UN Sustainable Development Goals Index 2025: Top 10 Best and Worst Performing Countries

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015, set out an ambitious vision for a fairer, greener, and more inclusive world by 2030. However, the 2025 Sustainable Development Report (SDR), published by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), paints a sobering picture: None of the 17 SDGs are on track to be fully achieved by 2030, and only 17% of the targets are progressing as planned.

While the world has made notable progress in areas like access to basic services, infrastructure, and healthcare, it has regressed in key sectors such as press freedom, corruption perception, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.

Global Ranking: A Tale of Two Worlds

Top 10 Countries in SDG Index 2025

Europe, particularly the Nordic countries, continues to lead global efforts toward sustainable development. Finland has retained the top position, followed closely by Sweden and Denmark.

Bottom 10 Countries in SDG Index 2025

At the other end of the spectrum, countries facing conflict, political instability, and economic challenges rank lowest in the index.

India’s Historic Rise in SDG Ranking

India Breaks into Top 100

In a remarkable improvement, India has ranked 99th in the 2025 SDG Index, with a score of 67.0. This marks India’s first time entering the top 100, a significant milestone considering its past positions:

• 109th in 2024
• 112th in 2023
• 121st in 2022
• 120th in 2021

This steady climb reflects India’s growing focus on sustainable development, particularly in clean energy, digital public infrastructure, and financial inclusion.

India in Regional Comparison

Despite entering the top 100 globally, India still lags behind several South Asian peers, indicating both progress and challenges.

Highlights from Asia and the Global South

Notable Progress in Southeast and South Asia

Some of the most significant improvements since 2015 were made by countries in Asia, particularly in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

• Nepal improved by 11.1 points

• Cambodia gained 10 points

• Philippines rose by 8.6 points

These nations demonstrate that with targeted policies and international support, lower-income countries can accelerate SDG progress.

China and the United States: A Mixed Picture

• China ranks 49th with a score of 74.4

• United States ranks 44th with a score of 75.2

Despite being two of the world’s largest economies, both countries fall short of the top 40, with challenges in inequality, environmental sustainability, and health outcomes affecting their scores.

Challenges Facing the World in 2025

Despite some pockets of improvement, global SDG progress remains off track. According to the 2025 SDR:

• Only 17% of targets are progressing on schedule.

• Obesity, corruption, and media suppression are on the rise.

• Environmental degradation, including sustainable nitrogen management, is deteriorating.

• Inequality and gender gaps persist across both developed and developing nations.

The report also highlights the need for increased global cooperation, financial investments, and data-driven policies to meet the 2030 Agenda.