.

In today’s interconnected global economy, the challenge is not only to grow but to grow equitably — ensuring that economic progress benefits all sections of society while preserving environmental integrity. SDG 8 thus integrates the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, promoting economic systems that are productive, resilient, and human-centered.

Understanding SDG 8

The concept of decent work, as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO), encompasses opportunities for work that are productive, deliver a fair income, ensure security in the workplace, provide social protection, and guarantee equal treatment for all. SDG 8 acknowledges that economic growth alone does not automatically translate into well-being; it must be inclusive and sustainable.

In recent decades, globalization and technological advancement have transformed labor markets. While millions have been lifted out of poverty, challenges such as automation, income inequality, informal employment, and labor exploitation persist. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed vulnerabilities in global labor systems, causing massive job losses and widening socioeconomic disparities.

Targets of SDG 8

The United Nations identifies several key targets under SDG 8 to guide progress by 2030:

1. Sustain per capita economic growth, especially in least-developed countries (LDCs), aiming for at least 7% GDP growth per year.
2. Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
3. Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
4. Improve resource efficiency in consumption and production to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation.
5. Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including youth and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
6. Substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training (NEETs).
7. End forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and secure the prohibition of child labor.
8. Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrants.
9. Promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
10. Increase support to developing countries through trade, technology, and financial cooperation to boost employment and growth.

These targets reflect a holistic vision of economic growth that prioritizes human dignity, innovation, and sustainability.

Global Progress and Challenges

Over the past two decades, global economic expansion and trade liberalization have contributed to poverty reduction and increased employment opportunities. Between 1991 and 2019, extreme poverty rates fell dramatically, driven largely by rapid growth in emerging economies such as China, India, and Vietnam. However, this growth has not been evenly distributed.

The International Labour Organization (2023) estimates that over 200 million people remain unemployed worldwide, and nearly 2 billion workers are engaged in informal employment with little to no social protection. Moreover, income inequality continues to widen, with the richest 10% earning more than 50% of global income.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the deepest global recession since World War II, wiping out the equivalent of 255 million full-time jobs in 2020. Women, youth, and low-wage workers were disproportionately affected. While recovery is underway, global growth remains fragile due to inflation, geopolitical tensions, and climate-related disruptions.

Environmental degradation further complicates economic sustainability. Many economies rely on resource-intensive industries that contribute to carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Thus, achieving SDG 8 requires a transformation toward green, inclusive, and digital economies that generate decent employment while safeguarding the planet.

Strategies for Achieving SDG 8

1. Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Growth
   Governments should focus on policies that foster innovation, fair trade, infrastructure development, and equitable income distribution. Investments in green technologies, digital infrastructure, and sustainable industries can generate high-quality jobs.
2. Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
   SMEs are vital engines of employment, particularly in developing economies. Access to credit, market opportunities, and capacity-building programs can help them thrive and contribute to national growth.
3. Creating Decent Work Opportunities
   Labor policies must ensure fair wages, job security, and safe working conditions. Extending labor rights to informal workers and gig economy participants is crucial in achieving inclusivity.
4. Investing in Education and Skill Development
   Aligning education and vocational training with market needs prepares the workforce for evolving industries. Reskilling and lifelong learning are essential to adapt to technological change and automation.
5. Empowering Women and Youth
   Women’s economic participation enhances productivity and innovation. Equal pay, maternity benefits, and access to leadership positions are critical for gender-inclusive growth. Similarly, targeted programs for youth employment can reduce the NEET rate.
6. Fostering Sustainable Tourism
   Tourism provides significant employment opportunities, particularly in developing countries. Promoting eco-tourism and cultural tourism supports local economies while preserving heritage and the environment.
7. Ensuring Labor Rights and Safety
   Governments and employers must enforce occupational safety standards, eliminate child labor, and protect workers from exploitation. Migrant workers, often among the most vulnerable, deserve fair treatment and protection.
8. Encouraging Green and Digital Jobs
   The green economy — including renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture — offers immense potential for job creation. Similarly, the digital economy provides new employment models through remote work, digital services, and entrepreneurship.
9. Global Partnerships and Financing
   International cooperation through fair trade, investment, and capacity building can accelerate progress. Institutions such as the ILO, World Bank, and UNDP play crucial roles in providing technical and financial assistance.

Case Studies and Best Practices

Countries such as Germany, South Korea, and Sweden demonstrate how inclusive economic models can balance productivity with social equity. Germany’s dual education system integrates vocational training with employment opportunities, reducing youth unemployment. Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector illustrates how industrial growth can empower women when combined with labor protections. Meanwhile, Costa Rica’s green economy showcases the synergy between sustainable practices and job creation.

