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Effort Required to Attain UNSDGs in the Next Five Years at 2025 UNGA

 






Much Effort Required to Attain UNSDGs in the Next Five Years


By Raphael Banda

This year’s 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)  opened on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, with the High-Level General Debates scheduled for  tomorrow Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The session marks a decade since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which set the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On September 25, 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 70/1, establishing the 17 SDGs and 169 associated targets aimed at achieving sustainable development by 2030. The agenda outlines ambitious but vital priorities such as ending hunger, reducing poverty, and creating sustainable cities and communities.

Now, with only five years remaining before the 2030 deadline, countries must take deep reflection on the progress made and reposition strategies to accelerate achievements. While the world has faced numerous calamities and shocks including droughts, volcanic eruptions, and wildfires there remains a pressing need to address these challenges sustainably.

For instance, SDG 11 seeks to “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.” One of its key indicators, Target 11.5, focuses on significantly reducing the adverse impacts of natural disasters. Achieving this requires not only financial resources but also research-driven policies and data-informed strategies that support disaster risk reduction and resilience.

It is my strong view that the UNGA will provide space for deliberate discussions on how countries have performed in disaster preparedness, management, and recovery, and what more must be done in the final stretch toward 2030.

Zambia offers a case in point. Through its collaboration with the African Risk Capacity (ARC) a specialized agency of the African Union (AU),the country has made commendable strides in strengthening disaster preparedness. Following its support to Zambia during the 2024 drought, ARC has deepened its engagement in 2025. On August 18, 2025, the ARC, through the World Food Program (WFP), donated ICT equipment to the Government of Zambia.

At the handover ceremony of ICT equipment, Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) National Coordinator, Mr. Norman Chipakupaku, highlighted that the donation marked another milestone in Zambia’s efforts to build disaster-resilient communities:

“In the face of increasing climate variability and extreme weather events, it is imperative that we leverage technology to inform decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and coordinate our actions with precision,” he emphasized.

This donation followed an earlier contribution of three Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) to the DMMU, which hold great potential for enhancing disaster assessment and rapid response capabilities.

Beyond SDG 11, equal attention must be placed on SDG 13: Climate Action. Urgent global action is required to strengthen resilience, mitigate climate impacts, and avert further ecological and land degradation. Without coordinated, well-resourced, and science-based approaches, the 2030 promise will remain elusive.

Ends // RB

 

About the Author

  • Over 15 years of hands-on experience in journalism and media training.
  • Holds two Master’s Degrees: one in Climate Change and Media, and another in Strategic Communication for Development.
  • Media development and communications expert.
  • Climate-friendly farmer.
  • Environment and wildlife conservationist.
  • Contact: bandaraphael55@gmail.com | +260 979 208 286

 


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