SDGs Progress in Pakistan

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

The 17 SDGs are integrated—that is, they recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability.

Through the pledge to Leave No One Behind, countries have committed to fast-track progress for those furthest behind first. That is why the SDGs are designed to bring the world to several life-changing ‘zeros’, including zero poverty, hunger, AIDS and discrimination against women and girls.

Sources of Data

SDG Tracker (https://sdg-tracker.org/)
SDR 2021 (https://www.sustainabledevelopment.report/)

Reason Behind Selection of These Targets and Indicators

While selecting the targets and indicators following factors have been kept in mind;

1. Priority Areas of Pakistan

For the purpose of this project that targets and indicators have been considered which are prioritized by the government of Pakistan while considering their socio-economic and environmental conditions.

2. Priority Areas of Compared Countries

Priority areas of compared countries (India, Nepal and Bangladesh) have also been considered and such targets and indicators are selected that are prioritized by all four countries.

3. Availability of Reliable Data

We have collected data through reliable internal sources. We selected that indicators against which reliable data is available regarding all four countries.

SDG 1 : No Poverty

End poverty in all its forms everywhere

The UN explains: Extreme poverty rates have fallen by more than half since 1990. While this is a remarkable achievement, one-in-five people in developing regions still live on less than $1.90 a day. Millions more make little more than this daily amount and are at risk of slipping back into extreme poverty.SDG 1 aims to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030.

TARGET 1.1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty

UN Definition: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.90 a day.

INDICATOR 1.1.1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty

Definition: Indicator 1.1.1 is the proportion of population below the international poverty line, by sex, age, employment status and geographical location (urban/rural).

This poverty line is measured in "international dollars" which are a hypothetical currency that adjusts for price differences between countries (purchasing power parity) and it is measured in prices of 2011 to adjust for price changes over time (inflation).

Goal: By 2030 eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.90 a day.

TARGET 1.A: Mobilisation of Resources to End Poverty

UN Definition: Ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions.

SDG INDICATOR 1.A.2: Government spending on essential services

Definition: Indicator 1.a.2 is the proportion of total government spending on essential services (education, health and social protection). This is shown here as the percentage of government spending on health and education.
Goal: By 2030 Ensure significant mobilization of resources to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions. There is no defined target level of government spending for this indicator.

SDG INDICATOR 1.A.2: Government spending on essential services

Definition: Indicator 1.a.2 is the proportion of total government spending on essential services (education, health and social protection).

This is shown here as the percentage of government spending on health and education.

Goal: By 2030 Ensure significant mobilization of resources to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions.

There is no defined target level of government spending for this indicator.

SDG 2 : Zero Hunger

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

The UN Explains: "It is time to rethink how we grow, share and consume our food. If done right, agriculture, forestry and fisheries can provide nutritious food for all and generate decent incomes, while supporting people-centred rural development and protecting the environment. Right now, our soils, freshwater, oceans, forests and biodiversity are being rapidly degraded. Climate change is putting even more pressure on the resources we depend on, increasing risks associated with disasters such as droughts and floods. Many rural women and men can no longer make ends meet on their land, forcing them to migrate to cities in search of opportunities. A profound change of the global food and agriculture system is needed if we are to nourish today’s 815 million hungry and the additional 2 billion people expected by 2050. The food and agriculture sector offers key solutions for development, and is central for hunger and poverty eradication."

TARGET 2.1: Universal Access to Safe and Nutritious Food

UN Definition: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

SDG INDICATOR 2.1.1 Prevalence of undernourishment

Definition: Indicator 2.1.1 is the prevalence of undernourishment.

The prevalence of undernourishment is the share of the population with a caloric intake which is insufficient to meet minimum requirements for a healthy life. Minimum requirements vary by individual based on age, gender, weight, activity levels and so vary by country depending on the demographics of its population. Distributions for individuals are taken into account for this measure.

Goal: End hunger by 2030. This means eliminating undernourishment for all.

TARGET 2.A: Invest in Rural Infrastructure, Agricultural Research, Technology and Gene Banks

UN Definition: Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries.

SDG INDICATOR 2.A.2: Official Flows to Agriculture

Definition: Indicator 2.A.2 is total official flows (official development assistance plus other official flows) to the agriculture sector.

This is given as the total development assistance for agriculture received by a given country each year.

Goal: By 2030 Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries.

TARGET 2.3: Double the Productivity and Incomes of Small-Scale Food Producers

UN Definition: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.

SDG INDICATOR 2.3.1: Production Per Labour Unit

Definition: Indicator 2.3.1 is the volume of production per labour unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size. This is reported in the SDG Tracker as the economic value added per agricultural worker.
Goal: By 2030 double the average productivity of food producers. This would require a doubling in agricultural value added per worker by 2030.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

The UN explains: "Significant strides have been made in increasing life expectancy and reducing some of the common killers responsible for child and maternal mortality. Major progress has also been made on increasing access to clean water and sanitation, reducing malaria, tuberculosis, polio and the spread of HIV/AIDS. However, many more efforts are needed to control a wide range of diseases and address many different persistent and emerging health issues."

TARGET 3.1: Reduce Maternal Mortality

UN Definition: By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births. In addition, all countries should reduce the maternal mortality ratio to less than 140 per 100,000 live births.

SDG INDICATOR 3.1.1: Maternal Mortality Ratio

Definition: Indicator 3.1.1 is the maternal mortality ratio.

The maternal mortality ratio refers to the number of women who die from pregnancy-related causes while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy termination per 100,000 live births.

Goal: By 2030 Reduce global maternal mortality to less than 70 per 100,000 live births per year. In addition, all countries should reduce the maternal mortality ratio to less than 140 per 100,000 live births.

TARGET 3.2: End All Preventable Eeaths Under 5 Years of Age

UN Definition: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under‑5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births.

SDG INDICATOR 3.2.1: Under-5 Mortality Rate

Definition: Indicator 3.2.1 is the under-5 mortality rate. The under-5 mortality rate measures the number of children per 1,000 live births who die before their 5th birthday.
Goal: By 2030 Reduce child mortality to less than 25 deaths per 1,000 live births per year across all countries.

TARGET 3.4: Reduce Mortality from Non-Communicable Diseases and Promote Mental Health

UN Definition: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

SDG INDICATOR 3.4.2: Suicide Mortality Rate

Definition: Indicator 3.4.2 is suicide mortality rate.

Suicide mortality rate is the number of deaths from suicide measured per 100,000 individuals in a given population.

Goal: By 2030 promote mental health and wellbeing. There is no defined target level of suicide reduction for this indicator.

SDG 4: Quality Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong education for all

The UN Explains: "Obtaining a quality education underpins a range of fundamental development drivers. Major progress has been made towards increasing access to education at all levels, particularly for women and girls. Basic literacy skills across the world have improved tremendously, yet bolder efforts are needed to achieve universal education goals for all. For example, the world has achieved equality in primary education between girls and boys, but few countries have achieved that target at all levels of education."

TARGET 4.3: Equal Access to Affordable Technical, Vocational and Higher Education

UN Definition: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.

SDG INDICATOR 4.3.1: Equal Access to Further Education

Definition: Indicator 4.3.1 is the participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex.

It is not clear how this is supposed to be tracked. Here we show the total enrollment in tertiary education, regardless of age, expressed as a percentage of the total population of the five-year age group following on from secondary school leaving. Data on non-formal further education and training is not available.

Goal: By 2030 ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education.

TARGET 4.B: Expand Higher Education Scholarships for Developing Countries

UN Definition: By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other developing countries.

SDG INDICATOR 4.B.1: Scholarships for Developing Countries

Definition: Indicator 4.B.1 is the volume of official development assistance flows for scholarships. This indicator measures the levels of financial support and development assistance provided for education and training scholarships.
Goal: By 2020 substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries. Unlike most SDG targets which are set to be achieved by 2030, this indicator has a target year of 2020.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

The UN explains: "Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. Providing women and girls with equal access to education, health care, decent work, and representation in political and economic decision-making processes will fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large."