The Way Forward

The future of decent work and economic growth lies in innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. Governments must rethink growth paradigms to balance economic success with social justice and environmental preservation. Embracing digital transformation, renewable energy, and circular economy models can generate millions of new jobs while reducing ecological footprints.

Moreover, collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society is key to ensuring fair labor standards and equitable economic participation. Investment in human capital — through education, training, and healthcare — remains the most powerful driver of long-term prosperity.

Conclusion

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth envisions an economy that serves people and the planet. It calls for an inclusive global economy that provides every individual with fair opportunities, safe workplaces, and a dignified livelihood. Achieving this goal requires transforming how we produce, consume, and value labor — prioritizing human well-being over mere profit.

As the world moves toward 2030, building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economies will be essential not only for recovery from current crises but also for securing a just and equitable future for all. Decent work is not a privilege; it is a right — and the foundation of sustainable development.

Energy is the lifeblood of modern civilization. It powers homes, fuels industries, drives innovation, and underpins economic development. However, energy systems have also been major contributors to environmental degradation and climate change. The seventh Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 7) — Affordable and Clean Energy — seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030. This goal recognizes energy as a key enabler for sustainable development, linking directly to goals related to poverty reduction (SDG 1), health (SDG 3), industry and innovation (SDG 9), and climate action (SDG 13).

Despite remarkable progress in recent years, global energy access remains unequal. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA, 2024), about 675 million people — primarily in sub-Saharan Africa — still lack access to electricity, and 2.3 billion people rely on unsafe and polluting fuels for cooking. Achieving SDG 7 requires accelerating the transition toward renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring equitable access to modern energy services for all.

Understanding SDG 7

Energy is more than electricity — it encompasses all forms of power that drive human activities, from clean cooking fuels to transportation systems and industrial production. SDG 7 emphasizes not only access but also sustainability and affordability. The goal envisions a future powered predominantly by renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal energy, supported by innovations in storage, distribution, and energy efficiency.

The challenge is multidimensional: ensuring that energy systems are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially inclusive. Reliable energy access can transform communities — enabling education through lighting, improving healthcare services, supporting agriculture, and driving local entrepreneurship.

Targets of SDG 7

The United Nations has outlined specific targets for SDG 7 to guide progress by 2030:

1. Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services for all people.
2. Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
3. Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
4. Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research, technology, and investment.
5. Expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services in developing countries, particularly in least-developed nations and small island states.

These targets collectively aim to create a global energy system that supports both human well-being and planetary health.

Global Progress and Challenges

The last decade has seen significant growth in renewable energy capacity and technology. Solar and wind power have become increasingly competitive with fossil fuels, and many countries have adopted ambitious policies for clean energy transitions. Between 2010 and 2023, the share of renewables in global electricity generation rose from 18% to over 30%.

However, challenges persist. Fossil fuels still account for around 80% of total global energy consumption, leading to rising greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Energy access disparities remain stark between developed and developing nations. Rural communities, particularly in Africa and South Asia, often rely on traditional biomass like firewood or charcoal, which poses health hazards and environmental strain.

Energy affordability is another critical issue. The recent geopolitical conflicts and supply disruptions have driven up global energy prices, deepening energy poverty. Moreover, transitioning to clean energy requires massive investments — estimated by the IEA at $4 trillion annually by 2030 — to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Strategies for Achieving SDG 7

1. Expanding Renewable Energy Generation
   Scaling up renewable energy is the cornerstone of SDG 7. Governments must incentivize investment in solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal projects through subsidies, tax benefits, and feed-in tariffs. Decentralized renewable solutions such as solar mini-grids and off-grid systems can provide affordable electricity to remote communities.
2. Improving Energy Efficiency
   Energy efficiency reduces consumption while maintaining output. Promoting efficient appliances, green buildings, and smart grids can significantly cut emissions and energy costs. Industrial sectors can adopt advanced technologies for low-energy manufacturing.
3. Ensuring Universal Access
   Electrifying rural areas and informal settlements requires innovative solutions. Public-private partnerships, microfinance programs, and community-driven energy cooperatives can make clean energy accessible and affordable for the poor.
4. Clean Cooking Solutions
   Over 30% of the global population still cooks with wood, charcoal, or kerosene. Transitioning to clean cooking fuels like LPG, biogas, or solar cookers can drastically reduce indoor air pollution, which causes millions of premature deaths annually.
5. Promoting Technological Innovation
   Breakthroughs in battery storage, hydrogen technology, and smart grid systems are critical for renewable integration. Governments and research institutions should invest in R&D and promote technology transfer to developing countries.
6. Financing the Energy Transition
   Achieving SDG 7 demands mobilizing large-scale investments from public, private, and international sources. Green bonds, climate funds, and blended finance can bridge the funding gap for renewable infrastructure and innovation.
7. Policy and Governance Frameworks
   Strong political will and coherent energy policies are essential. Governments must phase out fossil fuel subsidies, enforce emission regulations, and implement national renewable energy targets aligned with the Paris Agreement.
8. International Cooperation
   Collaboration between developed and developing nations can accelerate clean energy access. Initiatives like Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) are driving global partnerships in renewable deployment and capacity building.

