GNV News March 16, 2026
According to the Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2026 released on 18 February 2026 by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Asia–Pacific region by 2030 is in jeopardy. The report analyzes progress in efforts to achieve the SDGs in the Asia–Pacific region. It states that, at the current pace, 103 out of 117 measurable targets—that is, 88%—are unlikely to be achieved.
The report points out that while the Asia–Pacific region has made gains in economic growth, infrastructure development, and improvements in health and well-being, these gains are being undermined by widening inequality and environmental degradation. Although absolute poverty has decreased, income inequality, the declining share of labor income, setbacks in workers’ rights, and precarious employment persist, and inequality in wealth remains unaddressed. In areas such as climate action, marine conservation, and biodiversity, the report says the situation is no longer stagnant but actually worsening. Greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, and human and economic losses from climate-related disasters remain severe. While the share of sustainable fisheries in the economy is shrinking, the survival of aquatic life is under threat, and poor land management is putting many terrestrial species at risk of extinction.
The report also highlights a lack of data for measuring progress on these targets. Although the proportion of available data related to the SDGs has increased year by year and now exceeds that of other regions, it remains at only 55% as of 2025. This data gap makes it difficult to verify progress towards the goals and to assess the effectiveness of current implementation approaches. In particular, data related to gender equality and peace and justice is lacking, making it difficult to measure whether support is being provided appropriately and reaching people in vulnerable situations.
Learn more about the critical state of the SDGs → “Leaving No One Behind?”
Learn more about reporting on the SDGs → “How Have the SDGs Been Reported?”
A train passing right next to a slum in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia (Photo: Jonathan McIntosh / Wikimedia Commons [CC BY 2.0])
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