Measuring distance to the SDG targets – Estonia
Based on 120 available indicators allowing a coverage of 95 of the 169 SDG targets, Estonia has currently achieved 8 of the 2030 targets, and many of the remaining distances to targets are small (Figure 2.15). For example, Estonia performs well on targets relating to schools access to internet, access to electricity and air quality (measuring targets 4.a, 7.1, and 11.6). However, some challenges remain; Estonia is still very far (i.e. more than 3 standardised distances away) from meeting some 5% of the targets. These include targets relating to mortality from accidental poisoning, tobacco consumption and CO2 intensity (targets 3.9, 3.a and 9.4).
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 2.16, Panel A shows that Estonia is on average closest to reaching goals on Oceans, Biodiversity and Water (goals 14, 15 and 6). On the other hand, Estonia is furthest from goals on Poverty Eradication, Climate and Infrastructure (goals 1, 13 and 9). Relative to the OECD average, Estonia outperforms on goals such as Education, Gender Equality and Economy (goals 4, 5 and 8). Conversely, Estonia is relatively further away on goals such as Poverty Eradication, Infrastructure, Cities and Climate (goals 1, 9, 11 and 13). However, considerable effort by the international statistical community will be key to fill the data gaps and allow a more accurate assessment (see Figure 2.16, Panel B). For example, if missing data were available on Cities, Sustainable Production, Climate and Oceans (goals 11, 12, 13, 14), Estonia’s performance could change from current assessments.