Pan American Health Organization

From health, education, food security to infrastructure, innovation, peace and partnerships, tackling poverty lies at the heart of these efforts. As the world looks ahead to the upcoming World Social Summit, it will be essential to keep ending poverty as the golden thread connecting the investments we make to accelerate the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 

In 2025, the urgency of climate action is undeniable. Spotlighting ten solutions that prove that scaling action now can drive justice, jobs, resilience and still bend the curve towards the 1.5-degree limit.

The stakes are clear: digital transformation can either widen divides or bridge them. Through its work with UN agencies and the Resident Coordinators, the Joint SDG Fund has been investing in digital transformation across the world, shaping interlinked policies and channeling investments to country-led initiatives.

With the Amazon at the crossroads of climate action, biodiversity, and inclusive development, UN Resident Coordinator in Brazil Silvia Rucks reflects on how community-driven solutions, backed by the Brazil–UN Fund with support from Canada, are fostering resilience, equity, and hope across the region. 

Landlocked Developing Countries face unique challenges and Resident Coordinators through their UN country teams, is helping them turn these barriers into bridges for development.

On the sidelines of the 2025 Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake, Resident Coordinators are driving global progress on food system transformation; leading efforts in countries like Ethiopia, Guyana, Indonesia, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Togo, and the Central Sahel.

Unprecedented civic engagement, grassroots leadership, and private sector collaboration are driving progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, setting a new standard for national development.

Caribbean nations face climate threats and economic drain from fuel imports. Electric mobility offers dual benefits: reducing dependence on imported oil while enabling vehicle-to-grid integration that supports renewable energy adoption.

With UNESCO's support, over 60 women artisans from Peru and Mexico came together for the first time to exchanged knowledge on living heritage, creativity and innovation, and community organization.

Costa Rica is at a crossroads: inequality and food insecurity remain significant challenges. A joint programme supported by the Joint SDG Fund and bringing together UNICEF and FAO, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator's Office is aiming to improve agricultural practices and dietary habits among communities, promoting more sustainable production and building capacities.

Around the world, 2.2 billion people live without access to safe water. As we mark World Water Day on 22 March, it is a moment to recognize the central role that water plays in accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UN Resident Coordinators bring together UN country teams and partners to support the work of governments and communities in boosting access to safe water. They mobilize resources to tackle water scarcity challenges, ensuring that access to safe water remains a top policy priority. Their engagement focuses on several fronts, from tackling the impact of climate change on water resources to water conservation to boosting public health and community resilience.

Thirty years ago, the world pledged "equality for all" in Beijing. Yet, today, for many women and girls around the world, this remains elusive. Ahead of International Women’s Day, a new progress report of the UN Secretary-General released by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), titled Women's Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing, points to an uneven trajectory to secure women’s rights and full participation in all aspects of society. 

From medical breakthroughs to new space discoveries, from advanced quantum computing research to new scientific methods to understand the natural world around us, women and girls are shattering glass ceilings. Yet structural barriers and social norms remain that limit women and girls from unlocking their full potential.

A joint programme led by the Joint SDG Fund and bringing together FAO and UNICEF is helping strengthen community ties and food security in Costa Rica by fostering sustainable agricultural practices.