Sustainable Development Goals Indicators Research Articles

Context – Goal – Method – Outcome: Alignment in Citizen Science Project Design and its Relation to Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Citizen science (CS) is a diverse practice, with projects emphasizing scientific and/or democratization goals. While the integration of both goals is advocated for sustainability transitions, this implies contextualized methodological choices. This contribution presents an instrument to explore methodological choices in relation to project goals and context, linking these patterns to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By way of a PRISMA scoping review, case studies implemented in the Global North (GN) or Global South (GS) were selected and categorized using the instrument to identify notable patterns. GN projects are generally published by GN authors and can predominantly be linked to productivity goals relating to SDGs on biodiversity (SDGs 14, 15). In contrast, GS projects are commonly associated with diverse co-author groups that focus on democratization and/or productivity, and prioritize SDGs on agriculture, health, sustainable communities, and climate change (SDGs 2, 3, 11, 13). The analyzed case studies could contribute directly to three SDG indicators and indirectly to 22. Methodological choices regarding project goals and themes translate into variations in participant selection and recruitment, contribution types, and project outcomes. Further, project design and outcomes can be linked to co-authorships, with larger teams typically associated with co-created projects which in turn focus on democratization or democratization and productivity goals, and produce a wide diversity of outcomes. Qualitative information extracted from the investigated papers was used to contextualize the relevance of combining productivity and democratization goals as well as the related challenges of harmonizing different interests and of resource limitations as well as other project constraints.

Organizing the Indicator Zoo: Can a New Taxonomy Make It Easier for Citizen Science Data to Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Indicators?

In order to measure progress towards the aims outlined by the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda, data are needed for the different indicators that are linked to each UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Where statistical or scientific data are not sufficient or available, alternative data sources, such as data from citizen science (CS) activities, could be used. Statistics Norway, together with the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities, have developed a taxonomy for classifying indicators that are intended to measure the SDGs. The purpose of this taxonomy is to sort, evaluate, and compare different SDG indicators and to assess their usefulness by identifying their central properties and characteristics. This is done by organizing central characteristics under the three dimensions of Goal, Perspective, and Quality. The taxonomy is designed in a way that can help users to find the right indicators across sectors to measure progress towards the SDGs depending on their own context and strategic priorities. The Norwegian taxonomy also offers new opportunities for the re-use of data collected through CS activities. This paper presents the taxonomy and demonstrates how it can be applied for an indicator based on a CS data set, and we also suggest further use of CS data.

Citizen Science: What is in it for the Official Statistics Community?

Citizen science data are an example of a non-traditional data source that is starting to be used in the monitoring of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and for national monitoring by National Statistical Systems (NSSs). However, little is known about how the official statistics community views citizen science data, including the opportunities and the challenges, apart from some selected examples in the literature. To fill this gap, this paper presents the results from a survey of NSS representatives globally to understand the key factors in the readiness of national data ecosystems to leverage citizen science data for official monitoring and reporting, and assesses the current awareness and perceptions of NSSs regarding the potential use of these data. The results showed that less than 20% of respondents had direct experience with citizen science data, but almost 50% felt that citizen science data could provide data for SDG and national indicators where there are significant data gaps, listing SDGs 1, 5, and 6 as key areas where citizen science could contribute. The main perceived impediments to the use of citizen science data were lack of awareness, lack of human capacity, and lack of methodological guidance, and several different kinds of quality issues were raised by the respondents, including accuracy, reliability, and the need for appropriate statistical procedures, among many others. The survey was then used as a starting point to identify case studies of successful examples of the use of citizen science data, with follow-up interviews used to collect detailed information from different countries. Finally, the paper provides concrete recommendations targeted at NSSs on how they can use citizen science data for official monitoring.

Supporting Food Security Indicator by Village Production Results Data Management for Rajaiyang Village Apparatus with Inventory Application Training

Background: Rajaiyang Village is one of the villages in Indramayu Regency which has agricultural commodities in the form of rice production. In the current condition, even though it has a fertile area, welfare data of the community is not good enough from the management of these commodity products. The village government strategy requires support of information technology and knowledge development due to support regional food security and village sustainable development goals indicators. Contribution: Increased understanding and ability to manage the availability of commodity results using information technology to support food security strategies. Method: Inducting inventory training with an internet-based inventory application system for farmer groups and village apparatus. Results: The ability of residents and village apparatus to become better, more prepared with the system and product inventory management process, together with BUMDes support as a village owned enterprise. Conclusion: Implementation strategies and supporting facilities for village food security can be improved by using updated technology, as well as collaboration between village agencies for integrated decisions

Progress on Sustainable Development Goal indicators in 707 districts of India: a quantitative mid-line assessment using the National Family Health Surveys, 2016 and 2021.

India has committed itself to accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Meeting these goals would require prioritizing and targeting specific areas within India. We provide a mid-line assessment of the progress across 707 districts of India for 33 SDG indicators related to health and social determinants of health. We used data collected on children and adults from two rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in 2016 and 2021. We identified 33 indicators that cover 9 of the 17 official SDGs. We used the goals and targets outlined by the Global Indicator Framework, Government of India and World Health Organization (WHO) to determine SDG targets to be met by 2030. Using precision-weighted multilevel models, we estimated district mean for 2016 and 2021, and using these values, computed the Annual Absolute Change (AAC) for each indicator. Using the AAC and targets, we classified India and each district as: Achieved-I, Achieved-II, On-Target and Off-Target. Further, when a district was Off-Target on a given indicator, we further identified the calendar year in which the target will be met post-2030. India is not On-Target for 19 of the 33 SDGs indicators. The critical Off-Target indicators include Access to Basic Services, Wasting and Overweight Children, Anaemia, Child Marriage, Partner Violence, Tobacco Use, and Modern Contraceptive Use. For these indicators, more than 75% of the districts were Off-Target. Because of a worsening trend observed between 2016 and 2021, and assuming no course correction occurs, many districts will never meet the targets on the SDGs even well after 2030. These Off-Target districts are concentrated in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha. Finally, it does not appear that Aspirational Districts, on average, are performing better in meeting the SDG targets than other districts on majority of the indicators. A mid-line assessment of districts' progress on SDGs suggests an urgent need to increase the pace and momentum on four SDG goals: No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) and Gender Equality (SDG 5). Developing a strategic roadmap at this time will help India ensure success with regards to meeting the SDGs. India's emergence and sustenance as a leading economic power depends on meeting some of the more basic health and social determinants of health-related SDGs in an immediate and equitable manner. This work was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, INV-002992.

Inspiration from the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework for SDG 15

With the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, countries worldwide have committed to a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. Among them is SDG 15, known as Life on Land. What makes this SDG special is that several of its targets had been scheduled for completion by 2020– raising the question what should happen to these targets after 2020 as they have not yet been achieved. With the approaching 2023 SDG Summit in mind, this perspective paper examines how the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which was adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity in late 2022, might provide guidance for the implementation of SDG 15 and maintain the momentum for action until 2030. Three areas are critical. First, concerning protected areas, the strengthened rights-based approach of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework should be integrated into SDG 15. Second, the new framework promotes the sustainable use of biodiversity more clearly than SDG 15 and should hence guide transformation of the biodiversity-based economic sectors. Finally, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework provides the first quantified financial target for global biodiversity action, and at the SDG Summit, that target should be reinforced by additional financial commitments. Guidance in these three areas can be integrated into the SDG Summit’s Political Declaration and into the voluntary pledges that countries are expected to make at the Summit, and it can inform the review of the SDG indicators.

A MODELLING FOR SUSTAINABLE OIL PALM DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH HALMAHERA, INDONESIA: AN EVIDENCE FROM LOCAL COMMUNITY

Studies on sustainable development in Indonesia’s palm oil industry hardly focus on local communities. This study aimed to examine the indicators of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) principles and criteria in a sustainability model. It was conducted in Gane Dalam, Jibubu, and Yamli villages in South Halmahera District, North Maluku Province using a sample of 200 respondents. Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). SDG indicators were found to have a positive and significant effect on ISPO. These indicators include poverty alleviation, food security, gender equality, income, the processing industry, infrastructure, and conflict resolution. Other indicators include company consistency, overlapping interests, efficient natural resource use, land rehabilitation and conservation, and animal protection. Additionally, the sustainable development model moves from the social to environmental development pillar, impacting Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil standards and criteria.

Achieving Zero Stunting: A Sustainable Development Goal Interlinkage Approach at District Level

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) provide an integrated framework of targets and indicators, including the elimination of stunting, to support better development planning. Indonesia faces a significant challenge as it ranks fourth globally in terms of stunting prevalence, exacerbated by disparities across regions, gender, and socioeconomic status, further compounded by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Given the interlinked nature of SDGs, this study provides empirical support for the prioritization of SDG indicators, primarily in the context of stunting elimination at the district level in Indonesia. This study employed a combination of economic complexity and network theory, utilizing data from a comprehensive set of 54 indicators spanning 28 targets within 13 SDG goals in 514 districts. The analysis is based on network metrics, including revealed comparative advantage (RCA), proximity, centrality, and density to establish the SDG interlinkage network and identify key priority indicators. The findings highlight the importance of prioritizing indicators such as civil registration, health facilities and services, access to basic facilities and housing, and access to ICT in efforts to reduce stunting, particularly among disadvantaged households. Given the unique resources and capacities of each region, our analysis offers district-specific prioritization strategies for stunting elimination.

Sustainable Development Assessment of Organizations through Quantitative Modelling

The “United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” is calling on businesses to apply their creativity and innovation initiatives to tackle sustainable development challenges. In this respect, this study intends to propose a sustainability model for business use. The proposed model will facilitate businesses in selecting the appropriate Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators, highlight potential sustainability “gaps” and emphasize the related best practices. For the development of the sustainability model, we used some basic economic principles (e.g., cost minimization, risk theory, etc.), a sustainability survey and a statistical study based on EU data. As a result, a quantitative model for the sustainable development assessment of organizations to formulate appropriate decision-making policies is proposed. The model was tested in a real-world context as a case study that was carried out at the Greek Atomic Energy Commission.

Pathways to water sustainability? A global study assessing the benefits of integrated water resources management

Integrated water resources management (IWRM) has been central to water governance and management worldwide since the 1990s. Recognizing the significance of an integrated approach to water management as a way to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), IWRM was formally incorporated as part of the SDG global indicator framework, thus committing the UN and its Member States to achieving high IWRM implementation by 2030 and measuring progress through SDG indicator 6.5.1. This paper examines the extent to which the implementation of IWRM improves the sustainable management of water and the health of water-related ecosystems—a first-of-its-kind in terms of quantitative analysis on a global scale. To achieve this objective, we conducted regression analyses between SDG 6.5.1 (both IWRM (total score) and the dimensions of SDG 6.5.1) and key water-related environmental sustainability indicators: SDG 6.2.1a (access to basic sanitation), 6.3.1 (treated wastewater), 6.4.1 (water-use efficiency), 6.4.2 (water stress), 6.6.1 (freshwater ecosystems, although here the trophic state and turbidity variables were used) and 6.3.2 (ambient water quality). Our analysis covers 124 countries for all these SDGs, with the exception of SDG 6.3.1 and SDG 6.3.2, which cover 112 and 85 countries, respectively. Results show that IWRM—to different degrees—is mainly associated with the good status of water-related sustainability indicators, with the exception of water stress, water quality, and turbidity. We observe a strong impact of control variables such as governance arrangements, economic situation and environmental and geographical conditions. Lagged effects and the scope of the framework may also explain some observed variations in the degree of association. Our study highlights the importance of further uncovering the interlinkages between IWRM implementation and the achievement of water-related environmental sustainability. Overall, the results suggest that although IWRM implementation is primarily linked to sustainable water management and the health of water systems, context-specific factors should be taken into account when evaluating its effectiveness, to enable policy- and decision-makers to make the necessary adjustments to optimize its outcomes.

ACCOUNTING AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT OF THE WAR’S IMPACT ON THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS ACHIEVEMENT EVALUATION

Introducing of organizational and methodological tools of accounting and analytical support developing for assessing the impact of war on achieving of the Sustainable Development Goals and working-out of practical recommendations on its use both at the national level and at the level of economic entities is the purpose of the article. The influence of Russian aggression on achieving of the Sustainable Development Goals both by Ukraine and the whole world is analyzed. The main challenges that Ukraine will face in the preparation of a Voluntary National Review during and after the war are identified, namely: the complexity of information collection, including monitoring, evaluation of Russian invasion negative economic effects on the world; the general availability of data, and specific difficulties of disaggregated and alternative data collection on evaluation the impact of Russo-Ukrainian war on Ukrainian and world’s economy; coordination of national strategies of resource mobilization for economic damage overcoming; challenges related to aligning institutions, institutional capacity formation, effective governance, decentralization, ensuring policy coherence etс. It is proven that accounting system produces a significant volume of information flows circulating in the globe. It was determined that a significant place in the process of accounting and analytical support formation at the corporate level is occupied by the development of metric systems and methods of evaluating financial and non-financial indicators, which allow evaluation of a company’s activities results as accurately and reliably as possible from point of view of various aspects. Accounting and analytical systems provide basis for Sustainable Development Goals indicators determining at national level. In order to form reliable accounting and analytical support for determining the impact of war on identified by UN 183 indicators of sustainable development it is proposed to adapt the methodology, which is based on the war economic destruction level simulator methodology, which is based on natural disasters vulnerability evaluation model and involves determination of a number of key indicators, such as: the war damage level rate; the armed attacks intensity rate, the war destruction magnitude rate, the inflation and unemployment levels in war ratio. In order to adapt the proposed methodology, it is recommended to calculate the rate of the war impact on the Sustainable Development Goals achievement over the past ten years, which corresponds to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the period during which Ukraine suffers from the Russian aggression. Implementing the proposed methodology of the war negative economic, social and ecological effects measuring could be used to create an informational basis for the most effective recovery of our country and will be of service for formation of an effective system of evaluation the impact of the war on the SDGs achievement at both national and global levels.

