Russia initiates a United Nations-centered platform for discussion on sustainable development planning beyond 2030, inviting all interested participants, as per Boris Titov's announcement.
In the evolving landscape of international sustainable development, the post-2030 development agenda and the concept of SDG-2050 have emerged as key topics of discussion. Countries like Russia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and BRICS have shown interest in extending the timeline of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to 2050 or beyond.
At the forefront of this movement is Russia, which has proposed an extension of the SDG deadline from 2030 to 2050. Boris Titov, the Special Representative of the President of Russia for Relations with International Organizations to Achieve the SDGs, emphasised the need for a longer-term approach to achieve sustainable development. This stance was clearly articulated during the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, where Titov also highlighted the importance of leadership from the Global South, particularly through China-led initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative (GDI).
Russia's commitment to sustainable development is evident in its own progress. The country has seen a significant decrease in poverty, with a reduction of 1.5 times, and is making strides towards low-carbon energy generation. The share of low-carbon energy, including gas and nuclear, in Russia has reached 87%.
Moreover, Russia's economy has shown robust growth, with an annual expansion of more than 4% during the years 2023-2024. This growth has been accompanied by a nearly doubling of tax revenues from the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) sector, which now stands at $119 billion. This growth is attributed to digital superservices that integrate registration, banking, and fiscal services in Russia.
As part of this extended timeline, Russia is also participating in China's Global Development Initiative (GDI). The country is not alone in this endeavour, as other regional groups such as the EAEU, SCO, and BRICS are also engaging in discussions about the post-2030 agenda, albeit with limited publicly defined initiatives as of mid-2025.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates is leading an initiative to develop a post-2030 development agenda. The European Union, although not part of the groups mentioned, is also pushing forward with long-term visions towards 2050, focusing on living within planetary boundaries and transformative resilience.
The 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) serves as a critical platform for assessing progress towards the 2030 Agenda, identifying challenges, and starting to explore "alternative futures" beyond 2030. Japan has offered to lead discussions on post-2030 scenarios based on its experiences with demographic changes and net-zero targets, while there is a broader call for more continuity and integration of initiatives such as the Pact for the Future and the Declaration on Future Generations.
In conclusion, while the 2030 Agenda remains the active target framework, there is growing recognition that the SDGs must be extended or succeeded by a more ambitious and inclusive 2050 development agenda. This new agenda aims to build on the lessons of the 2030 SDGs, ensure sustainability is embedded across sectors, and address complex global challenges up to mid-century. An independent report on Russia's achievements towards the SDGs will be presented on July 24 during the Forum.
- Countries like Russia have shown a keen interest in extending the timeline of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to 2050 or beyond, with a focus on a longer-term approach to achieve sustainable development.
- Boris Titov, the Special Representative of the President of Russia for Relations with International Organizations to Achieve the SDGs, emphasized the importance of leadership from the Global South, especially through China-led initiatives like the Global Development Initiative (GDI).
- Russia's commitment to sustainable development is demonstrated through its progress, such as a significant decrease in poverty and a high ratio of low-carbon energy generation.
- Russia's economy has experienced robust growth, with an annual expansion of more than 4% during the years 2023-2024, accompanied by increased tax revenues from the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) sector.
- As part of this extended timeline, Russia is engaging in discussions about the post-2030 agenda with other regional groups like the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and BRICS.
- In the evolving landscape of international sustainable development, the United Arab Emirates is leading an initiative to develop a post-2030 development agenda, while the European Union is pushing forward with long-term visions towards 2050.
