___________
Inequality threatens long-term social and economic development, harms poverty reduction and destroys people’s sense of fulfillment and self-worth.
The incomes of the poorest 40 per cent of the population had been growing faster than the national average in most countries, but emerging yet inconclusive evidence suggests that COVID-19 may have disrupted this positive trend.
The global refugee population has surged to 37.8 million, intensifying humanitarian pressures. At the same time, reports of discrimination are on the rise worldwide, particularly affecting urban residents, women, persons with disabilities, and the poor. 1 in 5 people worldwide report experiencing discrimination on grounds prohibited by international law within the past year, with rates highest in least developed countries.
Getting Goal 10 back on track will require providing extra support for vulnerable population groups, combating rising discrimination, protecting labour income and introducing structural reforms to boost growth in emerging and developing economies.
Read more about Goal 10: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/inequality/
SDG 10 in Numbers 
“Inequalities can be beaten — if we commit to policies that promote equity rather than clinging to the same failed approaches. We must do so on several fronts.”
– António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, 15 January 2025
1 | World AIDS Day
HIV/AIDS continues to have an impact on communities throughout the world, serving as a reminder of the value of awareness, solidarity, and universal access to healthcare. This year’s theme is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response”, highlighting the impact that global funding cuts have had as well as to showcase the resilience of countries and communities protecting the gains made and how to drive the HIV response forward. A new report by UNAIDS will also be launched. Read more here.
3 | International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)
IDPD emphasizes the value of accessibility and inclusion in our communities by honoring the resilience and contributions of those with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”, building on the momentum of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha on 4-6 November 2025. A commemorative event will take place at the UN Headquarters in New York on 3 December from 10:00 to 11:30 am EST, which will be available in person and online. Additional information and registration details for the event can be found here.
10 | Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day marks the fundamental principles that connect us all together. It serves as a reminder that everyone deserves freedom, equality, and respect. The theme for this year, “Our Everyday Essentials”, focuses on how human rights are a pathway to solutions and their relevance in our everyday lives. Further details and campaign initiatives for this year’s theme can be found here.
5 things you may have missed in 2025
5 December | International Volunteer Day
This year, the International Volunteer Day marks the official global launch of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, calling for a worldwide movement to recognize and amplify the vital role of volunteers in accelerating progress toward the SDGs. Learn more here.
10 December | UN Decade of Sustainable Transport
The UN will launch the first-ever Decade of Sustainable Transport on 10 December 2025 with an event at UN Headquarters in New York. This will mark the start of the Decade and spotlight commitments and actions from Member States and partners. Read the full programme for the event here.
12 December | International Universal Health Coverage Day
This day aims to raise awareness of the need for strong and resilient health systems and universal health coverage. Universal Health Coverage is based on the principles that everyone, everywhere, should have access to the health services they need without risk of financial hardship. This year’s theme is “Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!”, reminding government decision-makers that unaffordable health costs are making our communities poorer and sicker and holding us back on all of the Sustainable Development Goals. Get involved with the campaign here.
18 | International Migrant’s Day
International Migrants Day shines a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of millions of migrants around the world, and highlights the increasingly complex environment in which migration occurs. Conflicts, climate-related disasters and economic pressures continue to drive millions of people from their homes in search of safety or simply opportunity. Learn more about building a world where migration is safe, orderly, and beneficial for everyone.
20 | International Human Solidarity Day
International Human Solidarity Day emphasizes the importance of working together to address global challenges and promote the well-being of all people. This day serves as an opportunity to celebrate achievements made through solidarity and to recommit to building a more just and equitable world. Learn more here.
Act Now for a Just Society
Just societies realize human rights, leaving no one behind. Everyone should have enough food, and quality health care and education. All kinds of discrimination must end. Daily life is where a just society begins.
ActNow is the United Nations campaign to inspire people to act for the Sustainable Development Goals. We all have a part to play; and together we can make a real difference. Visit ActNow to learn more and download the app: https://www.un.org/actnow
Awake at Night Podcast
UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, is known for making the impossible possible, and has relied on a strong moral compass and the strength of her convictions across a long and varied career of service. In this episode, the UN Deputy Secretary-General reflects on what the Sustainable Development Goals have meant in her own life and shares what chocolate and traditional clothes have to do with strong leadership. Listen to the full episode here.
Discover all the episodes and previous seasons here -> https://pod.link/1429922419
Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform
United Nations Sustainable Development Group
United to Reform
United Nations homepage
SDG Media Zone