The United Nations released its annual Sustainable Development Goals Report on 14 July, offering the most comprehensive stock-take yet of progress toward the 2030 Agenda. Secretary-General António Guterres, unveiling the findings at the opening of the High-Level Political Forum in New York, described the situation as a “global development emergency.” Of the 169 individual targets that underpin the 17 goals, only 18 percent are judged to be fully on track, with another 17 percent showing moderate progress. More than half are advancing too slowly and 18 percent have gone into reverse, leaving just 35 percent making what the UN calls “adequate” headway. The report warns that without a sharp acceleration, most objectives—including ending extreme poverty and hunger—will not be met by the 2030 deadline. Despite the stark assessment, the document notes areas of improvement since the goals were adopted in 2015. Global access to electricity has risen to 92 percent, internet usage has climbed from 40 percent to 68 percent, and more than 110 million additional children are in school. Maternal and under-five mortality rates have fallen, and 54 countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. Guterres said progress is being held back by escalating conflicts, climate shocks and a US$4 trillion annual financing gap facing developing economies. He urged governments to reform the international financial architecture, expand debt relief and triple the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, arguing that “the SDGs are still within reach, but only if we act with urgency, unity and unwavering resolve.”