TARGET 5.2: End All Violence Against and Exploitation of Women and Girls

UN Definition: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.

SDG INDICATOR 5.2.1: Violence Against Women from an Intimate Partner

Definition: Indicator 5.2.1 is the proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age.

This is measured here as the share of women aged 15 years or older who experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner in the last year.

Goal: By 2030 eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls.

TARGET 5.5: Ensure Full Participation in Leadership and Decision-Making

UN definition: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.

SDG INDICATOR 5.5.1: Women in Political Positions

Definition: Indicator 5.5.1 is the proportion of seats held by women in (a) national parliaments and (b) local governments.

This is measured as the share of national parliamentary seats, and ministerial positions held by women for each country in a given year.

Goal: By 2030 ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political life.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Ensure availabilty and sustainable management of water and sanitation

The UN explains: "Clean water is a basic human need, and one that should be easily accessible to all. There is sufficient fresh water on the planet to achieve this. However, due to poor infrastructure, investment and planning, every year millions of people — most of them children — die from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene."

TARGET 6.1: Safe and Affordable Drinking Water

UN Definition: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

SDG INDICATOR 6.1.1: Safe Drinking Water

Definition: Indicator 6.1.1 is the Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.

A safely managed drinking water service is defined as one located on premises, available when needed and free from contamination.

Goal: By 2030 achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

TARGET 6.2: End Open Defecation and Provide Access to Sanitation and Hygiene

UN Definition: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.

SDG INDICATOR 6.2.1: Safe Sanitation and Hygiene

Definition: Indicator 6.2.1 is the Proportion of population using (a) safely managed sanitation services and (b) a hand-washing facility with soap and water.

This is measured as the share of the population using safely managed sanitation facilities and at least basic handwashing facilities.

A safely managed sanitation facility is one where excreta is safely disposed of in situ or treated off-site. A basic handwashing facility is defined by a device to contain, transport or regulate the flow of water to facilitate handwashing with soap and water in the household.

Goal: By 2030 achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

UN Definition: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.

SDG INDICATOR 7.1.2: Access to Clean Fuels for Cooking

Definition: Indicator 7.1.2 is the proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology. This is measured as the share of the total population with access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking. Access to clean fuels or technologies such as clean cook stoves reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants.
Goal: By 2030 ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services. This requires universal access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking by 2030

TARGET 7.2: Increase Global Percentage of Renewable Energy

UN Definition: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

SDG INDICATOR 7.2.1: Renewable energy

Definition: Indicator 7.2.1 is renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption. This is measured as renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower) as a share of final energy consumption. Energy mix includes electricity, transportation and cooking/heating fuels.
Goal: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

TARGET 7.3: Double The Improvement in Energy Efficiency

UN Definition: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

SDG INDICATOR 7.3.1: Energy efficiency

Definition:Indicator 7.3.1 is energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP. This is measured as the energy intensity of economies (collectively across all sectors). Energy intensity is measured as the quantity of kilowatt-hours produced per 2011 international-$ of gross domestic product.
Goal: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

SDG 8: Decent Jobs and Economic Growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

The UN Explains: Roughly half the world’s population still lives on the equivalent of about US$2 a day. And in too many places, having a job doesn’t guarantee the ability to escape from poverty. This slow and uneven progress requires us to rethink and retool our economic and social policies aimed at eradicating poverty. The UN has defined 12 Targets and 17 Indicators for SDG 8. Targets specify the goals and Indicators represent the metrics by which the world aims to track whether these Targets are achieved. Below we quote the original text of all Targets and show the data on the agreed Indicators.

TARGET 8.1: Sustainable Economic Growth

UN definition: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries.

SDG INDICATOR 8.1.1: GDP Per Capita Growth Rate

Definition: Indicator 8.1.1 is annual growth rate of real GDP per capita. This is measured as the annual percentage growth in gross domestic product per capita based on constant local currency.
Goal: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances. In particular, at least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries through 2030.

