Measuring distance to the SDG targets – The Slovak Republic
Based on 124 available indicators allowing a coverage of 98 of the 169 SDG targets, the Slovak Republic has currently achieved 15 of the 2030 targets, and many of the remaining distances to targets are small (Figure 2.57). For example, it has already achieved the targets on water stress (6.4), has a low incidence of AIDS (3.3) and strong GDP growth (8.1). However, some challenges remain; The Slovak Republic is still very far (i.e. more than 3 standardised distances away) from meeting some 5% of the targets. For instance, there are high disparities in education (target 4.5), violence against women is high (target 5.2) and, as in many OECD countries, tobacco consumption is of concern (target 3.a).
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 2.58, Panel A shows that the Slovak Republic is on average closest to reaching some goals pertaining to Planet (in particular goals on Water, Climate and Biodiversity), as well as the goal on Energy (7). On the other hand, it is furthest from the goals on Education (4) and Gender Equality (5). Relative to the OECD average, the Slovak Republic outperforms on goals such as Poverty Eradication (1), Water (6), Energy (7), Economy (8), Reducing Inequality (10), Climate (13) and Institutions (16). Conversely, it is relatively further away on goals such as Education (4), Sustainable Production (12), Infrastructure (9) and Cities (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 2.58, Panel B). For example, if missing data were available on Sustainable Production (12), Reducing Inequality (10) and Cities (11), the Slovak Republic’s performance on Planet and Prosperity could change from current assessments.