Case Studies and Best Practices

Countries such as Denmark, Germany, and Costa Rica have successfully integrated renewable energy into their national grids. Costa Rica, for example, runs on nearly 100% renewable electricity through hydropower, geothermal, and wind. In India, the National Solar Mission has made the country one of the world’s top producers of solar energy. Similarly, Kenya has achieved over 75% renewable energy generation, largely from geothermal and wind sources, providing a model for Africa’s energy transition.

The Way Forward

The clean energy transition is both a necessity and an opportunity. Investing in renewable energy creates jobs, stimulates innovation, and reduces dependency on imported fossil fuels. However, equity must remain central — energy transitions must be just, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind or burdened by rising costs.

Future strategies should integrate energy planning with climate policies, emphasizing resilience, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship. Decentralized energy models, local entrepreneurship, and education campaigns can further strengthen community ownership of clean energy initiatives.

Conclusion

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy is the driving force behind sustainable development and climate resilience. Access to modern, sustainable energy empowers communities, reduces poverty, improves health, and safeguards the environment. As the world approaches 2030, the global commitment to clean energy must be strengthened through innovation, cooperation, and inclusive policies.

Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables is not only a technological shift but a moral imperative — one that ensures a future where energy is a right, not a privilege. Achieving SDG 7 will illuminate the path toward a greener, fairer, and more prosperous world for all.

Water is life. It is essential not only for human survival but also for economic growth, environmental health, and social stability. The sixth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6) — Clean Water and Sanitation — aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. Despite being a fundamental human right, access to clean water and sanitation remains beyond reach for billions of people globally. According to the United Nations World Water Development Report (2024), more than 2.2 billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water, while 3.5 billion lack safe sanitation services.

Water scarcity, pollution, inadequate infrastructure, and poor governance continue to threaten human health, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Achieving SDG 6 is crucial because water underpins all other Sustainable Development Goals — from health (SDG 3) and education (SDG 4) to industry (SDG 9) and climate action (SDG 13). Sustainable management of water resources ensures equity, resilience, and long-term prosperity for people and the planet.

Understanding SDG 6

SDG 6 recognizes that water security and sanitation are interconnected issues that require integrated and inclusive solutions. Clean water supports hygiene, reduces disease, enhances agricultural productivity, and ensures ecosystem balance. Sanitation, on the other hand, safeguards dignity, prevents contamination, and promotes community health.

However, the challenge goes beyond access — it involves sustainable management of water resources, protection of freshwater ecosystems, and governance frameworks that ensure equitable distribution. With population growth, urbanization, and climate change intensifying water stress, a systemic approach is essential to balance competing demands between domestic, agricultural, and industrial users.

Targets of SDG 6

The United Nations has identified eight key targets under SDG 6 to guide global action:

1. Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
2. Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, paying special attention to the needs of women, girls, and vulnerable populations.
3. Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
4. Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable freshwater withdrawals.
5. Implement integrated water resources management (IWRM) at all levels, including transboundary cooperation.
6. Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, such as rivers, wetlands, lakes, and aquifers.
7. Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water and sanitation programs.
8. Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in water and sanitation management.

These targets reflect the multidimensional nature of water — encompassing access, quality, management, and governance.

Global Progress and Challenges

Since 2000, the world has made commendable progress in expanding access to drinking water and sanitation. Many countries have integrated water supply and sanitation into national policies, improved rural water systems, and promoted hygiene education. Between 2015 and 2022, the number of people using safely managed drinking water services increased by nearly 500 million.