TARGET 8.5: Full Employment and Decent Work with Equal Pay

UN Definition: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

SDG INDICATOR 8.5.2: Hourly earnings

Definition: Indicator 8.5.2 is the unemployment rate, by sex, age and persons with disabilities. Unemployment rate is measured as the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment. This is available for the total population, in addition to breakdown by sex.
Goal: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.

TARGET 8.6: Promote Youth Employment, Education and Training

UN Definition: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.

SDG INDICATOR 8.6.1: Youth employment, education and training

Definition: Indicator 8.6.1 is the proportion of youth (aged 15–24 years) not in education, employment or training. This indicator reports the share of young people (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment or training in a given year.
Goal: Substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training. Unlike most SDG targets set for the year 2030, this is set to be achieved by 2020.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Build resilient in infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

The UN Explains: Investments in infrastructure – transport, irrigation, energy and information and communication technology – are crucial to achieving sustainable development and empowering communities in many countries. It has long been recognized that growth in productivity and incomes, and improvements in health and education outcomes require investment in infrastructure. The UN has defined 8 Targets and 12 Indicators for SDG 9. Targets specify the goals and Indicators represent the metrics by which the world aims to track whether these Targets are achieved. Below we quote the original text of all Targets and show the data on the agreed Indicators.

TARGET 9.2: Promote Inclusive and Sustainable industrialization

UN Definition: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries.

SDG INDICATOR 9.2.2: Manufacturing Employment

Definition: Indicator 9.2.2 is manufacturing employment as a proportion of total employment. This indicator measures the manufacturing sector's employment as a share of the country's total employment. Employment refers to all persons of working age who, during a specified brief period, were in paid or self-employment.
Goal: By 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, and double its share in LDCs.

TARGET 9.4: Upgrade all Industries and Infrastructures for Sustainability

UN definition: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities.

SDG INDICATOR 9.4.1: CO2 Emissions Per Unit Value Added

Definition: Indicator 9.4.1 is CO2 emissions per unit of value added. This indicator is a measure of carbon intensity. It reports the quantity of carbon dioxide emissions generated per unit of economic value (kgs of CO2 emitted / dollar of GDP).
Goal: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable. With increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and processes.

TARGET 9.B: Support Domestic Technology Development and Industrial Diversification

UN Definition: Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities.

SDG INDICATOR 9.B.1: Medium and High-Tech Industry

Definition: Indicator 9.B.1 is the proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total value added. It measures the share of a country's manufacturing value added which is derived from medium to high-tech industry outputs. Higher values indicate that a country's industrial sector is more focused on high-tech and innovation products.
Goal: Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries. By ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities by 2030.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries

Reduce Inequality Within and Among Countries

The UN Explains: The international community has made significant strides towards lifting people out of poverty. The most vulnerable nations – the least developed countries, the landlocked developing countries and the small island developing states – continue to make inroads into poverty reduction. However, inequality still persists and large disparities remain in access to health and education services and other assets. The UN has defined 10 Targets and 11 Indicators for SDG 10. Targets specify the goals and Indicators represent the metrics by which the world aims to track whether these Targets are achieved. Below we quote the original text of all Targets and show the data on the agreed Indicators.

TARGET 10.4: Adopt Fiscal and Social Policies That Promotes Equality

UN Definition: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.

SDG INDICATOR 10.4.1: Policies for Greater Equality

Definition: Indicator 10.4.1 is the labour share of GDP, comprising wages and social protection transfers. This indicator measures the percentage of GDP derived from labour, which is inclusive of wages and social protection transfers.
Goal: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality by 2030.

TARGET 10.7: Responsible and Well-Managed Migration Policies

UN definition: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.

SDG INDICATOR 10.7.4: Refugee Population

Definition: Indicator 10.7.4 is the proportion of the population who are refugees, by country of origin.
Goal: By 2030 facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.

TARGET 10.A: Special and Differential Treatment for Developing Countries

UN Definition: Implement the principle of special and differential treatment for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, in accordance with World Trade Organization agreements.

