Measuring distance to the SDG targets – The Czech Republic
Based on 127 available indicators allowing a coverage of 100 of the 169 SDG targets, the Czech Republic has currently achieved 14 of the 2030 targets, and many of the remaining distances to targets are small (Figure 2.11). For example, it has already achieved the targets relating to water stress and water cooperation across borders (targets 6.4 and 6.5), has a low unemployment rate (target 8.5) and low government debt (target 17.1). However, some challenges remain; The Czech Republic is still far (i.e. more than 3 standardised distances away) from meeting 4% of the targets. These include targets relating to tobacco consumption (3.a), inequalities in education (4.5), and share of women in parliament (5.5).
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 2.12, Panel A shows that the Czech Republic is on average closest to reaching most goals pertaining to Planet (in particular goals on Water and Biodiversity), as well as the goals on Poverty Eradication and Reducing Inequality (goals 1 and 10). Conversely, the Czech Republic is furthest from the goal on Gender Equality (goal 5). Relative to the OECD average, the Czech Republic outperforms on goals such as Poverty Eradication and Reducing inequality (goals 1 and 10), as well as on Water and Biodiversity (goals 6 and 15). Equally, the Czech Republic is relatively further away average on Education, Infrastructure and Climate (goals 4, 9 and 13). However, considerable effort by the international statistical community will be key to fill the data gaps and allow a more accurate assessment (see Figure 2.12, Panel B). For example, if missing data were available on Sustainable Production and Reducing Inequality (goals 12 and 10), the Czech Republic’s performance on Planet and Prosperity could change from current assessments.