However, global progress remains uneven. Rural and marginalized communities still face major gaps. In sub-Saharan Africa, only 28% of people have access to safely managed sanitation. Meanwhile, rapid urbanization and industrialization have polluted major water bodies, reducing freshwater availability.

Climate change has emerged as a critical threat to water security. Droughts, floods, and unpredictable rainfall patterns disrupt supplies, affect agriculture, and increase conflict over water resources. The World Bank warns that by 2050, water scarcity could displace 700 million people globally. Poor governance, fragmented institutions, and inadequate investment further exacerbate the crisis.

Strategies for Achieving SDG 6

1. Improving Water Infrastructure and Access
   Investments in water supply infrastructure, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, are essential. Low-cost technologies such as hand pumps, gravity-fed systems, and decentralized treatment plants can expand access sustainably.
2. Promoting Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
   Sanitation goes beyond toilets — it includes hygiene awareness, menstrual health management, and safe disposal of waste. Initiatives like India’s Swachh Bharat Mission demonstrate how political commitment and community participation can transform sanitation outcomes.
3. Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
   Water should be managed holistically across sectors and borders. IWRM promotes equitable distribution among agriculture, industry, and households while maintaining ecosystem integrity. It encourages cross-border cooperation for shared water bodies like rivers and aquifers.
4. Enhancing Water Efficiency
   Agriculture consumes about 70% of global freshwater. Adopting efficient irrigation systems (like drip and sprinkler methods), recycling wastewater, and using smart water technologies can reduce wastage.
5. Protecting Water Ecosystems
   Forests, wetlands, and watersheds act as natural filters and storage systems. Protecting these ecosystems ensures long-term water availability. Nature-based solutions, such as wetland restoration and rainwater harvesting, help mitigate floods and droughts.
6. Addressing Pollution and Water Quality
   Enforcing regulations on industrial discharge, promoting sustainable farming practices, and treating wastewater before release are critical to maintaining water quality. Public awareness campaigns can also reduce household pollution.
7. Strengthening Governance and Financing
   Governments must develop strong water policies, ensure community participation, and allocate sufficient budgets. Public-private partnerships can enhance efficiency and innovation in water management.
8. Climate-Resilient Water Management
   Adaptation strategies — including drought forecasting, flood protection, and groundwater recharge — are crucial to building resilience. Integrating water management with national climate action plans enhances sustainability.

Case Studies and Best Practices

Countries such as Singapore, Israel, and Denmark have pioneered innovative water management strategies. Singapore’s “Four National Taps” approach — combining imported water, local catchments, desalination, and recycled water (NEWater) — demonstrates how integrated planning ensures water security. Similarly, Israel leads in wastewater recycling and efficient irrigation technologies, while Denmark maintains some of the world’s highest water quality standards through strong governance and public engagement.

The Way Forward

Achieving SDG 6 requires global solidarity, technological innovation, and local empowerment. Governments must integrate water management into broader development strategies and climate policies. Capacity building and education are vital to strengthen community participation and water stewardship. International cooperation — especially in funding, technology transfer, and transboundary management — will play a decisive role in closing the access gap.

Moreover, water and sanitation should be recognized as central to human dignity and sustainable development. No progress on poverty reduction, education, or health is possible without clean water.

Conclusion

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation is fundamental to life, health, and human dignity. Ensuring universal access to clean water and safe sanitation requires coordinated efforts from all sectors — governments, civil society, and individuals alike. Sustainable water management not only preserves ecosystems but also supports economic resilience, food security, and public health.

As the world faces increasing water stress, the call for action is urgent. Achieving SDG 6 by 2030 will symbolize humanity’s commitment to equity, sustainability, and the right of every person to live with dignity, safety, and well-being.

The second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2) — Zero Hunger — aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. Despite advancements in agricultural technology and food production, hunger and malnutrition continue to affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), over 735 million people faced chronic hunger in 2023. The persistence of hunger is not merely a result of food scarcity, but of inequality, poverty, conflict, and unsustainable agricultural practices. SDG 2 recognizes that ending hunger requires transforming global food systems to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food all year round.

Understanding Hunger and Food Insecurity

Hunger is defined as the condition in which a person is unable to consume enough calories to maintain a normal, active, and healthy life. However, hunger is only one aspect of food insecurity. Food insecurity occurs when people lack reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. It is influenced by factors such as poverty, inflation, conflicts, climate change, and weak agricultural infrastructure.

Malnutrition—another critical component of SDG 2—refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of nutrients. Malnutrition manifests in various forms, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity. Alarmingly, these conditions can coexist within the same population, household, or even individual.

