Measuring distance to the SDG targets – Turkey
Based on 108 available indicators allowing a coverage of 89 of the 169 SDG targets, Turkey has currently achieved 15 of the 2030 targets, and some of the remaining distances to targets are small (Figure 2.67). For example, Turkey has already achieved the targets on maternal, infant and neonatal mortality (targets 3.1 and 3.2), has a strong GDP growth (target 8.1) and among the lowest alcohol consumption rates across OECD countries (target 3.5). However, a significant number of challenges remain; Turkey is still very far (i.e. more than 3 standardised distances away) from meeting some 23% of the targets. For instance, there are relatively few physicians per capita (target 3.c), many students do not achieve minimum proficiency level in mathematics (target 4.1) and there is a significant gender pay gap (target 5.4).
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 2.68, Panel A shows that Turkey is on average closest to reaching goals on Climate and Energy (goals 13 and 7). On the other hand, Turkey is furthest from some goals pertaining to Planet (in particular goals on Water, Sustainable Production, Oceans), as well as goals on Education, Gender Equality and Reducing Inequality (goals 4, 5 and 10). Relative to the OECD average, Turkey outperforms on goals such as Food, Climate and Energy (goals 2, 13 and 7). Conversely, Turkey is relatively further away on goals such as Education, Gender Equality, Infrastructure, Cities and Implementation (goals 4, 5, 9, 11 and 17), as well as on goals relating to Planet (in particular goals 6 on Water, 12 on Sustainable Production and 14 on Oceans). However, considerable effort by the international statistical community will be key to fill the data gaps and allow a more accurate assessment (see Figure 2.68, Panel B). For example, if missing data were available on Sustainable Production, Oceans, Reducing Inequality and Cities (goals 12, 14, 10 and 11), Turkey’s performance on Planet and Prosperity could change from current assessments.