Igor Makarov Presents an Overview of the International Debate on the Future of the SDGs at the SCO Forum on Sustainable Development
The SCO Forum on Sustainable Development was held in Moscow, with one of its central themes being the future of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) after 2030. Igor Makarov outlined the current state of the international discussion, noting that while formal deliberations under the auspices of the United Nations are set to begin in 2027, expert debates are already well under way—at the national level, within BRICS, across the G20 expert track, and in regional organisations.
Igor Makarov identified three main levels of discussion. The first concerns updating the list of goals: many pressing issues, such as disaster risk reduction, access to vaccines, and the development of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, are currently insufficiently reflected. The second level relates to implementation mechanisms and financing: the funding gap stands at around USD 4 trillion, and addressing it is directly linked to reforming international financial institutions and developing platforms to mobilise private capital.
The third, and most challenging, level involves rethinking the very approach to sustainable development. Over the next two decades, around three billion people are expected to join the global middle class, and the sustainability of global development will depend on the technologies and consumption models underpinning this growth. Igor Makarov stressed the importance of shaping a new vision of the future already today, including through platforms such as the SCO.
The text of Igor Makarov’s address at the SCO Forum on Sustainable Development was also published in Vedomosti newspaper and is available via the link (in Russian).