Measuring distance to the SDG targets – The Netherlands
Based on 128 available indicators allowing a coverage of 104 of the 169 SDG targets, the Netherlands has currently achieved 26 of the 2030 targets, and many of the remaining distances to targets are small (Figure 2.47). For example, The Netherlands has a high participation rate of adults in lifelong learning (target 4.3), the OECD lowest domestic material consumption per unit of GDP (targets 8.4 and 12.2) and high connection to public sewage treatment (target 6.3). However, some challenges remain; The Netherlands is still very far (i.e. more than 3 standardised distances away) from meeting some 3 % of the targets. For instance, there is a high environmental pressure on soils (target 2.4) and high rates of tobacco consumption (target 3.a).
The Measuring Distance to the SDG Targets Study is intended as an analytical tool to assist countries in identifying strengths and weaknesses across the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda, and as such differs in nature from Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) or other reporting processes. To ensure international comparability, indicators used in the Study are based on the UN Global List of Indicators on SDGs and are sourced from the UN SDG Database and OECD databases. VNRs typically use national indicators that reflect national circumstances and can be more up-to-date.
Figure 2.48, Panel A shows that the Netherlands is on average closest to reaching goals pertaining to Planet (goals on Water, Sustainable Production, Climate, Oceans and Biodiversity), as well as goals on Poverty Eradication and Implementation (goals 1 and 17). Relative to the OECD average, the Netherlands outperforms on goals such as Infrastructure, Reducing Inequality, Institutions and Implementation (goals 9, 10, 16 and 17), as well as on Poverty Eradication, Health, Education and Gender Equality (goals 1, 3, 4 and 5) and on Water, Sustainable Production, Oceans and Biodiversity (goals 6, 12, 14 and 15). However, considerable effort by the international statistical community will be key to fill the data gaps and allow a more accurate assessment (see Figure 2.48, Panel B). For example, if missing data were available on Sustainable Production, Oceans, Reducing Inequality and Cities (goals 12, 14, 10 and 11), the Netherlands’ performance on Planet and Prosperity could change from current assessments.