Turkey ranks 72nd with a score of 70.47 in the 2024 UN SDSN report. While progress has been made in education and healthcare, more effort is needed in poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability.
The 2024 Sustainable Development Indicator (SDG) Report, published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN), is an important document that evaluates the performance of countries worldwide in achieving sustainable development goals. Turkey ranks 72nd among 166 countries with a score of 70.47. This ranking indicates progress in certain areas while highlighting significant gaps in other sectors that require further efforts.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations in 2015 aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all. These goals address a wide range of global challenges such as environmental protection, education, economic equality, and social justice. The 2024 report reveals that global progress towards the SDGs has been stagnant since 2020, with this stagnation becoming more pronounced due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fluctuations. Turkey, with its position in the rankings, is among the countries where many differences are evident.
The report shows that Turkey has made meaningful progress in some areas:
Education Quality (SDG 4): Investments in education, increased enrollment rates, and progress in achieving educational equality have led to significant advances. However, more investment is needed to further improve education quality.
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): Large-scale projects and the adoption of innovative technologies have helped Turkey stand out in this area. However, the rapid integration of digital transformation and sustainable technologies is critical.
Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3): Access to healthcare services and especially the health infrastructure developed during the pandemic has supported progress in this area. However, the equitable distribution of healthcare services and strengthening general health policies is necessary.
The report also highlights areas where Turkey lags behind and requires more action:
End Poverty (SDG 1): More effective policies are needed to address economic inequalities and poverty in Turkey. These issues are particularly pronounced in rural areas and among low-income groups.
Reduced Inequality (SDG 10): The necessity of inclusive policies to reduce social inequalities is emphasized. More support and opportunities must be created for groups such as women, youth, and people with disabilities.
Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Life on Land (SDG 15): Biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources are priority areas. Protecting water resources and managing forest areas sustainably are among the environmental challenges facing Turkey.
Climate Action (SDG 13): Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and taking stronger steps toward using renewable energy sources is critical. Turkey needs stronger national and international cooperation to fight climate change.
While Scandinavian countries lead the world in sustainable development goals, Turkey is ranked in the middle. This shows that progress has been made in certain areas, but there is a need for greater momentum overall. Focusing on concrete solutions in areas like climate, inequality, and ecosystem protection is crucial for Turkey to rise in the rankings. Additionally, improvements in environmental sustainability and social inequality could enable Turkey to achieve a stronger position.
The following steps are recommended for Turkey to achieve its sustainable development goals:
Review of Policies and Strategies: Comprehensive, long-term policies should be developed to support sustainable development efforts. More investments are needed in critical areas such as climate change and environmental sustainability.
Education and Awareness: Raising public awareness about the SDGs and expanding educational campaigns is necessary. Educational equality should also be a priority.
Resource Use and Collaboration: More effective collaborations between the public sector, private sector, and civil society organizations should be developed. These collaborations will play an important role in implementing innovative solutions.
Data and Monitoring Mechanisms: Reliable and transparent data systems should be established to track SDG progress. This will enable more effective monitoring of the progress made towards achieving sustainable development goals.
Implementing all of these steps will help Turkey move forward in achieving its sustainable development goals and secure a stronger position on the international platform.
Sustainable Development Report 2024
2024 SDG Index Report published by UN SDSN