SDGs 2030 in Spain: progress, challenges and next steps

What would a world look like in which all people could live with dignity, equality and in balance with the planet? The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were born precisely from that shared vision: a global plan promoted by the United Nations that brings together 17 goals to transform our present and build a fairer and more sustainable future. Adopted in 2015 by 193 countries, the SDGs make up the 2030 Agenda, a roadmap that integrates social progress, ecological transition and responsible economic development. Each year, international organisations assess progress, highlighting significant achievements but also the challenges we still need to address collectively.

In this context, the most recent global SDG report published by the UN in 2025 shows real progress, but also makes it clear that the pace of change is insufficient.

Of the 169 targets that make up the 17 SDGs, 139 had enough data in 2025 to evaluate their evolution since 2015. Of these targets with available information, 35% show adequate progress, 47% show slow or marginal progress, and 18% have recorded setbacks. This mix of advances and stagnation creates an uneven reality: there are tangible improvements, but they are not enough to ensure that all SDGs will be met by 2030.

The global context does not help either. According to the same report, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, armed conflicts, economic crises, geopolitical tensions and the impacts of climate change continue to slow progress.

Global and national progress on the SDGs

According to the 2025 report by the international network that evaluates the SDGs (Sustainable Development Solutions Network — SDSN), Spain ranks 14th among the 167 countries assessed, with an SDG index of 81.0/100. This result means that Spain is making progress in 11 of the 17 SDGs, although in some goals the evolution is uneven.

According to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), in 2024 the population at risk of poverty or social exclusion fell to 25.8%, the lowest figure in a decade. The proportion of people in a situation of severe material and social deprivation also decreased, standing at 8.3%.

Thanks to employment and the growth of middle incomes, many families have seen improvements in certain areas. The institutional framework for sustainability has also been strengthened: the 2030 Strategy, systematic collection of social and economic data, and public commitments help guide social, labour and inclusion policies.

These advances show that public policies, together with economic recovery, have generated positive effects for part of the population, and the reduction in the overall risk of exclusion and poverty is an encouraging indicator of progress towards several SDG targets.

Persistent challenges and structural inequalities

Despite progress, significant challenges remain:

• The risk of poverty or exclusion still affects 1 in 4 people in Spain, and child poverty remains among the highest in the European Union.
• Having a job does not guarantee stability or well-being: labour precariousness, temporary or low-quality contracts, low wages and insufficient employment continue to affect many people, especially young people.
• Difficulties in covering unexpected expenses, accessing decent housing, care services, continuing education or development opportunities impact large segments of the population.

While Spain is advancing on 11 SDGs, the remaining 6 show stagnation or insufficient progress, highlighting that meeting the 2030 Agenda requires sustained social, educational and labour policies, as well as commitment to inclusion and equity.

Implications for Fundación Exit

Impact on the main SDGs: education, employment and partnerships (SDGs 4, 8 and 17)

The activity of Fundación Exit contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), aiming to generate a direct and measurable impact on young people in vulnerable situations.

• 74% of young participants continue studying after taking part in Fundación Exit’s programmes.
• 29% access a work experience within 12 months after completing the programmes.
• Partnerships and collaboration with organisations from different sectors form part of the foundation’s core. Each year we collaborate with around 150 companies, 60 schools and social organisations, supporting around 1,300 young people.

These figures, obtained from satisfaction surveys completed at the end of the programmes, show how education, employability and strategic partnerships enable comprehensive support, promoting skills, job opportunities and active participation in society.

Contribution to other complementary SDGs (1, 5, 9, 10 and 16)

In addition to direct impact on SDGs 4, 8 and 17, the foundation also contributes indirectly to SDG 1 (No Poverty), 5 (Gender Equality), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Our work promotes social inclusion, reduces structural inequalities and strengthens community cohesion, shaping young people committed to social justice and the 2030 Agenda.

Towards a more inclusive 2030 Agenda

Spain has taken important steps towards the 2030 Agenda: reducing the risk of poverty, improving social indicators and reinforcing institutional frameworks on sustainability and social protection. However, inequalities, job insecurity, child and youth vulnerability, and labour instability show that the path towards the SDGs remains long.

The 2030 Agenda is not only an economic or environmental objective; it is a social, educational and rights-based commitment. Achieving it requires the collaboration of institutions, organisations and citizens, working together to ensure opportunities, equity and well-being for all, ensuring that no one is left behind.