Leaders set to adopt lofty goals on poverty, climate

WASHINGTON — After a decade of dramatic global health and economic advances, world leaders are set to adopt a sweeping agenda to eradicate extreme poverty and child mortality and spur efforts to slow climate change and preserve the environment.

The so-called Sustainable Development Goals — expected to be formally approved at the United Nations this week at the largest-ever gathering of heads of state, including President Obama — have garnered little attention in the United States.

But they are being closely watched around the world as a blueprint that could build on an unexpectedly successful global campaign to improve health in the developing world over the last 15 years. The effort has, among other things, reduced child deaths.

“This is a very important moment,” said Tony Pipa, who is leading the Obama administration’s work on the global initiative. “Leaders of the world are coming together to end extreme poverty and do it in a way that is sustainable. ... It’s extraordinary.”

Pope Francis, who has made inequality and climate change central issues for his papacy, is scheduled to open the summit Friday. Obama is to address the gathering at the United Nations on Sunday.

Still unclear is whether the 17 new goals can galvanize action and investment. Critics charge that the objectives — and a subset of 169 more specific targets — are unfocused and hopelessly utopian, ignoring political realities.

Global leaders are pledging to, among other things, “end hunger,” “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” and “conserve and sustainably use the oceans,” all by 2030.

Also uncertain is whether the broader goals, such as those touching on climate change and environmental policy, will engage wealthy nations, partic ularly the U.S., as did earlier efforts to reduce child mortality and HIV/ AIDS infections in the developing world.