The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
The 17 SDGs are integrated—they recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability.
Countries have committed to prioritize progress for those who're furthest behind. The SDGs are designed to end poverty, hunger, AIDS, and discrimination against women and girls.
The creativity, knowhow, technology and financial resources from all of society is necessary to achieve the SDGs in every context.
Private Sector Pledge for Goals
“While the private sector can bring both agility in delivery and new approaches to financing the SDGs, the UN has an important role to play in creating an enabling environment for business to contribute.” —Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator.
The private sector is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – by creating employment, building skills, spurring innovation, providing essential infrastructure, and supplying affordable goods and services.
The private sector is also crucial to SDG achievement as an investor of much-needed capital. Through its partnerships with private-sector actors, UNDP can influence the adoption of inclusive and sustainable business practices.
Why partner with UNDP?
In today’s economy, companies worldwide recognize the benefits of putting people and the planet on par with profits.
However, incorporating sustainability into business models is a complex process that companies may not be able to handle on their own. UNDP is well-positioned to help make markets work for the SDGs through its:
Global presence, including fragile, conflict-affected, and transitional contexts;
Role as an operational backbone of the United Nations system;
Positioning as an honest, neutral broker with governments and the private sector;
Mandate on sustainable development, democratic governance, peacebuilding, crisis prevention and recovery, and resilience.
UNDP’s experience with the private sector spans inclusive business, livelihoods, value chain development, market-driven climate solutions and more.
Interested in pledging your support to one, or more, of the SDGs to further sustainable development in the Pacific? Click the image below to register your interest.
In the Pacific region, poverty presents unique challenges due to geographic isolation, limited economic opportunities, and vulnerability to climate change. While absolute poverty rates vary, many Pacific Island Countries (PICs) face significant economic precarity. In Fiji, approximately 29.4% of the population lives below the national poverty line, with rural and maritime communities most affected. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated economic vulnerabilities, with tourism-dependent economies experiencing sharp declines in income and employment. Rising sea levels, natural disasters, and economic fragmentation further complicate poverty reduction efforts, making targeted, community-centered interventions crucial for sustainable development.
Pacific Island nations face severe food insecurity, with climate change and limited agricultural land intensifying nutritional challenges. In Papua New Guinea, around 37% of children under five experience stunting, indicating chronic malnutrition. Small island developing states are particularly vulnerable, with import-dependent food systems and limited agricultural productivity. Rising sea levels, changing precipitation patterns, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events threaten local food production. Traditional agricultural practices are being disrupted, making food system resilience a critical priority. Addressing hunger requires comprehensive strategies that integrate climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and community-based food security initiatives.
The Pacific region experiences significant health disparities, with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) presenting a major public health challenge. In Tonga, over 90% of adult deaths are attributed to NCDs like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Remote island populations face limited healthcare access, with many communities experiencing shortages of medical professionals and infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed healthcare system vulnerabilities. Mental health remains critically underaddressed, with high suicide rates in countries like Fiji. Improving health outcomes requires holistic approaches that address social determinants, strengthen healthcare systems, and prioritize preventative care.
Educational access and quality vary significantly across Pacific Island nations. In Solomon Islands, only 87% of children complete primary education, with dramatic drops in secondary and tertiary enrollment. Geographic isolation, limited resources, and infrastructure challenges impede educational development. Digital divides further complicate learning opportunities, with many remote communities lacking consistent internet access. Gender disparities persist, with girls often facing additional barriers to educational attainment. Vocational training and skills development are crucial for economic resilience, particularly in economies vulnerable to climate change and global economic shifts.
Pacific Island countries demonstrate complex gender dynamics, with traditional cultural structures often limiting women's economic and political participation. In Papua New Guinea, only 2% of parliamentary seats are held by women, highlighting significant representation challenges. Gender-based violence remains prevalent, with studies indicating that over 60% of women in some Pacific countries have experienced physical or sexual violence. Economic opportunities for women are constrained by cultural norms, limited educational access, and systemic barriers. Achieving gender equality requires comprehensive legal reforms, cultural sensitization, and targeted economic empowerment initiatives.
Water security is a critical challenge in Pacific Island nations, with climate change and environmental degradation threatening water resources. In Kiribati, less than 30% of the population has access to safely managed drinking water, with vulnerable coastal communities most impacted. Saltwater intrusion, changing rainfall patterns, and limited infrastructure exacerbate water scarcity. Sanitation remains a significant concern, with many communities lacking adequate waste management systems. Rising sea levels threaten freshwater aquifers, making water resource management a paramount adaptation strategy.
