What are the Sustainable Priorities in 2025?

At a GlanceThe 8 priorities, and what they mean for business

Priority 1Renewable energy transformation

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the world is on track to add over 5,500 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity between 2024 and 2030 — nearly three times the increase of the previous seven years. The European Union aims for 42.5 percent of energy from renewable sources by 2030, up from 24.1 percent in 2023, while China is projected to account for roughly 60% of the world’s renewable capacity installation by 2030.

Despite this progress, the pace of replacing fossil fuels has slowed somewhat amid geopolitical tensions and market uncertainty. A pivotal COP28 agreement marked a historic “transition away” from fossil fuels, and COP29 focused on financing clean-energy goals and establishing a UN-managed carbon market. Transportation remains a critical frontier: sustainable aviation fuel, lower-emission marine fuels, and renewable diesel continue to gain traction as innovation and investment scale these solutions.

Priority 2Climate action and environmental protection

In July 2024, global average temperatures reached alarming new records, underscoring the urgency of immediate climate action. The European Union has established itself as a policy leader: in 2021, member countries adopted the European Climate Law — the first legally binding document seeking to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal, marking a shift from voluntary to mandatory commitments.

A 2024 research paper shows the 8th Environment Action Programme builds on six European Green Deal priorities, signalling an evolution in the EU’s approach — though many initiatives still depend on voluntary compliance rather than strict enforcement. With the EU reliant on international partners for much of its energy supply, this reality emphasizes the importance of SDG 17, which focuses on partnerships for achieving sustainable objectives.

Priority 3Sustainable Development Goals: progress and challenges

The SDGs continue guiding global efforts, though progress remains uneven. With just a few years to the 2030 deadline, current advancement falls significantly short — and without massive investment and scaled-up action, the blueprint for a resilient, prosperous world will remain elusive.

Notable bright spots have emerged: tangible progress in reducing global child mortality, preventing HIV infection, and expanding access to energy and mobile broadband — demonstrating that targeted interventions yield measurable results when adequately resourced. Critical areas still undermining progress include climate change, peace and security, and persistent inequalities both among and between countries.

Priority 4International cooperation for sustainability

International cooperation remains essential. The current period marks the beginning of implementing efforts agreed in recent years — per IDDRI, these include the Addis Ababa Conference, the Paris Climate Agreement, the 2030 Agenda, the Kunming-Montreal Agreement on Biodiversity, and the International Treaty on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of High Seas Biodiversity.

Several events are shaping the agenda: the Summit of the Future, convened alongside the UN General Assembly, aims to strengthen the multilateral system and accelerate SDG implementation; COP16 on biodiversity in Colombia is the first Conference of Parties focused on implementing the Kunming-Montreal agreement; and the “Addis +10” conference in Spain will benefit from efforts to reform international financial architecture and from Brazil’s G20 presidency. New national contributions (NDCs) are expected from early 2025 in preparation for COP30, also chaired by Brazil.

Priority 5The business sector’s role & human rights

Business and Human Rights (BHR) has emerged as a crucial movement that can significantly contribute to achieving the SDGs, recognizing that enterprises have substantial responsibilities to respect and promote human rights while pursuing business objectives.

Priority 6Financing sustainable development

This substantial commitment recognizes that developing economies need significant support to transition to sustainable pathways, and a UN-managed global carbon market adds another important financial mechanism. The “Addis +10” conference in Spain will build on efforts to reform international financial architecture, with Brazil’s G20 presidency signalling strong commitment to sustainable finance.

Priority 7 & 8Renewable energy outlook & policy

Renewable energy currently makes up about 26% of the world’s electricity, and IEA projections expect this to reach 30% in the near term — accelerated by falling technology costs and rising environmental concern. Solar continues to lead: forecasts indicate worldwide solar capacity will grow by 600 gigawatts, almost double Japan’s total installed electricity capacity. Job creation in renewable industries continues to outpace traditional energy, making clean energy a financial opportunity as much as an ecological imperative.

On policy, the European Climate Law stands as a groundbreaking shift to legally binding commitments. The 17 SDGs remain reminders of the need for coordinated global action, but implementation varies and enforcement often lacks strength. Per Duke University, the EU treaties signed between 1951 and 2007 historically formed a non-binding, minimum set of priorities — and recent developments indicate a clear shift toward enforcement mechanisms.

Final WordsAmbition meets pragmatism

The sustainable priorities shaping our immediate future reflect both ambition and pragmatism in addressing escalating environmental and social challenges. Renewable energy transition, climate action, SDG implementation, international cooperation, business responsibility, and sustainable finance all represent critical areas requiring focused attention and investment.

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