SDG INDICATOR 10.A.1: Differential Tariffs for Least Developed Countries

Definition: Indicator 10.A.1 is the proportion of tariff lines applied to imports from LDCs and DCs with zero-tariff. It measures the proportion of total number of tariff lines applied to products imported from LDCs corresponding to 0% tariff rate. A tariff line represents a particular product group used for classification coding.
Goal: By 2030 ensure enhanced representation and voice for developing countries in international decision-making

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable

Make Cities Inclusive, Safe, Resilient and Sustainable

The UN Explains: The challenges cities face can be overcome in ways that allow them to continue to thrive and grow, while improving resource use and reducing pollution and poverty. The future we want includes cities of opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more. The UN has defined 10 Targets and 15 Indicators for SDG 11. Targets specify the goals and Indicators represent the metrics by which the world aims to track whether these Targets are achieved. Below we quote the original text of all Targets and show the data on the agreed Indicators.

TARGET 11.1: Safe and Affordable Housing

UN Definition: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.

SDG INDICATOR 11.1.1: Urban Population Living in Slums

Definition: Indicator 11.1.1 is the proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing. This measures the proportion of the urban population living in slum households. A slum household is defined as a group of individuals living under the same roof lacking one or more of the following conditions: access to improved water, access to improved sanitation, sufficient living area, and durability of housing.
Goal: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.

TARGET 11.5: Reduce the Adverse Effects of Natural Disasters

UN Definition: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.

SDG INDICATOR 11.5.1: Deaths and Injuries from Natural Disasters

Definition: Indicator 11.5.1 is the number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population. Indicators measured here report mortality rates, internally displaced persons, total numbers affected by natural disasters.
Goal: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people directly affected by natural disasters.

TARGET 11.6: Reduce the Environmental Impacts of Cities

UN Definition: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.

SDG INDICATOR 11.6.2: Urban Air Pollution

Definition: Indicator 11.6.1 is the annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted). This indicator measures the population-weighted exposure to ambient PM2.5 pollution; that is, concentrations of suspended particles measuring less than 2.5 microns in diameter.
Goal: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air pollution.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

The UN Explains: Sustainable consumption and production is about promoting resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services, green and decent jobs and a better quality of life for all. Its implementation helps to achieve overall development plans, reduce future economic, environmental and social costs, strengthen economic competitiveness and reduce poverty. The UN has defined 11 Targets and 13 Indicators for SDG 12. Targets specify the goals and Indicators represent the metrics by which the world aims to track whether these Targets are achieved. Below we quote the original text of all Targets and show the data on the agreed Indicators.

TARGET 12.2: Sustainable Management and Use of Natural Resources

UN definition: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

SDG INDICATOR 12.2.2: Domestic Material Consumption

Definition: Indicator 12.2.2 is domestic material consumption, domestic material consumption per capita, and domestic material consumption per GDP.

Material Footprint (MF) is the quantity of material extraction that is required to meet the consumption of a country. The total material footprint is the sum of the material footprint for biomass, fossil fuels, metal ores and non-metal ores.

Domestic Material Consumption (DMC) is a production-side measure which does not account for supply chain inputs or exports, meaning a country could have a lower DMC value if it outsources a large proportion of its materials.

The definition or target level of sustainable material consumption is not defined. Data on consumption is outdated and unavailable for years following 2010.

Goal: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

TARGET 12.6: Encourage Companies to Adopt Sustainable Practices and Sustainability Reporting

UN Definition: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.

SDG INDICATOR 12.6.1: Companies Publishing Sustainability Reports

Definition: Indicator 12.6.1 is the number of companies publishing sustainability reports.
Goal: Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and sustainability reporting by 2030.

TARGET 12.B: Develop and Implement Tools to Monitor Sustainable Tourism

UN Definition: Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.

