The Asia-Pacific region, with its diverse range of countries at different levels of economic development, has seen mixed responses to addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In a region that accounts for more than half of the world's population, progress towards implementing the 2030 SDGs remains inconsistent and insufficient. On the current trajectory, progress towards many of the 17 SDGs has been alarmingly slow, with almost half showing minimal progress and more than a third stalled entirely.
Estimates suggest that the current SDGs will not be achieved until 2062, at least 32 years behind schedule. As of 2023, the average progress across all 17 SDGs has increased slightly from 4.4% in 2017 to 17% in 2023. Since 2015, the region has seen the greatest progress in poverty alleviation (SDG 1) and sustainable industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9). However, the pace is still insufficient to meet the 2030 deadline.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Asia-Pacific region are among the countries most affected by the challenges of achieving the SDGs due to their particular vulnerabilities.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Asia-Pacific region are among the most affected by the challenges of achieving the SDGs due to their particular vulnerabilities. For example, Maldives, Fiji and Tuvalu face significant obstacles, including high vulnerability to the effects of climate change, limited natural resources, economic dependence on a limited number of industries (especially tourism), and geographic isolation. While some countries, such as Samoa, have shown resilience through economic diversification and a robust local agriculture, the pace of progress in SIDS overall remains insufficient, with an average progress rate of just 5.9% on the SDGs since 2015. This stands in stark contrast to the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in the region, which have achieved a relative progress rate of 13%.
Struggles in the Global South
The pandemic has further exacerbated economic woes in achieving the SDG Agenda 2030 across the world, with the Global South, including developing and emerging economies in Asia-Pacific, being the hardest hit. Although some parts of the Global South have seen sustained growth, notable challenges such as internal inequalities, political instability, and dependency on supply chains from the Global North remain prevalent. According to the World Bank, high interest rates raise the cost of debt burdens and undermine investments in education, health, and infrastructure, thereby negatively impacting social progress in developing countries. Moreover, resource scarcity also puts the energy transition at risk, threatening climate goals. It is estimated that developing countries face an annual deficit of $1.7 trillion in SDG financing, making the annual gap in global SDG achievement more than $4 trillion.
While some parts of the Global South have experienced sustained growth, major challenges remain, including within-country inequality, political instability and dependency on supply chains from the Global North.
In addition to these challenges, data availability remains a major obstacle to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, especially in the Global South. According to ESCAP member states, on average, only 52% of indicators have two or more data points, and more than a third of indicators have no data at all. Despite positive trends indicating improved data availability, the pace of progress is slowing. Goals such as Good Health and Well-being (Goal 3), Affordable and Clean Energy (Goal 7) and Life on Land (Goal 15) show high data availability, covering more than 70% of SDG indicators. In contrast, Gender Equality (Goal 5) and Peace and Justice (Goal 16) still have the least available data, highlighting the need to improve national and global coordination on data sharing and use to achieve the SDGs in Asia and the Pacific.
Figure 1: Differences in data availability across Asia-Pacific
Source: Asia-Pacific SDG Progress Report 2024, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
India and Regional Development
With its strategic geographic location, growing economy and a robust and evolving foreign policy, India has emerged as a key player in sustainable development in this dynamic environment. India has made significant progress in achieving the SDGs, particularly in eradicating poverty, providing decent jobs, boosting economic growth, combating climate change and life on land. Targeted government interventions such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala, Swachh Bharat, Jan Dhan, Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, Ayushman Arogya Mandir, PM-Mudra Yojana, Saubhagya and Start-up India have brought about rapid improvements.
Table 1: Index scores for retrospective SDG indicators
Year India World SDG Score Percentage Change SDG Score Percentage Change 2000 52.19 57.77 2001 52.41 0.43 58.04 0.47 2002 52.27 -0.26 58.25 0.36 2003 52.67 0.75 58.47 0.38 2004 52.66 -0.01 58.75 0.47 2005 53.12 0.88 59.20 0.77 2006 53.43 0.59 59.49 0.49 2007 53.88 0.83 59.95 0.78 2008 53.97 0.17 60.20 0.42 2009 53.77 -0.37 60.55 0.57 2010 54.81 1.94 61.12 0.95 2011 55.78 1.77 61.54 0.68 2012 56.26 0.86 61.96 0.69 3 56. 63 0.65 62.35 0.63 2014 57.87 2.19 63.14 1.27 2015 58.45 0.99 63.51 0.57 2016 58.89 0.76 63.82 0.49 2017 59.80 1.54 64.35 0.83 2018 60.53 1.23 64.77 0.66 2019 61.57 1.72 65.30 0.81 2020 62.28 1.15 65.69 0.60 2021 62.86 0.93 65.87 0.26 2022 63.57 1.13 66.15 0.44 2023 63.99 0.65 66.30 0.22 Average 56.82 23 percent increase from 2000 to 2023 61.94 15 percent increase from 2000 to 2023
Source: Sustainable Development Report 2024, Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)
On the diplomatic front, India has sought engagement with regional forums such as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to reflect its comprehensive approach to regional challenges. India has also pursued bilateral and multilateral trade agreements to enhance economic integration and development cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region. Strengthening domestic capabilities through sharing information technology and digital solutions stands out as a priority for India, while the country's sustained maritime engagement in the Indian Ocean will be crucial in addressing environmental challenges related to sustainability and the blue economy.
Finally, while some countries in the Asia-Pacific region have committed to achieving the goals, their progress highlights the importance of improving data quality and strengthening data management capacities to optimize policy implementation. In this complex context, it is essential to sequence specific goals that address each country's specific circumstances and implement a multifaceted approach that emphasizes customized strategies, cross-border cooperation, and technological innovation.
Soumya Bhowmik is an associate research fellow at the Observer Research Foundation.
Tanisha Paul is a research intern at the Observer Research Foundation.
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