The United Nation’s secretary- general has warned the world’s sustainability efforts continue to be alarmingly off track four years ahead of the target for their delivery.

Speaking  at the 2026 Economic and Social Council coordination segment, in New York António Guterres said the world needed to act as geopolitical pressures continued to have an increasing impact on global co-operation and progress.

“Last week, the Economic and Social Council marked its eightieth anniversary as the UN Charter body mandated to promote international cooperation in economic, social and environmental matters,” he said. “Since its inception, the Economic and Social Council has been a platform for global dialogue and decision-making, a place for turning aspirations into commitments in our countries, and a catalyst for mobilising resources and promoting coordinated action.

“Over the past eight decades, it has been an engine of progress for sustainable development and human rights around the world.

“But much work remains to be done. Our world today faces multiple interconnected crises – from raging conflicts and widening inequalities to climate chaos and runaway technologies.

“Yet raw power is testing the resilience of multilateralism.  The Economic and Social Council must seize this moment and show that global cooperation can still deliver.”

Guterres said he continued to count on the council’s determination to drive transformative, equitable, innovative, and coordinated action.

“This includes actions that are needed to unlock financing for development, lift our crushing debt burdens, help developing countries climb supply chains, promote dignity, advance equality, empower women and girls, and foster the opportunity for youth, and so much more,” he added. “From the start, the Economic and Social Council has excelled at enabling civil society, the scientific and technological community, the private sector, and many others to participate and influence the decisions -helping to ensure that we do keep our no one left behind commitment.

“We have just five years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Yet progress on many of the Sustainable Development Goals is alarmingly off track.  Now is the time to double down and deliver.  Major commitments in recent months have put wind at our backs.”

Guterres continued: “We have to build on this momentum.  I am counting on your policy guidance to the ECOSOC system over the next few days – and in the months ahead – to help light our way.  Your engagement will be critical in turning these commitments into concrete and measurable actions on the ground, and in ensuring that these activities – at global, regional, national and local levels – are concerted and impactful.”

He concluded: “The complex global challenges we face make the Economic and Social Council’s role more vital than ever.  In our divided world, it offers a forum for boosting solidarity, fostering those partnerships and strengthening them, and guiding collective action towards our commitments.

“Now I believe we have time for decisive action, but let’s reaffirm and strengthen the core values and principles of the UN – with robust, inclusive multilateralism that promotes peace, justice, and humanity; above all gives hope to the many who do not see tomorrow.

“Let us renew our commitment to a future grounded in cooperation, dialogue, resilience, and a shared responsibility.  And with the Economic and Social Council as a pillar of multilateralism, let us take action to make the vision for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development a reality for all.”