SDG 11 evaluation framework by NITI aayog: augmentation and feasibility assessment of new metrics for the sustainability index

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were set up by the UN General Assembly to act as a global blueprint for peace and prosperity, to be achieved by 2030, set in the form of what is known as Agenda 2030. The 17 goals encompass what would comprise a sustainable society covering various angles – be it the basic needs of no poverty, zero hunger, alongside broader society-level goals like sustainable cities and communities. The 17 goals are consistently tracked and monitored by the UN and several of its arms and segments work towards individual goals to help countries and governments achieve them in a timely fashion. While it is tedious to comment on overall progress in a summarized manner, we can look at individual goals to assess the road to cover and what innovations have helped the progress so far. The index has successfully ranked all countries by their progress on each of the 17 indicators, highlighting the good work done so far and bringing it to the limelight whenever an indicator is in dire need of attention. The paper will identify gaps with respect to SDG evaluation, suggest measures and indicators that can be measured to address those and eventually, investigate operationalization and monitoring tactics for successful policy implementations.