UN deputy chief urges arms spending cuts to save SDGs

She emphasized the need to slash military budgets and instead channel funds towards peace and development.

Highlighting the critical state of the SDGs, Mohammed noted that only 17 percent of the targets are on track as the 2030 deadline approaches. "Future generations deserve more than 17 percent of a sustainable future," she emphasized, outlining a four-pronged strategy for urgent acceleration in a bid to meet the 2030 deadline for the goals.

The first step, she stressed, is to establish peace, underscoring that political and financial resources should be redirected from conflicts to development efforts.

She also emphasized the importance of advancing green and digital transition, urging nations to enhance their climate action plans by 2025, aligning them with the 1.5-degree Celsius limit in line with the Paris Agreement and invest in expanding digital connectivity.

Addressing the financial challenges impeding SDG progress, Mohammed pointed out the growing financing gap and destabilizing financial conditions in many developing countries.

She acknowledged ongoing reform of multilateral development banks and the recycling of special drawing rights but called for more robust measures. "We must go further and faster to deliver an SDG Stimulus," she urged, calling for increased lending capacity, expanded access to contingency financing, and comprehensive debt solutions.

Mohammed reiterated the SDGs' promise to "leave no one behind."

She emphasized the need to prioritize vulnerable populations, uphold the rights of persons with disabilities and combat gender inequality.