Blog Post

SDG Measurement, Challenges, and Policies

Cheyenne Maddox • Jul 26, 2018

By Professor Ranjula Bali Swain, Visiting Scholar at SDSN, Visiting Professor at the Stockholm School of Economics , Visiting Professor at the Mistra Center for Sustainable Markets, and Professor in the Dept. of Economics at Södertörn University. T witter @ranjbali. Södertörn University is a Member of the SDSN.

The FIFA World cup 2018 has recently ended. Imagine the game with the 22 players running around on the field,  if the game did not have clearly defined goal posts.  Goals work and can be achieved, measured and monitored, if they are well-defined and realistic. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were criticized  for being inadequate, as they were set without addressing key issues in development, like imbalances and inequalities within countries. But the eight MDGs were relatively well-specified. For instance, MDG 4 focused on reducing the under-five child mortality rates by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015. Compare that to the long list of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and 169 targets. For example, SDG 3 focuses on good health and well-being but includes several ambitious targets, which go beyond MDGs 4-6, and are inadequately specified. While the Agenda 2030 supporters claim that the SDGs reflect the complexity of development, others criticize the universal goals for being too broad and even ‘…amount to a betrayal of the world’s poorest people’ (Economist 2015).

In my seminar at UN SDSN, New York on 19 th July 2018, I made the following salient points, based on my research:

Setting Goals

When global targets are set without distinguishing between regional and socio-economic differences in development trajectories, unrealistic targets can be set. The MDG target of two-thirds reduction of child mortality from 1990 levels was infeasible for most countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Similarly, MDG targets were not ambitious enough for fast-developing countries such as Brazil and China. We should not make the same mistakes with SDGs. When the targets are re-visited in 2020, they should be set on the basis of country-specific development trajectories modeled from data. Such an approach will provide clear, quantifiable targets for policymakers, instead of arbitrary universal absolute or relative goals for all countries, that may be unrealistic at the country-specific level.

Goals don’t operate in Silos

Conventional approach towards SDG measurement and monitoring is to identify indicators for each SDG. This approach if not flawed is inadequate. Take the example of SDGs 3 (good health and well-being), 5 (gender equality) and 8 (decent work and economic growth). Using global country level data we show that child mortality, fertility, and GDP per capita are related. Fertility rate decreases when child mortality is low, and is weakly dependent on GDP. As fertility rates fall, GDP increases, and as GDP increases, child mortality falls. Such complex inter-relationships imply that measuring and implementing goals in silos is inadequate. We are currently working on capturing and quantifying these inter-relationships.

Tradeoffs & Inconsistencies

While some SDGs have a re-enforcing effect, others are inconsistent and conflicting. Quantifying the extent of inconsistency, our research reveals that economic growth and environment have underlying inconsistencies. This implies that in monitoring and implementation of some SDGs, say SDG 1 (No Poverty) or SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), there can be a negative impact on SDG 13 (Climate Change).

Combining Policies

Based on global data, we predict that the global greenhouse gas emissions will be much above the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) recommended level for 2020 to keep the increase in temperature under 2°Celsius in this century. Testing three fundamental policy approaches for keeping emissions under target limits, we show that policies can work in combinations only if they are implemented beyond certain thresholds. These three broad categories include: policies for cutting global emissions through legislation and economic interventions, technological innovations, and behavioral changes.

Strategies for developing and developed countries

Constructing a measure for the underlying SDG pillars of economic, social and environment, we argue that countries may pursue different strategies to be more effective in creating sustainable development in the short run. Our results reveal that while all three factors (economic, social, and environment) are important for the developed countries, they will benefit most by focusing on social and environmental factors to achieve sustainable development. The developing countries, on the other hand, should retain their focus on the economic and the social factors. While the environment factor is critical, the economic factor is the strongest in creating sustainable development in the short run for developing countries.

Suggested reads:

Bali Swain, R. and Wallentin, F. Y. The Sustainable Development Quagmire , working paper, Misum, Stockholm School of Economics .

