Measuring distance to the SDG targets – Denmark
Based on 127 available indicators allowing a coverage of 101 of the 169 SDG targets, Denmark has currently achieved 20 of the 2030 targets, and many of the remaining distances to targets are small (Figure 2.13). For example, Denmark performs well on adult ICT skills, share of researchers and ODA (measuring targets 4.4, 9.5 and 17.2). However, some challenges remain; Denmark is still very far (i.e. more than 3 standardised distances away) from meeting some 2% of the targets. These include targets relating to rates of tobacco consumption and violence against women (measuring targets 3.a and 5.2).
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 2.14, Panel A shows that Denmark is on average closest to reaching most goals pertaining to Planet and Prosperity, as well as on Poverty Eradication and Implementation (goals 1 and 17). Denmark is further away from achieving goals on Food and Gender Equality (goals 2 and 5). Relative to the OECD average, Denmark outperforms on goals such as Poverty Eradication, Education, Gender Equality, Energy, Infrastructure and Reducing Inequality (goals 1, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 10). However, considerable effort by the international statistical community will be key to fill the data gaps and allow a more accurate assessment (see Figure 2.14, Panel B). For example, if missing data were available on Sustainable Production, Oceans, Reducing Inequality and Cities (goals 12, 14, 10 and 11), Denmark’s performance on Planet and Prosperity could change from current assessments.