Measuring distance to the SDG targets – Portugal
Based on 124 available indicators allowing a coverage of 98 of the 169 SDG targets, Portugal has currently achieved 11 of the 2030 targets, and many of the remaining distances to targets are small (Figure 2.55). For example, Portugal has a high share of local breeds classified as not at risk of extinction (target 2.5), and has achieved targets on maternal and neonatal mortality (targets 3.1 and 3.2). However, some challenges remain; Portugal is still very far (i.e. more than 3 standardised distances away) from meeting 4% of the targets. For instance, Portugal faces a high obesity rate (target 2.2), a high share of the population has large health expenditures (target 3.8) and tobacco consumption remains an issue (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 2.56, Panel A shows that Portugal is on average closest to reaching goals on Climate, Biodiversity, Energy and Infrastructure (goals 13, 15, 7 and 9). Relative to the OECD average, Portugal outperforms on goals such as Climate, Energy and Institutions (goals 13, 7 and 16). Conversely, Portugal is relatively further away on Sustainable Production and Cities (goals 12 and 11).
However, considerable effort by the international statistical community will be key to fill the data gaps and allow a more accurate assessment (see Figure 2.56, Panel B). For example, if missing data were available on Sustainable Production, Oceans, Reducing Inequality and Cities (goals 12, 14, 10 and 11), Portugal’s performance on Planet and Prosperity could change from current assessments.