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Measuring UNSDGs
November 13, 2020
Monitoring and Evaluation
What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of 17 global goals which were adopted by all UN members in 2015. The Sustainable development goals have evolved from the millennium development goals that preceded them. The goals set out a vision for a fairer and more sustainable world, covering all areas of sustainability from ending poverty to addressing climate change and ensuring the world achieves sustainable consumption and production.
The UNSDGs have been important for unifying efforts under a single goal. They also create a high-level framework for countries to report back on their contribution towards achieving the goals under the voluntary national reviews (VNRs). In 2020 there were 47 countries which presented their Voluntary National Review.
Agenda 2030
In 2015 the general assembly of the united nations adopted the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. This formalised the 17 sustainable development goals and 169 related targets which sit under the goals.
“We envisage a world free of poverty, hunger, disease and want, where all life can thrive. We envisage a world free of fear and violence. A world with universal literacy. A world with equitable and universal access to quality education at all levels, to health care and social protection, where physical, mental and social well-being are assured. A world where we reaffirm our commitments regarding the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation and where there is improved hygiene; and where food is sufficient, safe, affordable and nutritious. A world where human habitats are safe, resilient and sustainable and where there is universal access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.” - section 7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
How are the UN Sustainable Development Goals measured?
Each goal has a set of targets. These are labelled according to the goal number and then the number or letter of the target. For example target 4 of goal three is labelled 3.4:
“By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being” - UNSDG target 3.4
Each target then has one or more indicators which can be used to measure whether the target is being met. Target 3.4 has two indicators; 3.4.1(Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease) and 3.4.2 (Suicide mortality rate).
These indicators are high level but can be measured with reasonable consistency at a national level. This provides the mechanism for a country to report their progress and contribution towards achieving the common goal. Countries can report their progress in voluntary national reviews (VNRs). Despite the structure of the goals, targets and indicators, VNRs different significantly between countries and often will have previously not included progress against all 169 indicators.
Aligning your monitoring and evaluation frameworks towards one or more of the indicators will provide greater incentives for funding bodies to support the work you do.
FAQs
Where can I find the latest reports on progress of the Sustainable Development Goals?
Countries voluntarily provide reports on their progress and contribution to the goals. These are called Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and can be found at: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/vnrs/
Is there a standard way to measure Sustainable Development Goals?
Each of the 17 goals has a series of targets and each target has one or more indicators (169 indications in total). These indicators are a standardised way of measuring progress and contribution to the goals.
Do all countries measure against the Sustainable Development Goals in the same way?
The sustainable development goal indicators provide a standardised way of measuring progress to the goals, however reporting against those outcomes is done at a national level through the Voluntary National Reviews (VNR). The format and content of each VNR can vary greatly depending on the country producing the report and the information they have available.
Where can I get a full list of the Sustainable Development Goal indicators?
You can download a full list of the sustainable development goals, their targets and indicators here: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/indicators/Global%20Indicator%20Framework%20after%202020%20review_Eng.pdf
About Arco
Arco Tech supports international development programmes and not for profits who are looking to establish or improve the monitoring and evaluation of their impact. We help those organisations access and utilise powerful technology and can provide expert guidance on data collection design and processes.
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