By SDSN 14 Mar, 2024
The SDSN has launched an 'Employee Spotlight Campaign' to showcase the passion and expertise of our staff. This employee spotlight showcases Managing Director of the SDG Academy, Amber Webb!
By SDSN Japan 14 Mar, 2024
On March 1st, 2024, Keio University SFC Research Institute xSDG Lab and the United Nations University, with the support of the Japan Foundation, and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Japan, co-hosted a symposium titled GSDR 2023: "Accelerating Transformative Actions: The Role of the Private Sector in Sustainable Development."
By SDSN Southeast Asia 14 Mar, 2024
Following the success of our previous workshop for the Local Government of Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia in collaboration with the Semai Research and Sumedang Regency, SDSN Southeast Asia is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with the local government of Sumedang Regency. Together, we are working to provide a comprehensive analysis of the region's development through the formulation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and long-term pathways analysis for the government of Sumedang Regency. This initiative aims to guide 26 sub-districts across 270 villages over the next 20 years towards sustainable development.
By SDSN Southeast Asia 14 Mar, 2024
Bringing together multiple actors, SDSN Southeast Asia has emphasized the pivotal role of sustainable practices in reshaping the travel industry. Key takeaways highlighted the imperative need for collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and public-private partnerships to drive positive change and resilience in the post-pandemic era.
By SDSN 13 Mar, 2024
As the EU elections approach, we are committed to engaging and mobilizing young Europeans to vote. In this spirit, several SDSN networks will come together to spotlight the remarkable strides made by the EU and its Member States in advancing sustainable development over the recent decades. Join us for an invigorating webinar series titled "Europe: Our Wide and Safe Space," a collaborative effort by SDSN Europe, SDSN Mediterranean, SDSN Portugal, and SDSN Germany.
08 Mar, 2024
ABOUT SDSN The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has been operating since 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. We aim to accelerate joint learning and promote integrated approaches that address the interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting the world. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society. It is directed by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs and operates through offices in New York, Paris, and Kuala Lumpur. ABOUT SDSN CLIMATE & ENERGY PROGRAM The SDSN Climate & Energy Program is designed to support a collaborative brainstorming and solutions-oriented mode to the Paris Agreement, with the following objectives: Strengthen the technical capacities of signatory governments of the UNFCCC to design and implement long-term low greenhouse gas emissions development strategies as called for in the Paris Agreement (NDCs and LEDSs); Chart 2050 strategies for decarbonized energy systems, based on public-private partnerships; Create an intensive global dialogue among engineers and technology specialists on innovative solutions for a carbon neutral future; and Enhance global exchange and partnerships for technology solutions between governments, businesses, academia, and civil society organizations. POSITION SUMMARY This position will support the SDSN’s Climate and Energy Program in the coordination of an array of projects including: European Green Deal Senior Working Group; the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition; Guide to Net Zero Campus Community of Practice; and various fundraising proposals. The intern will be asked to support various aspects of these projects as they progress including research, meeting scheduling, note taking, authorship and editorial work, communications and project management, fundraising, and partnership outreach. A key part of the coordinator’s responsibilities will be helping to maintain the administrative and research activities of these ongoing projects, as well as supporting in the application processes of funding opportunities to help scale up these efforts. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES The intern will be involved in the following activities: Conducting comprehensive copyediting for technical outputs related to the energy transition (EG., reports, technical briefings, and policy papers) created by the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET).∙ Compiling and editing references for reports to ensure consistent and accurate citations - including gaining copyright permissions for the use of images, tables, and figures Assisting with administrative tasks related to the targeted recruitment of new Council Members Coordinating meetings and corresponding with project teams as materials are drafted Assisting in organizing and coordinating virtual events as part of the climate and energy program Support climate and energy fundraising efforts including grant writing and research Contributing to the SDSN website, including writing and editing content Helping to prioritize, draft, edit, and submit funding applications for climate and energy projects Creation of databases that collate relevant resources to support various program projects Research and project coordination for SDSN’s Net Zero Campus Community of Practice, including newsletter drafting, and forum maintenance QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE Interest in and strong knowledge of climate change and energy issues Related Bachelor’s Degree Ability to work both collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment and in a deadline-oriented setting Previous experience in copyediting Previous experience or interest in fundraising and development Experience managing complex projects with many collaborators Ability to communicate professionally with a wide variety of collaborators Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and the Adobe Suite Strong writing and communication skills Highly organized and detail-oriented IMPORTANT INFORMATION Location: New York City or remote in the US (east coast time zone preferred) Contract Length: 3 months with opportunity for extension Salary Range : $16/hour Reports to: Head of Climate & Energy Program Work authorization: SDSN does not sponsor visas, and therefore applicants must have proper authorization to work in the United States. SDSN is required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to secure verification of eligibility to work in the United States. SDSN is an Equal Opportunity Employer SDSN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, and physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. APPLICATION PROCESS To apply, please submit a cover letter and a CV on HR Partner by March 29, 2024 at the following link. https://sdsn.hrpartner.io/jobs/program-intern--climate-and-energy-pmm9g
By SDSN 04 Mar, 2024
The Global Association of Master’s in Development Practice Programs (MDP), in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), will hold the 12th Annual International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD) on 19-20 September, 2024. The conference will be hybrid, with the parallel sessions taking place fully remotely on 19 September and the high-level segment on September 20 (virtual and in-person). If you would like to present at the conference, you must submit an abstract as directed below. The conference is also open to observers (i.e. non-presenters). Simply register on the conference website to join us. Registration will open in July 2024. The theme of the 2024 ICSD is “Solutions for the Future”. The aim of the conference is to bring together persons involved in research, policy, practice, and business, in advance of the 2024 United Nations Summit of the Future. Participants will share practical solutions for achieving the SDGs at local and national levels. This year ICSD wi
By Global Schools Program 01 Mar, 2024
On February 8th, the results of the call "Proposals for environmental education and education for sustainability", by the government of the Lombardy region of Italy, were made public. Among 66 applications submitted to the region for funding, the Casnati for ESD project, developed by Centro Studi Casnati, was ranked third, making it one of 10 financed projects, and one of only two awards in total that went to a school.
By Info 01 Mar, 2024
The SDSN has launched an 'Employee Spotlight Campaign' to showcase the passion and expertise of our staff. This employee spotlight showcases Program Manager for the Networks Team, Julianna Gil!
By Info 29 Feb, 2024
On Jan 25, 2024, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), in collaboration with SDSN Europe and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), released the Europe Sustainable Development Report (ESDR) 2023/24: European Elections, Europe's Future and the Sustainable Development Goals . Each year, the ESDR provides an independent quantitative assessment of the progress of the European Union, its Member States, and partner countries toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In light of the upcoming European Elections and UN Summit of the Future, this year’s edition identifies 10 priority actions for the incoming EU leadership to accelerate SDG implementation within Europe and internationally. In the context of a fragmented and multipolar world, the ESDR 2023/24 calls for decisive action by the EU to avoid dangerous environmental and social tipping points. Read the Call to Action. Read the Press Release.
Show More
Share by: