The 2025 SDG Progress Report from the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) launched on Tuesday, also revealed persistent data gaps which are limiting policymakers’ ability to address key challenges.

“Without urgent action to accelerate progress, many of the Goals will remain out of reach,” Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, said in a foreword to the report.

Challenges mounting

The report found that responsible consumption and production (Goal 12), quality education (Goal 4) and decent work and economic growth (Goal 8) are severely off track.

Key drivers of this stagnation include increases in fossil fuel subsidies, poor proficiency in reading and maths, and unsustainable production patterns, according to the report.

Of most concern, climate action (Goal 13) witnessed an “alarming regression”, driven by the region’s vulnerability to disasters and continued greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which account for half of global pollution.

Environmental sustainability remained a major roadblock, with land degradation and declining economic benefits from sustainable fisheries hampering progress on life below water (Goal 14) and life on land (Goal 15).

The report also highlighted persistent data gaps as a key challenge.

While data availability has improved slightly, with some 54 per cent of indicators now having at least two data points – a slight increase from the previous year - there are still significant blind spots in measuring progress across different population groups, including by age, migratory status, disability, and gender.

Some progress

The region also recorded progress in some areas, such as in Goal 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure) and Goal 3 (health and well-being), with progress driven by expanded access to mobile networks and remarkable improvements in maternal, infant and child health.

The report also highlighted promising examples of regional cooperation and innovation.

“Shared commitment and collaboration can yield transformative results,” said Ms. Alisjahbana, emphasising the need for a whole-of-society approach to achieving the SDGs.

However, with just five years remaining until the 2030 deadline, achieving the SDGs will require bold action, strengthened political leadership, and significant investments in sustainable development.

“Nothing short of the most urgent acceleration of progress will close the gap,” Ms. Alisjahbana underscored.