Let’s ignore for one moment the non-sustainable developments of the year 2024 and have a look into the more quiet successes. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. These 17 goals are an ambitious blueprint for a better and more sustainable future, covering critical areas such as education, health, gender equality, clean energy, and climate action. Over the years, countries, organisations, and individuals of the global civil society have worked tirelessly to address these interconnected challenges, often requiring innovative partnerships and bold initiatives. As 2024 progresses, significant milestones highlight the collective effort to turn these aspirations into reality.
Goal 1: No poverty
In several Sub-Saharan African countries, initiatives led by the non-profit organisation Earth Volunteers have significantly reduced extreme poverty rates. Training programmes in technical skills and access to microcredit have empowered rural communities, promoting economic autonomy. The initiative reported a 30% increase in household incomes among participating families and has reached over 50,000 beneficiaries to date.
Goal 2: Zero hunger
The Kiteje Project in Kenya, led by wholives.org, installed 100 potable water systems, directly improving local agriculture. This has enabled farmers to increase their food production by 40%, significantly reducing food insecurity in the region. Over 15,000 people have directly benefited from the increased availability of fresh produce.
Goal 3: Good health and well-being
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global campaign to eradicate measles in regions with high infection rates. Thanks to this initiative, over 10 million children received free vaccinations in 2024, leading to a 70% reduction in new measles cases globally. Additionally, maternal and child mortality rates have declined significantly in the affected areas.
Goal 4: Quality education
In Nepal, the “Learning for Tomorrow” programme built 50 schools in rural areas, providing primary education access to over 20,000 children previously excluded from the education system. Statistics indicate that literacy rates in these regions have improved by 15%, and 60% of the enrolled students are girls, addressing gender disparities in education.
Goal 5: Gender equality
The Smurfit Kappa Foundation funded educational programmes that benefited over 10,000 girls in rural areas of Latin America. These initiatives ensured access to quality education and encouraged female participation in technology and sciences. Surveys showed a 25% increase in girls pursuing STEM subjects and a 40% rise in local women employed in technical fields.
Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation
In Bolivia, a partnership between the local government and international NGOs implemented water treatment systems in rural communities. This reduced waterborne diseases by 40% and provided access to clean drinking water for over 100,000 residents. Community feedback highlighted a 50% decrease in healthcare costs related to waterborne illnesses.
Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
India launched a massive solar park in Rajasthan, now one of the world’s largest solar plants. This project provides clean energy to over 2 million households, reducing annual carbon emissions by approximately 5 million tonnes. The plant has also created over 10,000 jobs in its construction and operational phases.
Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
In Europe, the Circular Economy Initiative created 100,000 green jobs in 2024, promoting the reuse of materials and the development of sustainable technologies. Reports indicate that GDP contributions from the circular economy grew by 12%, and the initiative has inspired similar projects in neighbouring regions.
Goal 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
Japan inaugurated an electrified transport corridor connecting remote regions with major cities, facilitating trade and reducing carbon footprints. The project has decreased transportation costs by 30% and improved market access for over 1 million rural residents, boosting local economies.
Goal 10: Reduced inequalities
The “Reaching Everyone” programme, funded by the World Bank, provided scholarships for higher education to young people from indigenous communities in Peru. Over 5,000 students have enrolled in university programmes, and employment rates among these communities have increased by 20%, demonstrating a significant impact on social mobility.
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
In Denmark, the “Green Cities” project transformed former industrial spaces into urban parks, improving the quality of life for thousands of residents. Surveys show a 25% increase in community satisfaction and a 15% drop in urban heat island effects in the redeveloped areas.
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
Sweden launched a national campaign to reduce food waste, achieving a 25% reduction in just one year through collaboration between citizens and supermarkets. This equates to saving approximately 1.5 million tonnes of food annually, with notable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Goal 13: Climate action
As part of International Mother Earth Day, the Green Schools Network inaugurated 50 new eco-schools in Brazil. These institutions integrate environmental education into their curriculum, preparing new generations to mitigate climate change. The initiative has reached over 30,000 students and resulted in a 20% reduction in energy consumption across participating schools.
Goal 14: Life below water
A project led by the NGO Oceana in the Mediterranean has established new marine protected areas covering 15,000 square kilometres. These zones are aiding the recovery of endangered species, such as sea turtles and bluefin tuna, and have seen a 10% increase in biodiversity within the first year of implementation.
Goal 15: Life on land
In Australia, a massive reforestation programme planted 10 million native trees in 2024, restoring critical habitats for species such as the koala and reducing soil erosion. Studies report a 25% improvement in soil quality and a measurable rise in local wildlife populations.
Goal 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions
The International Justice Foundation celebrated the launch of a community court in the Philippines, facilitating the resolution of local disputes. The initiative resolved over 1,000 cases in its first year, reducing the backlog in traditional courts and strengthening local institutions.
Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
The Global Partnership for Sustainable Development organised the World Collaboration Summit in New York, bringing together governments, businesses, and NGOs to discuss joint strategies to accelerate SDG implementation. The summit resulted in over 200 new partnerships and commitments, aiming to address funding gaps and improve goal alignment across sectors.
The remarkable achievements of 2024 demonstrate that progress is possible when the civil society unites for a common purpose. While these milestones are cause for celebration, they also serve as a reminder of the work still needed to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
Organisations, governments, and individuals must continue to prioritise sustainable development in their actions. The global society’s role in fostering innovation, promoting equality, and driving collective action has never been more critical. Each step forward contributes to a ripple effect of positive change. Let this year’s successes inspire everyone to keep pushing towards a world where no one is left behind, and the planet thrives for generations to come.