Assessment of Localized Targets of Sustainable Development Goals and Future Development on Hainan Island

Hainan Island in southern China has strong ecological systems and natural resources relevant to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The island has been focusing on economic development and building a national park and a free trade port to improve the economy and people’s lives. However, current research on Hainan’s SDGs has mainly focused on urban-related indicators (SDG11), resulting in an incomplete evaluation across SDGs. It is necessary to establish a comprehensive assessment framework that incorporates a greater number of indicators for Sustainable Development Goals in Hainan. Based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Assessment System and the current situation in Hainan, a localized study has been conducted on indicators for Sustainable Development Goals 1–4 and 6–11. Our analysis of target scores, SDG scores, and SDG index scores shows the following: (1) The sustainable development of Hainan Island has significantly improved since 2015, with SDGs 1, 3, and 10 showing the largest improvement; (2) most cities and counties have increased their SDG index scores, with Sanya City replacing Haikou City as the top scorer in 2021; and (3) the sustainable development levels are unevenly distributed, with high levels in the north and south, stable levels in the east, and low levels in the central and western regions. Policies, such as the “Haicheng Wending” comprehensive economic circle, are promoting integration between cities and counties. The study provides a localized evaluation framework and methodology for SDGs assessment at the regional level that can serve as a reference for similar work on sustainable development in similar regions and tropical islands worldwide.

Sustainable development goals and the triangle of ESG investments

The concept of sustainable development has had an enormous effect on the world in recent decades. A company's economic activities need to be organized in a way that takes into account how they will affect society, the environment, and corporate governance standards (ESG). This is what sustainable development means. One of the key trends in the growth of the international business community has been the ESG approach. Many people assert that the financial sector is the engine that drives behind ESG because of its goals to protect the environment, the general public, and to promote responsible investment. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their recent evolution are explained in this article using a qualitative research methodology. We'll also demonstrate how the 17 goals are intended to guide society's cautious development. We will contrast the first 10 sustainability-focused funds available on the market in light of the evidence that financial instruments have emerged on the market to enable businesses to undertake an ESG transformation more easily. At the same time, using the SDG indicators from the European Union, can compare the period before and during COVID 19. In this particular case, the primary focus will be on their contribution to the acceptance of the idea of sustainable development as well as their importance in the development of ESG principles affected by pandemics. The paper concentrates on the dependency between SDGs and ESG in light of the expanding significance of the sustainable development concept.

Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCS) in India and their compliance with government benchmarks: A scoping review

Background: Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs) are one of the critical pillars of India’s Adolescent Health Programme-Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram. The goal is to empower all adolescents to make informed decisions about their health and to access health services, allowing them to fully reach their potential. A review was conceptualised to assess the compliance of AFHCs with the benchmark proposed by the Government under Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram. Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) were searched for articles published between 2014 and 2022. A snowball search strategy was also used to retrieve all published articles. Based on the search strategy eight studies were included. Results: Evidence from the primary studies showed that the benchmarks need attention as privacy was lacking (six out of seven studies), unavailability of IEC material (four out of five), signages (two out of four), referrals (one out of two), and judgemental attitude of health care provider (one out of 3). Conclusions: It is crucial to address the existing gaps in order to make the clinics adolescent-friendly, as this could lead to increase utilization of services available in AFHCs and an overall improvement in their health, education, and employment. The improved health will catalyse achieving the Sustainable Development Goals indicators related to nutrition, reproductive health, sexual and intimate partner violence, child marriage, education, and employment.

