In a powerful joint statement co-authored by Oliver Röpke, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and Peter Schmidt, Head of the EESC's Department for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, a resounding call has been made for accelerated progress towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.

The EESC, an influential advisory body representing social partners, including trade unions and employers, has sounded the alarm: humanity and our planet can no longer afford to endure another wasted decade. With just seven years left before the 2030 deadline, the world must act swiftly and decisively to steer our course towards a sustainable future. The stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction would be dire.

The call to action was prompted by a high-level political forum held in New York in July, which sought to gauge the progress towards the SDGs ahead of the upcoming summit at the United Nations headquarters in September.

In their poignant statement, Röpke and Schmidt stressed the significance of the SDGs as a universal beacon for peace, social prosperity, and environmental preservation. However, they voiced grave concerns about the multitude of global crises currently unfolding, which threaten to undermine progress towards these crucial goals.

The consequences of not achieving the SDGs are far-reaching and extend beyond environmental and social consequences. Economic stability, business resilience, and international relations are all on the line. Failing to uphold the principles of the SDGs, such as social inclusivity, clean energy, accessible public services, and responsible consumption, will only exacerbate global challenges, leading to increased geopolitical tensions and heightened risks.

As leaders from various nations deliberated on these pressing matters, the EESC delegation, actively involved in the forum, sent a clear message: the time for complacency is over. Bold and concerted efforts are required from all stakeholders to reverse the course of our collective destiny. The urgency is palpable, and there is no time to waste.

Amidst the complexity of the geopolitical landscape and the surge of misinformation, the call for action is as much about safeguarding democracy as it is about achieving sustainable development. Global leaders must seize this pivotal moment to refocus the political agenda on the SDGs and prioritize the voices of civil society, including youth, women, businesses, and unions, as they chart a course towards a brighter and more sustainable future.

The EESC's clarion call serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and citizens alike, imploring them to work together in unison, leaving no room for half-measures or delays. The world must rally behind a cohesive and comprehensive strategy to fulfill the SDGs, embracing this defining mission today, rather than leaving it for future generations to grapple with.

The stage is set for an extraordinary transformation, and it is the responsibility of leaders to act decisively, united by a shared commitment to a sustainable world. The path forward may be challenging, but the rewards are boundless: a planet that thrives, societies that flourish, and an indomitable spirit of resilience that will carry us through the uncertainties of tomorrow. The time to act is now.