2030 and beyond - the future of the Sustainable Development Goals
During UCD SDG Week, September 2025, Una Europa hosted the event (opens in a new window)"2030 ??? ??????: ??? ?????? ?? ??? ??????????? ??????????? ?????." Moderated by University College Dublin Vice President for Sustainability, Prof Tasman Crowe, panellists were Dr Sinead Walsh, principal research fellow for climate at ODI Global; Conor Minogue, energy and climate policy lead for the business group Ibec; Prof Enda Murphy, head of planning at UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy; and Prof Lisa Ryan, professor in energy economics in the UCD School of Economics.
????? ??? ??? ????????? - and you can now watch the (opens in a new window)video to form your own views too.
? There is limited overall progress. ???? 18% ?? ??? ??????? ??? ?? ?????, ????? 20% ??? ?????????? - a sign that global efforts are falling far short.
? The clear successes are ????????? ??? ??????. Access to education and electricity have improved markedly, thanks to global school completion rates and the spread of off-grid solar power. (But as the world warms, more energy is spent on air conditioning.)
? ??????? ??????? ??? ?????? are rising again and widening inequality underpins many other SDG failures.
? With 169 targets and over 350 indicators, tracking progress is complex. Weak data obscures where genuine improvements are happening.
? The SDGs have faced severe headwinds - COVID-19, wars, and a collapse in aid and finance - diverting attention and resources.
? A $4.3 (€3.8) trillion annual shortfall threatens the agenda. More innovative finance, wealth taxes and honest debate on global inequality are needed.
? Businesses embraced sustainability during the pandemic but now face cost pressures; ???????????? ???? ????? ?????????, ???????? ??? ??-???????? ??? ? ??????????? ??????.
? Rising nationalism and aid withdrawal have weakened global cooperation - the very foundation of the SDGs.
? The post-2030 framework should focus on fewer, interconnected and realistic goals, prioritising climate, poverty and hunger.
? Public engagement is faltering because progress is not communicated through relatable outcomes. Stronger storytelling is vital to show why the SDGs matter to everyday life.