Accelerating Sustainable Agri-Food Production and Processing in Post-Covid Recovery within Turkey’s Context

The Covid-19 pandemic not only has halted our day-to-day life but has also slowed down our progress towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by imposing constraints in our social and economic lives. Hence, an all-hands approach in which stakeholders come together to ensure the implementation of the SDGs is essential for a post-pandemic recovery. As the SDGs are perceived as an invisible whole, it is eminent that synergies and tradeoffs exist within the different goals they present. This review paper explores the environmental-human linkage within SDG 2 and SDG 12 by focusing on optimizing the synergies between sustainable food production systems and resilient agriculture practices while addressing how to reduce the tradeoffs between these goals. The paper analyzes thematic focus areas such as resource utilization in the agri-food sector, food loss and waste management, IoT (Internet of Things) technologies and smart farming, the circular economic model for the agri-food industry, and food security. Moreover, the paper investigates specific targets and indicators for both SDG 2 and SDG 12 and explores these targets within the framework of proper food waste management; increased crop yield; sustainable food production methodologies; the effect of the food production sector on the environment; as well as efficient resource use including water, land, and Nitrogen in the context of Turkey

Meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals for mental health: why greater prioritization and adequately tracking progress are critical.

Meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals for mental health: why greater prioritization and adequately tracking progress are critical.

Missing the SDGs: Political accountability for insufficient environmental action

AbstractThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) demonstrate an integration of development and environmental agendas. However, none of the environmental sub‐targets, which were due by 2020, were accomplished. Global governance through goal setting requires functioning mechanisms of accountability. Based on a theoretical framework that differentiates between public, private and voluntary logic of accountability, the article illustratively explores accountability mechanisms concerning the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This allows to discuss the untapped potential for holding power wielders, such as governments, private companies, and norm champions, accountable. While the SDGs were adopted within public governance institutions, there are regulative means of accountability available that follow private and voluntary logic. Acknowledging this hybrid character of accountability in the implementation stage, the article concludes that there is a need for additional research to explore dimensions of non‐public accountability for goals agreed upon by the international community. SDG indicators should be mandatory for corporate reporting, and civil society organisations should report more comprehensively on the spread of environmental norms in global development.

Impacts of Social Assistance on Child Well-Being in Vietnam: The Mediating Role of Household Welfare

As individuals’ living standards increase, the needs for the well-being of individuals are becoming more complicated, especially among children. Even though multidimensional methods for researching child well-being in Vietnam have made some progress, analyses of single dimensions of child well-being remain common. The research analyzes the relationship between social assistance, household welfare and child well-being on both objective and subjective aspects by applying Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through the secondary data collected from the Vietnam Sustainable Development Goal Indicators for Children and Women survey in the period 2020-2021 by the General Statistics Office (GSO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) of Vietnam. The research results emphasize the mediating role of household welfare as high social assistance increases household welfare, thereby improving child well-being in Vietnam. Based on the research results, the research proposes several recommendations for the management and improvement of social assistance programs, thereby improving child well-being in Vietnam.

A multilevel analysis of the perception and behavior of Europeans regarding climate change

Individual and macro conditions shape interacting factors such as behavior and perception regarding climate change, but there is little consensus on the topic. This article shows that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are macro-level conditions indispensable for generating the perception and behavior of individuals to climate change issues. Moreover, as individual factors, we understand that life satisfaction, attitudes and levels of engagement with scientific knowledge as complements are also decisive in the proposed model. We used multilevel logistic and linear regression models to analyze individual perception and behavior levels, respectively, in 37 European countries. The results show that SDGs indicators most related to perception are those addressing social and economic development, while the goals dealing directly with preservation and relations with the environment are more clearly seen as predictors of individual behavior. Social barriers, such as poverty, high mortality rates, decreasing life expectancy, and unemployment, are obstacles to increasing individuals' perceptions, as these social problems of basic needs override environmental and climate concerns. On the other hand, individuals who are more satisfied with their lives and who engage in and present a pro-science attitude are more willing to notice and act in favor of climate change policies. We conclude that all nations should systematically seek effective actions against global climate change, and the success of convincing and engaging all communities depends on meeting the SDGs uniformly.

Towards a sustainable agriculture: Achievements and challenges of Sustainable Development Goal Indicator 2.4.1

This short perspective reviews the development of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Indicator 2.4.1. The progress of developing SDG Indicator 2.4.1, such as defining the concept of sustainable agriculture and selecting sub-indicators, reflect the achievements towards sustainable agriculture and the contribution of existing studies. However, the challenges and limitations of developing SDG Indicator 2.4.1 reflect the some difficulties to achieve sustainable agriculture. This short perspective calls for future interdisciplinary and multi-dimensional research on sustainable agriculture.