2 January 2025 - While we’ve just counted down to a new year, another clock continues to tick: for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. In 2025 - the 80th anniversary of the United Nations - UN DESA will continue accelerating progress by bringing the international community together, by building capacity on the ground and by providing essential data through our flagship publications. Here are some milestone moments to follow in 2025:
1. Protecting our ocean
As the lifeblood of the Earth, the ocean connects us all as a source of vibrant biodiversity, vital nutrition, livelihoods and cultural heritage. We enjoy its beauty, we use it to trade essential goods, and we receive environmental benefits from marine ecosystems. Yet, we also constantly threaten it by our actions. Climate change, marine pollution and unsustainable use of resources are endangering progress toward a sustainable world. The to be held on 9-13 June 2025 in Nice, France, aims to reverse course on these trends to conserve and manage ocean resources for sustainable development.
2. Investing in a sustainable future
The new year brings us closer to the 2030 deadline to achieve the SDGs. To reach these ambitious targets, we need to put our money where it matters. With multiple crises, extreme weather events and economic uncertainty, development finance is more critical than ever. The taking place from 30 June to 3 July 2025 in Seville, Spain, will drive reforms of the global financial architecture to address today's challenges, secure SDG financing and tackle emerging issues.
3. Creating a fairer and more just world
A lot has changed since the first World Summit for Social Development nearly 30 years ago: billions more have been added to our human family, climate change has rapidly accelerated and global crises have intensified. Amid these challenges, a people-centred approach to development that emphasizes equity, inclusion and social justice remains elusive. This year, to be held on 4-6 November 2025 in Qatar, is a pivotal moment to re-commit to social development, and strengthen synergies with economic progress and environmental sustainability.
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