How the COVID-19 Pandemic Will Affect the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to achieve sustainable development for the service of all humanity. These 17 goals are adopted in 2015 by the member states to support many aspects of human development while addressing environmental issues. The SDGs rely on the partnerships of all member countries for the success of these goals. However, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has radically transformed the current state of global development. In this article, we analyze how the current pandemic is affecting the achievements of SDGs. We argue that while the deteriorating economic conditions will negatively affect most aspects of development, we might also observe some positive developments in the long term.

Keywords: Sustainable development, Human development, Pandemics, COVID-19, Partnerships

JEL Classification: Q01, Q28, Q58