Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

New research from the UN World Institute for Development Economics Research "warns that the economic fallout from the global pandemic could increase global poverty by as much as half a billion people," threatening the first increase in global poverty since 1990.

Goal 2: Zero Hunger.

"Current estimates show that nearly 690 million people are hungry, or 8.9 percent of the world population."

Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

"Before the pandemic, major progress was made in improving the health of millions of people," now the progress is reversing.

Goal 4: Quality Education

"Education enables upward socioeconomic mobility and is a key to escaping poverty." Pandemic has instead worsened the situation.

Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

"Gender equality is a fundamental human right, [and] a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world."

Goal 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all.

 "Substantial progress has been made in increasing access to clean drinking water and sanitation, [yet] billions of people—mostly in rural areas—still lack these basic services.”

Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy.

Progress has been made, and "energy is becoming more sustainable and widely available." But equality is not yet achieved.

Goal 8: Promote inclusive, sustainable economic growth, employment & decent work for all. Unfortunately, "COVID-19 has disrupted billions of lives and endangered the global economy."

Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. Development of manufacturing and investment in scientific research is needed most in under developed countries.

Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries.

"Reducing inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind are integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals." Yet this is still a purpose not a reality.

Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

More than half the world's population lives in cities - which contribute to about 60% of global GDP. However, they also account for about 70 % of global carbon emissions and over 60% of resource use.

Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Sustainable consumption and production must be uncoupled from environmental degradation.

Okay, we admit it; the United Nations has 17 goals to transform our world: Goal 13, Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Goal 14, Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources. Goal 15, Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss. Goal 16, Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies. Goal 17, Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Really, the year has only 12 months, however we hope to enter into a happier New Year after this one, except in case we do nothing to make it happen.