The world currently faces a “triple burden of malnutrition”—hunger, nutrient deficiencies, and rising obesity rates—driven by unhealthy diets and inequitable food systems.

Targets of SDG 2

SDG 2 encompasses several interconnected targets that guide global action toward ending hunger and achieving food security:

1. End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all people, particularly the poor and vulnerable, including infants, throughout the year.
2. End all forms of malnutrition by 2025, including achieving internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under five years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, and older persons.
3. Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, particularly women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, and fishers, through secure access to land, resources, and technology.
4. Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity, maintain ecosystems, and adapt to climate change.
5. Maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants, and domesticated animals, and promote fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from their use.
6. Increase investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural research, and technology development to enhance productivity and reduce hunger.

These targets collectively aim to create a food system that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient to crises.

Global Progress and Emerging Challenges

Over the past few decades, the world has made considerable progress in reducing hunger, largely due to improvements in agricultural productivity and economic growth. However, the pace of progress has slowed—and even reversed in some regions.

The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, armed conflicts, and economic instability have intensified food insecurity worldwide. For example, disruptions in global supply chains and rising food prices have pushed millions into hunger. Additionally, prolonged droughts, floods, and other climate-related disasters have affected crop yields, livestock, and fisheries, particularly in developing countries that depend heavily on agriculture for livelihoods.

The FAO’s 2023 report warns that without transformative action, the world will fall far short of achieving Zero Hunger by 2030. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia remain the regions most affected by chronic food insecurity and malnutrition.

Strategies for Achieving Zero Hunger

1. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
   Transitioning to sustainable agricultural practices is essential to ensure food security without depleting natural resources. Agroecology, crop diversification, organic farming, and precision agriculture can improve soil health, water efficiency, and biodiversity while maintaining high productivity.
2. Empowering Smallholder Farmers
   Small-scale farmers produce nearly one-third of the world’s food, yet many live in poverty. Providing access to land, markets, finance, and agricultural technology can boost productivity and income. Women farmers, who constitute a large share of agricultural workers, should be given equal rights and opportunities.
3. Nutrition-Sensitive Policies
   Governments and institutions should integrate nutrition goals into agricultural and health policies. This includes fortifying foods with essential micronutrients, promoting breastfeeding, and encouraging diverse diets that include fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
4. Reducing Food Waste and Loss
   Approximately one-third of all food produced globally is wasted each year. Reducing food waste through better storage, transport, and consumer awareness can significantly enhance food availability and environmental sustainability.
5. Resilience to Climate Change
   Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) offers strategies to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns. Investments in research, early warning systems, and water management can strengthen resilience to droughts and floods.
6. Global Partnerships and Investments
   Achieving Zero Hunger requires international cooperation. Partnerships among governments, international organizations, private sectors, and civil society are crucial to mobilize resources, share technology, and implement effective policies.

Case Studies and Best Practices

Countries like Brazil and Ethiopia have demonstrated that well-designed public policies can drastically reduce hunger. Brazil’s “Fome Zero” (Zero Hunger) program combined social protection, school feeding, and support for smallholder farmers, reducing hunger and poverty levels significantly. Similarly, Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) has helped rural households build resilience to food insecurity through public works and livelihood support.

The Way Forward

To realize the vision of SDG 2 by 2030, global food systems must undergo a fundamental transformation—one that prioritizes equity, sustainability, and human well-being over profit and exploitation. Governments must integrate food security into national policies, while private sectors can play a role in sustainable food production, value-chain transparency, and reducing waste.

Moreover, education and awareness are vital. Citizens must understand the environmental and social impact of their food choices and advocate for sustainable consumption patterns.

Conclusion

The goal of Zero Hunger represents humanity’s collective commitment to ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry. Ending hunger is not only about producing more food but ensuring fair access, nutritious diets, and resilient food systems. It calls for coordinated global action—combining science, policy, innovation, and compassion.

As the 2030 deadline approaches, achieving SDG 2 remains both a challenge and an opportunity: a challenge to address the structural roots of hunger and inequality, and an opportunity to build a more just, sustainable, and nourished world for all.