SDG INDICATOR 12.B.1: Monitoring Sustainable Tourism

Definition: Indicator 12.B.1 is the number of sustainable tourism strategies or policies and implemented action plans with agreed monitoring and evaluation tools.
Goal: Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism by 2030.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

The UN explains: Affordable, scalable solutions are now available to enable countries to leapfrog to cleaner, more resilient economies. The pace of change is quickening as more people are turning to renewable energy and a range of other measures that will reduce emissions and increase adaptation efforts.

TARGET 13.1: Strengthen Resilience and Adaptive Capacity to Climate-Related Disasters

UN Definition: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

SDG INDICATOR 13.1.1: Deaths and Injuries from Natural Disasters

Definition: Indicator 13.1.1 is the number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population. Indicators measured here report mortality rates, internally displaced persons, missing persons and total numbers affected by natural disasters.
Goal: By 2030 strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

TARGET 13.2: Integrate Climate Change Measures into Policy and Planning

UN definition: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

INDICATOR 13.2.1: National Disaster Risk Management

Definition: Indicator 13.1.2 is the number of countries that adopt and implement national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030.

This indicator identifies countries who have and have not adopted and implemented disaster risk management strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Goal: By 2030 strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

SDG INDICATOR : CO₂ emissions embodied in imports (tCO₂/capita)

Description: CO₂ emissions embodied in imported goods and services

SDG 14: Life Below Water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development

The UN explains: "Our oceans — their temperature, circulation, chemistry, and ecosystems — play a fundamental role in making Earth habitable. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea. Throughout history, oceans and seas have been vital conduits for trade and transportation. Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future."

Target 14.2: Protect and Restore Ecosystems

UN Definition: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.

SDG INDICATOR 14.2.1: Mean Area that is Protected in Marine sites Important to Biodiversity

Description: The mean percentage area of marine Key Biodiversity Areas (sites that are important for the global persistence of marine biodiversity) that are protected.

TARGET 14.1: Reduce Marine Pollution

UN Definition: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.

SDG INDICATOR 14.1.1: Ocean Health Index: Clean Waters Score

Description: The clean waters subgoal of the Ocean Health Index measures to what degree marine waters under national jurisdictions have been contaminated by chemicals, excessive nutrients (eutrophication), human pathogens, and trash.

TARGET 14.4: Sustainable Fishing

UN Definition: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics.

SDG INDICATOR 14.4.1: Fish Caught by Trawling or Dredging

Description: The percentage of fish caught by trawling, a method of fishing in which industrial fishing vessels drag large nets (trawls) along the seabed.

SDG 15: Life on Land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and reserve land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

The UN explains: Forests cover 30 per cent of the Earth’s surface and in addition to providing food security and shelter, forests are key to combating climate change, protecting biodiversity and the homes of the indigenous population. Thirteen million hectares of forests are being lost every year while the persistent degradation of drylands has led to the desertification of 3.6 billion hectares.

TARGET 15.1: Conserve and restore terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems

UN Definition: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

SDG INDICATOR 15.1.1: Forest Area

Definition: Indicator 15.1.1 is forest area as a proportion of total land area.

Forest area is land under natural or planted stands of trees of at least 5 meters in situ, whether productive or not, and excludes tree stands in agricultural production systems (for example, in fruit plantations and agroforestry systems) and trees in urban parks and gardens.

Goal: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. Unlike most SDGs which have a target year of 2030, this indicator is set to be achieved by 2020.

TARGET 15.4: Ensure Conservation of Mountain Ecosystems

UN Definition: By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development.

SDG INDICATOR 15.4.1: Coverage of Important Sites for Mountain Biodiversity

Definition: Indicator 15.4.1 is coverage by protected areas of important sites for mountain biodiversity.

This indicator measures the average share of each important site for mountain biodiversity that is covered by designated protected areas. The indicator does not measure the effectiveness of protected areas in reducing biodiversity loss, which depends on a range of management and enforcement factors.

Goal: By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity.

TARGET 15.5: Protect Biodiversity and Natural Habitats

UN definition: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

SDG INDICATOR 15.5.1: Red List Index

Definition: Indicator 15.5.1 is the Red List Index.

The Red List Index (RLI) defines the conservation status of major species groups, and measures trends in the proportion of species expected to remain extant in the near future without additional conservation action.

