War and peace: Is our world serious about achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030?

Abstract

Only 12 years are left to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. However, the 2018 Global Peace Index revealed that global peacefulness declined for the fourth straight year, with the average level of country peacefulness deteriorating by 0.27% last year. There is an increased political instability worldwide. These three years are also the formative years of the SDG period (2015-2030). Peace, stability, human rights, and effective governance based on the rule of law are important conduits for sustainable development. From the perspective of war and peace, the periods of millennium development goals (2000-2015) and healthcare for all by 2000 were no different. We are residing in a world that is increasingly divided. Some regions enjoy sustained levels of peace, security, and prosperity, whereas others fall into seemingly endless cycles of conflict and violence. Globe is witnessed a steep rise in armed conflicts in recent years and with 62% of those in extreme poverty estimated to be living in countries at risk from high levels of violence by 2030. It is time to ask - Is the world really serious about achieving SDGs? Or will we set yet another ceremonial set of goals for 2050 and allow the global war to continue?