Overview

The Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) 2023 emphasises that we are at the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda, yet progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains far too slow. Minor, fragmented efforts are insufficient to bring about the necessary change. What is urgently needed is bold political leadership and decisive action grounded in science to drive transformative and lasting progress.

The report urges all countries and stakeholders to step up efforts and adopt systemic, inclusive transformations—ensuring no country, community, or individual is left behind.

Key Findings

• Incremental progress is not enough: With just seven years left until 2030, the pace of progress must accelerate significantly through coordinated and strategic actions.
• Transformative change is essential: System-wide shifts are required across key sectors, including health, education, energy, food, and governance.
• Science is a catalyst for transformation: Scientific research, data, and innovation must underpin all policy and decision-making processes.
• A structured model for transformation: The report outlines a framework for how sustainable transformations can unfold across systems.
• Actionable tools and case studies: It presents practical tools, real-world examples, and success stories from various countries to inspire and guide action.

Background

The concept of the GSDR was born at the Rio+20 Conference in 2012, where world leaders recognised that achieving the SDGs would require ambitious, cross-cutting approaches that move beyond traditional development practices.

They called for a science-policy interface to support evidence-based decisions. This led to the establishment of the GSDR to provide independent scientific guidance on sustainable development.

In 2016, it was decided that the GSDR would be published once every four years, ahead of the SDG Summit at the United Nations General Assembly. Each report is prepared by an Independent Group of 15 Scientists, appointed by the UN Secretary-General, reflecting

• A broad range of scientific disciplines
• Diverse geographic representation
• Gender balance
• A variety of institutions and expertise

Previous Reports

2019 GSDR – “The Future is Now: Science for Achieving Sustainable Development”: The inaugural report by the Independent Group of Scientists, highlighting the need for integrated approaches and system-level change.

2023 GSDR – “Times of Crisis, Times of Change: Science for Accelerating Transformations to Sustainable Development”: Builds on the foundation laid in 2019, introducing updated findings, deeper analysis, and an urgent call for transformative action over the remaining years to 2030.