A Force for Good report reveals the Sustainable Development Goals are at risk, with escalating costs and delays. Nine key initiatives could significantly accelerate progress and close the funding gap
The world is on track to miss critical Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with only 16 percent of targets set to be achieved by 2030, according to a new report by Force for Good. The gap in funding has widened to $14-17 trillion annually, contributing to a total cost estimate of $112-136 trillion, driven by climate transition expenses and development demands in the Global South.
The report “Capital as a Force for Good: Shifting the Global Order Through the Mass Mobilisation of Solutions” outlines nine transformative ideas that could help bridge the SDG gap. These include climate transition frameworks, AI-powered connectivity, and universal digital financial services. If scaled globally, these solutions could boost SDG achievement to nearly 90 percent by the end of the decade, up from the current rate of less than 66 percent.
The report identifies several global crises—including the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, and environmental disasters—as factors contributing to what it calls a ‘polycrisis,’ diverting resources from sustainable development efforts. The success of the proposed initiatives relies on coordinated action between governments, the private sector, and international institutions, working alongside the United Nations to ensure swift global implementation.