Although only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are expected to be achieved by 2030, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been developing reports that list signs of positive changes in the world. Called Signals Spotlight, they bring some doses of optimism while recognizing that the current scenario is worrying.
Linked to the United Nations (UN), UNDP published the first edition of the report last year. This Monday (22), the second edition was launched in Rio de Janeiro, as part of the parallel programming of the G20 Development Ministerial Meeting.
Positive signs include the growing recognition of the need for alternatives to current economic models and the creation of forward-looking public bodies that move beyond the immediacy of electoral cycles. The report also notes that the rights of nature are beginning to be recognized in constitutions, laws and even corporate boards.
In addition, promising advances in artificial intelligence, multilateral cooperation for space exploration and the supply of clean electricity were highlighted. Indicators of greater political engagement and involvement in democracy were also identified.
“Hope for a better future has historically driven the development and progress of the humanities. If there were no hope, we would not be where we are now,” said UNDP representative Marcos Athias Neto. The launch of the report in Rio de Janeiro reinforces the role of the G20 as a global forum for dialogue and coordination on economic, social, development and international cooperation issues. The group brings together the world’s 19 largest economies, as well as the European Union and, more recently, the African Union.
In December last year, Brazil succeeded India as president. This is the first time the country has held this position in the current G20 format, established in 2008. At the end of the year, Rio de Janeiro will host the G20 Summit and the presidency of the group will be transferred to South Africa. Until then, there are a series of preparatory events. This week in particular, the capital of Rio de Janeiro will host not only the G20 Development Ministerial Meetingbut several other meetings in an intense program.
Collection network
The Signals Spotlight is the result of analyses of signals of change collected by a network of UNDP staff distributed around the world. More than 300 people carry out continuous monitoring to identify emerging development trends and smart ideas to address long-term global challenges. The work is carried out in dialogue with the 2030 Agenda, which established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) undertaken by the 193 UN member states at the United Nations Summit on Sustainable Development held in 2015.
In the new edition, which is available for online accessthree topics gain centrality: opportunities for justice between species, opportunities for the responsible use of technology and opportunities for connected and resilient communities. It also seeks to anticipate discussions focused on intergenerational equity (justice between generations), which should gain centrality at the UN Future Summit, scheduled to take place in September.
“With conflict proliferating, climate change accelerating and polarization driving people apart, Signals Spotlight notes that it is easy to become convinced that the world is on a path of no return. But the publication provides a fresh perspective that makes clear that the future is not predetermined – we live in a world of possibilities,” says a statement released by UNDP.
