This article, published in Nature, presents the case for redoubling efforts to achieve the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and extending the goals to 2050. The main challenges identified include economic slowdowns, the Covid-19 pandemic, and international conflicts; as well as disjointed actions and unaligned strategies, particularly in climate and health spending, which collectively have hindered the progress of the SDGs. Financial constraints and debt distress in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are highlighted as significant obstacles to achieving the SDGs. The article advocates for an integrated, inclusive, and measurable approach to setting clear targets and integrating emerging technologies like AI, while calling for international finance reform to support sustainable development. The authors emphasise the need for a holistic and global approach to address cross-border impacts, preventing progress in one region from harming another. They argue against narrowing the focus to fewer sustainability goals, emphasising that a comprehensive global approach is necessary to address interconnected global crises. The authors propose extending the SDG framework to 2050, with interim targets for 2030 and 2040. They also underscore the need for inclusive consultations and the integration of emerging technologies like AI, while also proposing actionable strategies to achieve long-term sustainable development.