Turning Ambition into Action: How the Joint SDG Fund is Shaping a New Era of Global Development

In a year marked by compounding crises—from climate extremes to deepening inequality—the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund has emerged as a transformative force in global development financing. The numbers speak volumes: in 2024 alone, the Fund catalyzed an astonishing $1.6 billion in additional resources through strategic investments, contributing to a cumulative $6.6 billion mobilized since its inception. For every $1 committed, the Fund unlocked $19 in additional financing, signaling a potent model of leverage and ambition. 

The Joint SDG Fund is about changing systems, empowering people, and creating resilient pathways for sustainable development across sectors and borders. This past year, the Fund reached over 10 million people through improved digital access, health care, education, and social protection—contributing to a total of over 206 million lives touched since 2018. 

At the heart of this impact is the revitalized leadership of UN Resident Coordinators, who orchestrated 129 new joint programmes across 90 countries. These initiatives were deployed through five thematic funding rounds—digital transformation, food systems, jobs and social protection, SDG localization, and just energy transition—each reflecting a systems-thinking approach to the complex challenges underpinning the 2030 Agenda. 

Indonesia cumulatively mobilised an impressive US$4.6 billion through specialised bonds, with $1.6 billion raised through a diverse array of financial instruments including Green Sukuk, SDG Bonds, and Blue Bonds. Uruguay partnered with seven major banks that represent 80% of its banking sector, the Renewable Energy Innovation Fund has successfully de-risked $8.4million for renewable energy projects, achieving a leverage ratio of 1:6. In North Macedonia, the facility combines Fund resources with EBRD co-financing to work through six local banks, directing $26 million toward 46 environmental projects. Cabo Verde’s Blu-X platform raised $40 million through its first blue bond, now listed on the Luxembourg Green Exchange.  

In Viet Nam, recent reforms to the Social Insurance Law—enabled by foundational support from the Joint SDG Fund—lowered pension age thresholds and expanded coverage to previously excluded informal workers, benefitting an estimated 4 million people. This policy shift demonstrates the Fund’s strength in laying down frameworks that last long after project closures. 

Digital transformation efforts also took center stage. In Serbia, digital public services were redesigned with user-centric models, aiming to benefit 2.45 million citizens—nearly 37% of the population. In Chile, rural women and indigenous farmers accessed digital tools for agriculture and telehealth, closing longstanding service gaps in remote areas. 

Youth, gender, and local action were also central to the Fund’s strategy. With 55% of funding directed to SIDS, LDCs, and LLDCs, 93% of programmes contributing to gender equality, and 27% of programmes engaging youth, the Joint SDG Fund contributions to leaving no one behind in terms of driving key SDG transitions. 

The Joint SDG Fund is increasingly recognized as a key implementation mechanism for global compacts such as the Pact for the Future and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development. With less than five years remaining to achieve the SDGs, the need to shift from pilot projects to scaled systems has never been more urgent. As Spain and Germany providing 75% of overall contributions reflect strong dedication to the Fund's mission. Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland emphasized the Fund’s role in making multilateralism work at the country level. 

As Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, noted, the Fund "is not just about financing—it’s about impact." The Joint SDG Fund is turning ambition into action for a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient world.

For more information: Browse through the Joint SDG Fund's Annual Report.