‘Nearly every indicator of the U.N. sustainable development goals is off track’: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s report

This year's report, "The Future of Progress," especially noted the impact of the pandemic, wars in Ukraine and Yemen

Nearly every indicator of the U.N. sustainable development goals is off track for achieving them by 2030, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Goalkeepers report said on September 13 while also noting the impact of COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and climate and food crises.

Despite significant setbacks caused by overlapping global crises, the sixth annual Goalkeepers report is optimistic, underscoring opportunities to accelerate progress toward ending poverty, fighting inequality, and reducing the impact of climate change.

Co-authored by foundation Co-chairs Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates, this year's report, "The Future of Progress," especially noted the impact of the pandemic, wars in Ukraine and Yemen, ongoing climate and food crises, and macro-economic headwinds on global ambitions to improve and save millions of lives by 2030.

"It's no surprise that progress has stalled amid numerous crises," said Bill Gates.

"But this is not a reason to give up. Every action matters to save lives and reduce suffering. Turning away would be a mistake," it said.

In their respective essays, the two called for new approaches to achieving gender equality and food security. They also cite dramatic progress in dealing with the HIV/AIDS epidemic—a nearly 60% decline in annual deaths between 2000 and 2020—as an example of what can happen when the world invests in long-term solutions and innovative approaches to entrenched issues.

"The world faces many challenges—some of which may seem insurmountable. Yet, despite the setbacks, I'm filled with hope that we can solve these problems together and save millions of lives through human ingenuity and innovation," Melinda Gates said.