Pacific Island nations are uniquely positioned to lead renewable energy transitions, with significant solar, wind, and geothermal potential. In Fiji, only 57% of the population has reliable electricity access, with rural and maritime communities most affected. Many islands remain heavily dependent on imported diesel, creating economic and environmental vulnerabilities. Renewable energy investments offer opportunities for energy independence, reduced carbon emissions, and economic resilience. Innovative micro-grid technologies and community-based energy solutions are emerging as critical strategies.
Economic structures in Pacific Island nations are often fragile and climate-vulnerable. Tourism and agriculture dominate many economies, with limited diversification. In Vanuatu, youth unemployment reaches nearly 22%, indicating significant economic challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic devastated tourism-dependent economies, exposing structural economic vulnerabilities. Digital economy opportunities, sustainable tourism models, and skills development are crucial for economic resilience and youth empowerment.
Infrastructure development in Pacific Island nations faces unique geographical and environmental challenges. Limited land, dispersed populations, and climate vulnerability complicate traditional infrastructure approaches. In Solomon Islands, only 12% of roads are paved, limiting economic connectivity. Digital infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with significant urban-rural disparities. Innovative, climate-resilient infrastructure solutions are essential for sustainable development, requiring integrated planning and substantial investment.
Pacific Island nations experience significant internal and inter-country inequalities. Economic disparities, limited social mobility, and geographic isolation contribute to complex social stratification. In Fiji, income inequality remains pronounced, with significant urban-rural divides. Climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities, further entrenching socioeconomic disparities. Addressing inequality requires comprehensive social protection mechanisms, targeted economic interventions, and inclusive policy frameworks.
Urbanization in Pacific Island nations presents unique challenges, with rapid population concentrations in limited urban spaces. In Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, over 40% of urban populations live in informal settlements, facing significant infrastructure and service challenges. Climate change threatens coastal urban centers, with rising sea levels and increased natural disaster risks. Sustainable urban development requires innovative, resilient planning that integrates climate adaptation, community engagement, and adaptive infrastructure strategies.
Pacific Island nations are particularly vulnerable to unsustainable consumption patterns and limited waste management capabilities. In Samoa, less than 25% of waste is effectively managed, creating significant environmental challenges. Limited recycling infrastructure, heavy reliance on imported goods, and fragile ecosystems necessitate comprehensive circular economy approaches. Traditional resource management practices offer valuable insights for sustainable consumption models.
Climate change represents an existential threat to Pacific Island nations, with some countries facing potential complete territorial loss. In Tuvalu, rising sea levels could render the entire nation uninhabitable within decades. Pacific Island Countries contribute minimally to global emissions but experience disproportionate climate impacts. Comprehensive climate adaptation strategies, international support, and innovative resilience approaches are critical for survival and sustainable development.
Marine ecosystems are fundamental to Pacific Island economies and cultural identities. Overfishing, marine pollution, and climate change threaten marine biodiversity. In Palau, marine resources contribute over 50% of economic activity. Coral reef degradation, ocean acidification, and unsustainable fishing practices create significant ecological and economic risks. Marine conservation, sustainable fishing practices, and community-based management are essential for ecological and economic resilience.
Biodiversity conservation in Pacific Island nations faces unique challenges from limited land areas and intense environmental pressures. In Papua New Guinea, which hosts extraordinary biodiversity, deforestation and habitat fragmentation threaten numerous endemic species. Climate change, invasive species, and unsustainable land-use practices create complex conservation challenges. Integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation strategies offers promising approaches.
Political stability varies across Pacific Island nations, with some experiencing significant governance challenges. In Solomon Islands, historical ethnic tensions and limited institutional capacity have complicated development efforts. Strengthening democratic institutions, promoting transparency, and addressing historical conflicts require nuanced, culturally sensitive approaches. Youth engagement, civic education, and inclusive governance mechanisms are crucial for long-term stability.
Regional cooperation is fundamental to Pacific Island development strategies. The Pacific Islands Forum provides a critical platform for collaborative development. However, partnerships extend beyond governmental interactions, requiring engagement with civil society, private sector, and international development agencies. Climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building partnerships are essential for achieving sustainable development goals in this unique geographical context.
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