Measuring distance to the SDG targets – Slovenia
Based on 128 available indicators allowing a coverage of 102 of the 169 SDG targets, Slovenia has currently achieved 20 of the 2030 targets, and many of the remaining distances to targets are small (Figure 2.59). For example, Slovenia has already achieved the targets on water stress (target 6.4), complies with the four main conventions and protocols on hazardous waste (target 12.4), and has a high recycling rate (target 12.5). However, some challenges remain; Slovenia is still very far (i.e. more than 3 standardised distances away) from meeting 4% of the targets. These include one of the lowest vaccination coverage rates in the OECD (target 3.b) as well as a high rate of suicide (target 3.4).
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 2.60, Panel A shows that Slovenia is on average closest to reaching some goals pertaining to Planet (in particular goals on water, Sustainable Production and Biodiversity), as well as goals on Poverty Eradication, Energy and Cities (goals 1, 7 and 11). Relative to the OECD average, Slovenia outperforms on goals such as Energy, Economy, Reducing Inequality and Institutions (goals 7, 8, 10 and 16), as well as on some goals relating to People (in particular goals 1 on Poverty Eradication, 2 on Food and 5 on Gender Equality) and on goals relating to Planet (in particular goals 6 on Water, 12 on Sustainable Production and 15 on Biodiversity). Conversely, Slovenia is below average on Health (goal 3). However, considerable effort by the international statistical community will be key to fill the data gaps and allow a more accurate assessment (see Figure 2.60, Panel B). For example, if missing data were available on Sustainable Production, Oceans and Reducing Inequality (goals 12, 14 and 10), Slovenia’s performance on Planet and Prosperity could change from current assessments.