Agenda 2030

Despite the fact that the global poverty rate has declined by half since 2000, one in ten people and their families in developing regions still live on $1.90 a day, with millions earning little more than this amount per day. Significant progress has been made in many countries in East and Southeast Asia, but nearly 42% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa continues to live below the poverty line.

The food and agricultural sectors offer key solutions for development and are vital to eliminating hunger and poverty. Properly managed, agriculture, forestry and aquaculture can provide nutritious food for the entire planet, as well as decent incomes, supporting people-centred development in rural areas and protecting the environment.

Ensuring healthy lives and promoting universal well-being are central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Education is the foundation for improving both our lives and sustainable development. Beyond improving people's quality of life, access to inclusive and equitable education can help equip local communities with the tools they need to develop innovative solutions to the world's biggest problems.

While progress on gender equality was made worldwide from 2000 to 2015 through the Millennium Development Goals (including equal access to primary education), women and girls continue to face discrimination and violence in every corner of the world.

Water that is free of impurities and accessible to all is an essential part of the world we want to live in. There's enough fresh water on the planet to achieve this dream. However, the distribution of water is inadequate and by 2050 it is expected that at least 25% of the world's population will live in a country affected by chronic and repeated shortages of fresh water. Drought affects some of the world's poorest countries, exacerbating hunger and malnutrition.

Energy is central to almost every major challenge and opportunity the world faces today, whether it be for jobs, security, climate change, food production or to increase incomes. Universal access to energy is essential.

Roughly half of the world's population still lives on the equivalent of about US $2 a day, with a global unemployment rate of 5.7%, and in many places having a job does not guarantee an escape from poverty. We must reflect on this slow and uneven progress and review our economic and social policies aimed at eradicating poverty.

A robust economy has long been recognised as one that requires investments in infrastructure (transport, irrigation, energy, information and communications technology). These are essential for achieving sustainable development, empowering societies in many countries, fostering increased social stability and making cities more resilient to climate change.

The international community has made great strides in lifting people out of poverty. The most vulnerable nations—the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states—continue to make headway in the fight against poverty. However, inequalities and sharp disparities in access to health and education services and other productive assets remain.

Cities are hotbeds of ideas, commerce, culture, science, productivity, social development and much more. At their best, cities have enabled people to progress socially and economically. In recent decades, the world has experienced unprecedented urban growth. In 2015, about 4 billion people lived in cities, and that number is projected to rise to about 5 billion by 2030. Urban planning and management therefore need to be improved to make the world's urban spaces more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Sustainable consumption and production consist of promoting the efficient use of resources and energy, the construction of infrastructure that does not harm the environment, improving access to basic services and the creation of green jobs, fairly remunerated and with good working conditions. All this translates into a better quality of life for all and, in addition, helps to achieve general development plans that reduce economic, environmental and social costs, increase competitiveness and reduce poverty.

Climate change affects every country on every continent, negatively impacting their economy, people's lives and communities. In the future, the consequences are expected to be worse. Weather patterns are changing, sea levels are rising, weather events are becoming more extreme, and greenhouse gas emissions are now at the highest levels in history. If we don't act, the world's average surface temperature could rise by about 3 degrees Celsius this century. The poorest and most vulnerable people will be the most harmed.

The world's oceans — their temperature, chemistry, currents, and life — move systems that make Earth habitable for humanity. Our rainfall, drinking water, climate, weather, coasts, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe come from, and are ultimately regulated by, the sea. Historically, oceans and seas have been vital channels of trade and transportation.

30.7% of the Earth's surface is covered by forests and these, in addition to providing food security and shelter, are essential to combat climate change, as they protect the biological diversity and provide a home for indigenous populations. By protecting forests, we'll also be able to strengthen natural resource management and increase land productivity.

Threats of intentional homicide, violence against children, human trafficking and sexual violence are important issues that must be addressed to create peaceful and inclusive societies. They pave the way for the provision of access to justice for all and the building of effective and accountable institutions at all levels.

A successful sustainable development agenda requires partnerships between governments, the private sector and civil society. Building inclusive partnerships based on principles and values, a shared vision, and shared goals that put people and the planet at the enter is needed at the global, regional, national and local levels.