Effects of COVID-19 on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Kalterina Shulla,Pourya Salehi,Filip Nelkovski,Edna Martinez,Bernd-Friedrich Voigt,Giuseppe Scandone,Stefan Cibian

doi:10.1007/s43621-021-00026-x

Abstract

Global crises caused by the pandemic of COVID-19, since early 2020, can compromise the world commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This study discusses critical aspects of the global pandemic for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More precisely, we analyze how the new circumstances created by the pandemic have affected the interdependencies between SDGs. Following a synopsis of the current literature, we focus on effects regarding SDG3 (Health & Well-Being), SDG4 (Quality Education), SDG8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), SDG12 (Consumption & Production) and SDG13 (Climate Action). Following a qualitative research approach, we based our analysis on moderated focus group discussions (FGD). Our observations reveal a unique pattern of interconnectedness between SDGs that can be related to COVID-19 consequences. Qualitative interpretations of focus group discussions also depict, that additional spillover effects can be obstacles for achieving SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 9 (Infrastructure & Innovation) and SDG 10 (Reducing Inequalities), SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals), SDG 11 (sustainable cities). Therefore, we consider the interdependent implications and recent trends in international development related to sustainability as a useful framework in the post-pandemic recovery period.

Highlights

The world has committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by United Nations (UN) Member States in September 2015 [1]
This study analyses critical aspects regarding the global pandemic’s impact on the achievement of the SDGs and highlights the interdependencies between the goals in light of the new circumstances through a synopsis of the current literature, empirical observation and analytical evaluation based on problem-oriented qualitative group discussions of selected scholars and practitioners
This subsection will present the results of the four impulse speeches regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic starting from SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 3, SDG 12 and SDG 13

Summary

Introduction

The world has committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by United Nations (UN) Member States in September 2015 [1]. The unusual situation created by COVID-19, in early 2020, is influencing this commitment and undermining the general approach toward suitability by slowing down the process toward achieving the 17 SDGs and changing the trajectory of development. The impact of the pandemic on society is unclear, long-lasting, and difficult to measure. This study analyses critical aspects regarding the global pandemic’s impact on the achievement of the SDGs and highlights the interdependencies between the goals in light of the new circumstances through a synopsis of the current literature, empirical observation and analytical evaluation based on problem-oriented qualitative group discussions of selected scholars and practitioners.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion