On September 25, 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released its latest assessment of 22 SDG indicators under its custodianship, covering hunger, gender equality, water, responsible consumption, life below water, and life on land. The report shows that the world is on track to meet about one-quarter of these targets, while another quarter remains far from completion. Food insecurity remains above 2015 levels, affecting 2.3 billion people in 2024, with 8.2% facing hunger. Women also continue to face major inequalities, with fewer than half holding secure land rights in nearly 80% of surveyed countries, and only 65% of women of childbearing age meeting minimum dietary diversity.
Despite challenges, some improvements were noted. Global water-use efficiency rose 23% between 2015 and 2022, and forest loss rates have slowed, though overall forest area continues to decline. Progress has also been made in conserving animal genetic resources, though most breeds remain insufficiently safeguarded. However, food price volatility, persistent smallholder income gaps, and declining sustainable fish stocks highlight continued vulnerabilities. FAO officials stressed the need to intensify efforts to secure food systems, advance sustainable agriculture, and address widening inequalities.