The OECD Hub on Sustainable Development Goals

For each goal, the chart shows the % of countries at various distance from achieving the targets. The chart distinguishes by “small, “medium” and “large” distances. The chart also indicates the % of countries for which the data are insufficient or not available. On average, OECD countries have achieved 6 of 114 measurable SDG targets for 17 goals. Overall, the current level of achievement varies across dimensions, with 25% of People-related targets, 24% of Planet-related targets, 25% of Prosperity-related targets, and 12% of Peace and Partnerships-related targets close to being achieved. Certain goals show smaller distances than others to be travelled for at least half of their targets. These include Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). These areas highlight where progress has been relatively stronger and where continued focus could help meet targets by 2030.

Significant challenges, however, remain for several critical goals. One-fifth or more of the targets for the following goals are far from being met:

• Zero Hunger (SDG 2),
• Gender Equality (SDG 5),
• Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), 
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and
• Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).

For each goal, the chart shows the % of countries with targets achieved or on track; countries with insufficient progress; and countries with no progress or receding. It also shows the % of countries with insufficient or no data. Overall, considering all goals and targets, the assessment of indicator change over time reveals a mixed picture of progress across the 17 SDG goals in OECD countries. While some goals have moved in the right direction towards meeting their targets, others show limited progress or even regression. Overall, 45% of People-related targets, 22% of Planet-related targets, 20% of Prosperity-related targets, and 30% of Peace-and Partnership-related targets show a positive trend. In particular, progress is evident in goals such as Quality Education (SDG 4) and Climate Action (SDG 13), where at least half of the targets are moving closer to being achieved by 2030.

In contrast, the pace of change has been insufficient for many targets. Limited improvement is seen in 35% of People-related targets, 39% of Planet-related targets, 39% of Prosperity-related targets and 41% of Peace-related targets. Alarmingly, over 70% of targets for Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) and Zero Hunger (SDG 2) show either no progress or regression.

Disparities persist even within individual goals. For example, while 40% of targets for No Poverty (SDG 1) are on track, progress has stalled or reversed for the remaining 60%. These variations underline the uneven change over time across the goals and emphasize the need for accelerated efforts to advance progress across all goals.