Measuring distance to the SDG targets – Italy
Based on 131 available indicators allowing a coverage of 105 of the 169 SDG targets, Italy has currently achieved 12 of the 2030 targets, and many of the remaining distances to targets are small (Figure 2.33). For example, Italy has already achieved the targets on sanitation, access to electricity and clean fuels and land area covered by trees (targets 6.3, 7.1 and 15.1). However, some challenges remain; Italy is still very far (i.e. more than 3 standardised distances away) from meeting some 8% of the targets. These include targets relating to teachers training, violence against women, and share of youth not in education, employment or training (targets 4.c, 5.2 and 8.6).
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 2.34, Panel A shows that Italy is on average closest to reaching some goals pertaining to Planet (in particular goals on Sustainable Production, Climate and Oceans), as well as goals on Energy (goals 7). On the other hand, Italy is furthest from goals on Poverty Eradication, Education and Gender Equality (goals 1, 4 and 5). Relative to the OECD average, Italy outperforms on goals such as Food, Health, Energy, Reducing Inequality and Sustainable Production (goals 2, 3, 7, 10 and 12). Conversely, Italy is relatively further away on Poverty Eradication, Education, Economy, Institutions and Implementation (goals 1, 4, 8, 16 and 17). However, considerable effort by the international statistical community will be key to fill the data gaps and allow a more accurate assessment (see Figure 2.34, Panel B). For example, if missing data were available on Sustainable Production, Oceans and Cities (goals 12, 14 and 11), Italy’s performance on Planet and Prosperity could change from current assessments.