The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by 193 countries in 2015, with the aim of eliminating poverty, reducing inequalities and protecting the planet. However, according to Haoliang Xu, Assistant Secretary General of UNDP, progress towards achieving these goals is slow. Here are some points indicating the present status of SDGs:

• Only 12% of the SDG targets are on track to be accomplished by 2030.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the slow progress, causing setbacks in poverty reduction, education, and gender equality goals.
• Goal 1, No Poverty, has been significantly affected due to the economic crisis resulting from the pandemic.
• Goal 2, Zero Hunger, has also been affected as food security has become a major issue in many countries.
• Goal 5, Gender Equality, has been impacted due to the increase in gender-based violence and the disproportionate burden of caring responsibilities on women during the pandemic.
• Climate change remains the biggest global threat, and the progress towards reducing carbon emissions and increasing the usage of renewable energy sources is not sufficient to achieve Goal 13, Climate Action.

In conclusion, while progress towards achieving SDGs has been made, more efforts are needed to ensure that the world is on the right path to a sustainable and inclusive future.