India and the World: Turning the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into Reality

The UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not just lofty ambitions—they’re a global roadmap to a better future. But how are we doing? Let’s take a look at some hard-hitting facts and figures, and see how India and the world are rising to the challenge.

Here’s how India and the world are making strides across the SDGs:

1. No Poverty (SDG 1):

Globally, around 689 million people live on less than $1.90 a day. In India, over 250 million people used to be below the poverty line. Thanks to initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, financial inclusion is becoming a reality, with over 500 million new bank accounts opened. The world is also making progress, with poverty rates steadily declining, though COVID-19 has posed new challenges.

2. Zero Hunger (SDG 2):

Worldwide, 821 million people are undernourished, while in India, hunger affects millions despite being one of the largest producers of food. Programs like the Public Distribution System and the National Food Security Act are helping bridge this gap. Globally, efforts to reduce food waste and support sustainable agriculture are critical as we aim to end hunger by 2030.

3. Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3):

The global life expectancy has increased by over 5 years since 2000, but challenges like maternal mortality still persist. India’s Ayushman Bharat scheme, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), is the world’s largest health assurance program, covering over 500 million people. On a global scale, initiatives like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have vaccinated over 822 million children, preventing more than 14 million deaths.

4. Quality Education (SDG 4):

Globally, 617 million children lack basic literacy skills. In India, the Right to Education Act ensures that over 260 million students have access to schooling. Digital platforms like DIKSHA (https://diksha.gov.in/) are bridging the education gap, even in the most remote areas. Globally, efforts are underway to increase school enrollment and improve education quality, with the goal of achieving universal primary and secondary education.

5. Gender Equality (SDG 5):

One in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence. In India, programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao are making strides in changing this narrative. India has also seen an increase in female entrepreneurship, thanks to the MUDRA scheme, which has provided loans to over 20 million women (https://www.livemint.com/economy/women-major-beneficiaries-of-mudra-and-stand-up-india-schemes-11702904294123.html). Globally, there’s a push to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls by 2030.

6. Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6):

Over 2 billion people globally lack access to safe drinking water. In India, the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide piped water to every rural household by 2024, already benefiting millions (https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/08/24/jal-jeevan-mission-completes-five-year/). The Swachh Bharat Mission has also transformed sanitation, leading to a significant reduction in open defecation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swachh_Bharat_Mission). Around the world, efforts are being ramped up to ensure that everyone has access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7):

Nearly 840 million people worldwide still live without electricity. India is leading the charge with its renewable energy goals—targeting 500 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030. The country has already become one of the largest producers of solar power globally. The UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) scheme, which distributed over 360 million LED bulbs, has saved billions of kWh of energy (https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1598481). Globally, the transition to renewable energy is accelerating, with investments in solar and wind energy reaching record levels.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8):

Globally, over 170 million people are unemployed, with young people being three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. India, with one of the world’s youngest populations, is addressing this through initiatives like Skill India and Make in India, creating millions of jobs. Globally, the focus is on sustainable economic growth and full employment, with a target of 7% GDP growth in the least developed countries.

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9):

Infrastructure investments are critical for development, yet many developing countries still lack basic infrastructure. India’s Digital india and Smart Cities (https://www.jkpi.org/how-smart-cities-are-transforming-urban-landscapes-a-case-study-of-srinagar-and-jammu/) initiatives are transforming urban landscapes and connecting millions. Globally, investment in infrastructure—especially in transport, energy, and ICT—is seen as a key driver of economic growth and innovation.

10. Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10):

The wealthiest 10% of the global population own 85% of global wealth. In India, schemes like Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which provided free LPG connections to over 80 million households, are helping to reduce inequality. Globally, there’s a strong push to reduce income inequality and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared more equitably.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11):

More than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas, and this is expected to rise to 68% by 2050. India’s Swachh Bharat Mission has greatly improved urban sanitation, while metro expansions and public transport initiatives are making cities more sustainable (https://sbmurban.org/, https://www.metrorailnews.in/sustainable-green-mobility-green-initiatives-of-metro-railways-in-india/). Globally, cities are being reimagined to be more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12):

If the global population reaches 9.8 billion by 2050, we would need almost three planets to sustain our current lifestyle. In India, efforts like the National-green-tribunal are enforcing environmental laws, while grassroots movements against single-use plastics are gaining momentum. Globally, there’s a shift towards more sustainable consumption patterns, with an emphasis on recycling and reducing waste.

13. Climate Action (SDG 13):

Global CO2 emissions have risen by almost 50% since 1990. India, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, is taking bold steps with reforestation projects and commitments under the Paris Agreement (https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/03/forest-restoration-india-ambitious-climate-goals/, https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/why-india-key-to-climate-change-agreement-paris, https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/india-s-updated-climate-pledge-to-paris-agreement-gets-union-cabinet-nod-84138). The world is uniting to combat climate change, with over 190 countries committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming to below 2°C.

14. Life Below Water (SDG 14):

Over 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. In India, the Blue Flag certification for beaches and efforts to reduce marine pollution are protecting our oceans (https://www.downtoearth.org.in/pollution/plastic-waste-woes-a-primer-on-india-s-marine-litter-problem-87059, https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2021/05/11/indias-youth-churn-up-solutions-to-counter-marine-plastics). Globally, the focus is on reducing marine pollution, protecting marine ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable fishing practices.

15. Life on Land (SDG 15):

Forests cover 31% of the global land area, yet they are disappearing at an alarming rate. India’s afforestation programs (https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1596332) and conservation efforts like Project Tiger (https://learn.culturalindia.net/tiger-conservation-india-challenges-strategies-achievements.html) are helping protect biodiversity. Globally, there’s an urgent need to halt deforestation, restore degraded lands, and protect biodiversity.

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16):

In 2018, over 70 million people were displaced by conflict. India is working to strengthen its institutions, reduce corruption, and improve access to justice through digital governance platforms (https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2022-06/E%20justice-Report%2005.pdf, https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3037299, https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/ldr-2024-0010/pdf). Globally, the goal is to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, ensure access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable institutions at all levels.

17. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17):

Achieving the SDGs could unlock $12 trillion in opportunities and create 380 million jobs by 2030. India is playing a leading role in global partnerships, such as the International Solar Alliance (https://www.impriindia.com/insights/international-solar-alliance-update/, https://www.indianewsnetwork.com/en/20240405/international-solar-alliance-how-india-is-seeking-to-drive-global-action-through-climate-diplomacy). Around the world, partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society are driving the progress needed to achieve the SDGs.

This is not just a list of goals; it’s a call to action. India, along with the rest of the world, is on a transformative journey. Whether through government initiatives, corporate responsibility, or individual actions, every step counts in making these goals a reality.

So, how will you contribute? Share your thoughts, actions, and ideas. Let’s work together to build a sustainable future—one goal at a time.

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