Measuring distance to the SDG targets – Hungary
Based on 119 available indicators allowing a coverage of 93 of the 169 SDG targets, Hungary has currently achieved 12 of the 2030 targets, and some of the remaining distances to targets are small (Figure 2.25). For example, Hungary has already achieved the targets on neonatal, infant and maternal mortality (targets 3.1 and 3.2) water stress and growth rate of the bottom 40% of the population (targets 6.4 and 10.1). However, some challenges remain; Hungary is still very far (i.e. more than 3 standardised distances away) from meeting some 8% of the targets. These include suicide rate, share of women in parliament and feelings of safety (targets 3.4, 5.5 and 16.1).
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 2.26, Panel A shows that Hungary is on average closest to reaching goals on Poverty Eradication, Reducing Inequality, Climate and Biodiversity (goals 1, 10, 13 and 15). On the other hand, Hungary is furthest from goals on Education and Gender Equality (goals 4 and 5). Relative to the OECD average, Hungary outperforms on goals such as Poverty Eradication, Reducing Inequality, Climate and Biodiversity (goals 1, 10, 13 and 15). Conversely, Hungary is relatively further away on goals such as Health, Education, Gender Equality and Cities (goals 3, 4, 5 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 2.26, Panel B). For example, if missing data were available on Sustainable Production, Climate, Reducing Inequality and Cities (goals 12, 13, 10 and 11), Hungary’s performance on Planet and Prosperity could change from current assessments.