Understanding the Factors Influencing SDG Achievement Across Nations: A Comprehensive Study

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for addressing global challenges and building a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Governments must coordinate to achieve the SDGs, addressing capacity and resource constraints, as well as political, institutional, and socio-economic barriers. In this context, this study examines the determinants affecting the achievement of the SDGs in 83 countries from 2016 to 2021, using data from the UN's Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Through panel data analysis and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation, the study identifies significant factors influencing SDG achievement. The results show that higher income levels, education, and previous compliance with the SDGs positively impact SDG performance. In addition, increased percentages of women in parliament are associated with better SDG outcomes. Conversely, higher unemployment rates and lower deficits are associated with lower SDG scores. These findings underscore the importance of these factors in driving progress toward global sustainability goals.