European Journal of Sustainable Development Research

Abstract

As we are now past the half way mark of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2015-2030, it is a prudent time to take stock and look forward, and I do so here from my perspective as founding Editor in Chief of the European Journal of Sustainable Development Research. The SDGs clearly have fostered a much research and numerous initiatives and implementations related to sustainable development, spanning all sectors of societies and their economies. Progress made towards sustainable development has reinforced that there are multiple approaches to sustainable development, varying from region to region and country to country. Despite these advances and successes, progress to date on the SDGs has been far from adequate if humanity and society are to shift towards sustainable development in a significant and meaningful way in the future. This relatively weak progress has stemmed from various factors, some unpredictable and others somewhat foreseeable. It is becoming increasingly evident that the progress on the SDGs by 2030 will not complete the quest for sustainable development. I consequently believe and contend that there clearly is a need to extend and double down on the SDGs for 2030-2045 and beyond.