Latin America and the Caribbean are far from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, according to a recent report presented by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
Despite some progress in certain areas, the report reveals that the region will only reach 23% of the set goals, highlighting the need for structural transformations and more effective coordination.
In the progress analysis, the report identifies that 41% of the goals show advancements in the right direction, although at an insufficient pace to meet the established deadlines. On the other hand, a concerning 36% of the goals are stagnant or even regressing compared to 2015, the base year for measuring the SDGs.
Within the subregions, Mexico and Central America show the best performance with 24% of goals on track, while South America reaches 23% and the Caribbean barely reaches 13%, highlighting deep disparities in progress.
Factors hindering progress towards the Development Goals and critical areas
ECLAC points out a deterioration in indicators such as government effectiveness, regulatory quality, and corruption control, limiting the implementation of effective public policies.
Furthermore, the lack of prioritization of certain objectives in national development plans has generated a disconnect between government strategies and global commitments.
Another key factor is insufficient financing and limited fiscal space due to high levels of public debt in several countries. This restricts investment in fundamental areas such as sustainable infrastructure, education, and technology.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its effects have deepened existing structural inequalities, further slowing progress and hindering recovery.
Although progress has been made in some sectors, such as health and well-being, non-polluting energy, and innovation, crucial goals such as poverty eradication and climate action continue to face significant delays.
Necessary transformations and the path to fulfillment
ECLAC’s report highlights four priority areas to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. Firstly, it is crucial to promote sustainable productive development, fostering low-carbon economies and strengthening technological and scientific capacities to achieve greater productive diversification.
Secondly, reducing inequalities requires inclusive public policies that ensure equitable access to basic services and job opportunities.
Climate action is another fundamental component, with the need to take urgent measures to mitigate climate change, advance towards energy transition, and promote energy efficiency. Finally, institutional strengthening is essential to improve governance in the region and foster international cooperation to share knowledge and resources.
The lack of adequate financing for the SDGs stands out as one of the major obstacles. Resource mobilization must include innovative strategies such as green taxes and green bonds to finance sustainable projects, as well as public-private collaboration. Additionally, active participation in global forums such as the Climate Summit COP16 and the G20 can be key to obtaining technical and financial support.
Despite the challenges, ECLAC emphasizes that Latin America and the Caribbean have the potential to reverse the current trend and move towards a more sustainable future. This will require a comprehensive approach that prioritizes economic, social, and environmental transformations, and fosters collaboration among governments, the private sector, and civil society.
With renewed efforts and the implementation of effective strategies, significant progress can still be achieved in the coming years.
Cover photo: ECLAC
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