An RLI value of 1.0 equates to all species being categorised as 'Least Concern', and hence that none are expected to go extinct in the near future. A value of 0 indicates that all species have gone extinct.

Goal: By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity.

SDG 16: Peace and Justice-Strong Institutions

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive instructions at all levels

The UN explains: Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals is dedicated to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, the provision of access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.

This aims to promote peaceful societies at national levels, as well as the role of cooperation at the international level.

TARGET 16.1: Reduce Violence Everywhere

UN definition: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

SDG INDICATOR 16.1.2: Conflict-Related Deaths

Definition: Indicator 16.1.2 is conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population, by sex, age and cause. Conflict-related deaths is the number of deaths per 100,000 people from war, conflict and terrorism-related deaths.
Goal: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates across all countries by 2030. There is no defined target level of reduction for this indicator.

SDG INDICATOR 16.1.3: Prevalence of All forms of Violence

Definition: Indicator 16.1.3 is the proportion of population subjected to (a) physical violence, (b) psychological violence and (c) sexual violence in the previous 12 months.
Goal: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates across all countries by 2030. There is no defined target level of reduction for this indicator.

TARGET 16.6: Develop Effective, Accountable and Transparent Institutions

UN definition: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

SDG INDICATOR 16.6.1: Governmental Expenditures Within Budgets

Definition: Indicator 16.6.1 is primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector (or by budget codes or similar).
Goal: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels by 2030.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

The UN explains: A successful sustainable development agenda requires partnerships between governments, the private sector and civil society. These inclusive partnerships built upon principles and values, a shared vision, and shared goals that place people and the planet at the centre, are needed at the global, regional, national and local level.

TARGET 17.3: Mobilize Financial Resources for Developing Countries

UN definition: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.

SDG INDICATOR 17.3.2: Volume of Remittances

Definition: Indicator 17.3.2 is the volume of remittances (in United States dollars) as a proportion of total GDP.

Personal remittances comprise personal transfers and compensation of employees. Personal transfers consist of all current transfers in cash or in kind made or received by resident households to or from nonresident households.

Compensation of employees refers to the income of border, seasonal, and other short-term workers who are employed in an economy where they are not resident and of residents employed by nonresident entities.

Goal: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries by 2030. A specific target level of financial resource mobilization is not provided for this indicator.

TARGET 17.4: Assist Developing Countries in Attaining Debt Sustainability

UN definition: Assist developing countries in attaining long-term debt sustainability through coordinated policies aimed at fostering debt financing, debt relief and debt restructuring, as appropriate, and address the external debt of highly indebted poor countries to reduce debt distress.

SDG INDICATOR 17.4.1: Debt Service

Definition: Indicator 17.4.1 is debt service as a proportion of exports of goods and services.

Total debt service is the sum of principal repayments and interest actually paid in currency, goods, or services on long-term debt, interest paid on short-term debt, and repayments (repurchases and charges) to the IMF.

Goal: Assist developing countries in attaining long-term debt sustainability through coordinated policies aimed at fostering debt financing, debt relief and debt restructuring by 2030.

TARGET 17.17: Encourage Effective Partnerships

UN definition: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

SDG INDICATOR 17.17.1: Public, Private and Civil Society Partnerships

Definition: Indicator 17.17.1 is the amount of United States dollars committed to (a) public-private partnerships and (b) civil society partnerships.
Goal: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships by 2030.

Conclusion

Achievement and Shortcomings

China has made remarkable progress in overcoming poverty and hunger (SDG1 & 2). In terms of education and gender equality (SDG 4 & 5), it is also showing a relatively high degree of achievement.
However, indicators related to atmospheric conditions, Gini coefficients, and employment indicators show an unfavorable environment, which calls for an active response from the Chinese government in the future.

References

Jihyun Kim, & Jiyoon Park (2020), Social Impacts of COVID-19 and SDGs Policy Issues - in case of Korea, China and Japan, The Journal of Asian Studies, 23(3), 1-42.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse