The Philippines is making significant strides toward its sustainable development targets even as the broader Asia-Pacific region risks missing nearly 90 percent of its goals, according to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

In its 10th edition of the Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2026, released on Wednesday, Fev. 18, the agency noted that the Philippines showed strong momentum in four key areas despite “sobering” global landscape.

Shombi Sharp, ESCAP deputy executive secretary, said during the webinar that only about 20 percent of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are currently on track worldwide.

The Philippine data stands out as a relative bright spot as four of the country’s 17 goals—covering poverty reduction, affordable and clean energy, reduced inequalities, and responsible consumption—have seen more than 75 percent of their measured targets move in a positive direction.

The progress comes as the government continues to manage economic headwinds and local inflationary pressures that have historically challenged social services.

Another 10 goals in the Philippines, including zero hunger, quality education, and public health, registered moderate progress with improvement in 50 percent to 75 percent of their indicators. While the report highlighted these gains, it also pointed to areas of stagnation. Gains in gender equality and sustainable cities were notably slower, while climate action progress remained unmeasured due to significant data gaps.

The regional outlook remains far more precarious as ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana warned that the Asia-Pacific region is at a critical crossroads, facing a “stark warning” that it may miss 88 percent of its measurable targets by the 2030 deadline if current trends persist.

She noted that the economic engines that previously lifted millions out of poverty are now being undermined by environmental degradation and a reliance on fossil fuels.

The region accounts for approximately half of global gross domestic product and 60 percent of the world’s population, providing it with the necessary capital to pivot toward sustainable growth if managed correctly.

However, Sharp noted that life for ordinary citizens is becoming increasingly fragile as climate change accelerates.

With only five years remaining until the 2030 deadline, UN officials are calling for a fundamental shift in development planning that prioritizes resource efficiency and environmental protection over traditional industrialization.