SDSN launches 10th edition of the Sustainable Development Report

Yesterday, on the 24th of June, the 10th edition of the Sustainable Development Report was launched. In these times of geopolitical tensions, an important message is that the global commitment to the SDGs is strong. Although one country (USA) has denounced Agenda 2030, 190 out of 193 countries have presented Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and action plans for advancing sustainable development. Most countries have presented two or more VNRs. In addition, a growing number of cities, municipalities and regions have also prepared voluntary local reviews at the subnational level. 

Still, the world is far off track to implement the SDGs. Although the Nordic countries top the SDG Index ranking (positions 1, 2, 3, 7 and 15), all have major challenges to implement the environmental dimensions of the SDGs. In addition, we produce large negative spillovers in other countries, impeding them from advancing on the SDGs.

The report also includes an assessment of countries’ contributions to UN-based multilateralism. In this ranking, the Nordic countries do not perform well. Instead of being at top ranking positions, our countries rank at positions 70, 116, 124, 129, and 136 out of 193 countries.

"Perhaps the image (some of us have) of ourselves – as societies with high ambitions for the environment and international collaboration – needs to be better grounded in data", says Martin Eriksson, Network Manager of SDSN Northern Europe.