Introduction
Poverty remains one of the most pressing global challenges of our time. Despite significant progress over recent decades, millions of people across the world continue to live in conditions of deprivation, lacking access to basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. The first Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 1), “No Poverty,” lies at the very heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. It calls for the eradication of poverty in all its forms everywhere by promoting inclusive growth, ensuring equal access to resources, and providing social protection for all. Achieving this goal is foundational for the success of all other SDGs, as poverty reduction directly influences health, education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

Understanding Poverty and Its Dimensions

Poverty is more than a lack of income—it encompasses deprivation in well-being, limited access to essential services, and social exclusion. The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than $2.15 per day (as of 2022), but poverty also includes multidimensional factors such as inadequate housing, poor sanitation, unemployment, and lack of education. In many developing countries, poverty is interlinked with systemic inequalities, social injustice, and environmental vulnerabilities.

The multidimensional poverty index (MPI), used by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), goes beyond income-based measures to capture the realities of deprivation in health, education, and living standards. This holistic approach aligns closely with the SDG 1 framework, which recognizes that poverty cannot be eradicated without addressing its structural causes.

Targets of SDG 1

The United Nations set specific targets to guide the achievement of SDG 1 by 2030:

1. Eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.
2. Reduce by half the proportion of people living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
3. Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems for all, including floors, and achieve substantial coverage of the poor and vulnerable.
4. Ensure equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and property, inheritance, and natural resources.
5. Build the resilience of the poor to reduce their vulnerability to climate-related events, economic shocks, and other disasters.

These targets underscore the multidimensional nature of poverty and the need for integrated strategies that combine economic, social, and environmental interventions.

Global Progress and Challenges

Since 1990, the world has made substantial progress in reducing poverty. According to the World Bank, more than 1 billion people have escaped extreme poverty. However, this progress has been uneven, and global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and conflicts have reversed many of these gains.

The pandemic alone pushed an estimated 120 million people back into extreme poverty in 2020, marking the first global rise in poverty in over two decades. Furthermore, poverty reduction has slowed in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, regions that account for the majority of the world’s poor. Climate change continues to threaten livelihoods, particularly among smallholder farmers, fisherfolk, and rural workers who depend heavily on natural resources.

The challenge is not only to lift people above the poverty line but to sustain their progress through inclusive growth, access to decent work, and social protection systems that cushion against shocks.

Strategies for Achieving SDG 1

1. Inclusive Economic Growth
   Sustainable economic growth that creates decent jobs is key to reducing poverty. Investment in labor-intensive sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy can generate employment opportunities for vulnerable groups. Promoting entrepreneurship, especially among women and youth, can also drive inclusive development.
2. Social Protection Systems
   Universal social protection schemes—such as pensions, unemployment benefits, health insurance, and child allowances—are essential to shield vulnerable populations from poverty. Countries like Brazil (through Bolsa Família) and India (through MGNREGA and direct benefit transfers) demonstrate how large-scale programs can improve livelihoods and promote social equity.
3. Education and Skill Development
   Education empowers individuals to escape the cycle of poverty. Access to quality education and vocational training enhances employability and productivity, especially in developing economies. Bridging the digital divide is equally important in today’s knowledge-driven world.
4. Access to Resources and Land Rights
   Ensuring equitable access to land, property, credit, and technology is fundamental. Land reforms, microfinance programs, and women’s empowerment initiatives can enhance income security and resilience.
5. Resilience to Climate and Economic Shocks
   Poor communities are disproportionately affected by natural disasters and economic crises. Investing in climate-resilient agriculture, disaster risk management, and sustainable infrastructure can reduce vulnerability and protect livelihoods.
6. Global Partnerships and Financing
   Achieving SDG 1 requires strong international cooperation. Developed countries must fulfill their commitments to Official Development Assistance (ODA) and support capacity-building in developing nations. Public-private partnerships and innovative financing models also play a crucial role in scaling poverty reduction efforts.

The Way Forward

To end poverty in all its forms, a holistic and coordinated approach is essential—one that integrates economic policy, social welfare, environmental sustainability, and good governance. Governments must focus on reducing inequality, empowering marginalized communities, and strengthening social safety nets. Civil society and private sectors must collaborate to create inclusive markets and employment opportunities, while academia and media can contribute by promoting awareness and evidence-based policymaking.

Technological innovation can also be harnessed for poverty alleviation. Digital finance, mobile banking, and e-governance platforms are transforming how people access services and opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Conclusion

SDG 1—No Poverty—is not merely a moral imperative but a practical necessity for global stability and sustainable development. Eradicating poverty lays the foundation for achieving every other goal, from quality education and health to gender equality and climate action. The path ahead demands a renewed commitment to justice, inclusivity, and shared prosperity. As the world moves toward 2030, achieving SDG 1 will depend on collective action—governments, organizations, and citizens working together to ensure that no one is left behind.