Australia has scored 37^th out of 166 countries in the latest Sustainable Development Report published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Bertelsmann Stiftung.

What is Sustainable Development Report?

The Sustainable Development Report (SDR) is an annual publication that evaluates the progress of countries towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs, adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, aim to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice by 2030.

The SDR provides a comprehensive analysis of how countries are performing on each of the 17 SDGs. This assessment is based on various indicators that measure progress in areas like health, education, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The report includes detailed profiles for each UN Member State, showing performance and trends by SDG and by indicator. Countries are ranked based on their overall performance on the SDGs. These rankings help to highlight leaders and laggards in sustainable development. For instance, the 2024 report ranks Finland, Sweden, and Denmark at the top, while many other countries are identified as needing significant improvements.

The latest Sustainable Development Report 2024 highlights that only 16% of SDG targets are on track for 2030, with the rest showing limited or reversed progress. Global SDG progress has stalled since 2020, with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) particularly off-track. Notably, there have been regressions in obesity rates, press freedom, the red list index, sustainable nitrogen management, and life expectancy at birth due to COVID-19 and other factors.

Nordic countries lead in SDG achievement, while BRICS and East and South Asia show strong progress. However, the poorest and most vulnerable countries, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS), lag significantly. Reforming global financial systems is crucial to provide low-income countries with the necessary capital to achieve SDGs.

Barbados ranks highest in commitment to UN-based multilateralism, while the U.S. ranks lowest. The report highlights the need for global cooperation and new financing models to address food security, climate change, and biodiversity. Sustainable food and land systems require significant changes, including reducing overconsumption, increasing productivity, and halting deforestation

Australia’s Report Card 

In the Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2024, Australia deserves a pat on the back in several key areas.

Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) – Australia has made significant progress in health-related metrics. Australia enjoys a high life expectancy (83.30 years), reflecting strong healthcare systems and services. The country has low maternal and child mortality rates, and high rates of births attended by skilled health personnel.

No Poverty (SDG 1) – The poverty rate in Australia is relatively low compared to global standards, and social safety nets are robust, providing support to vulnerable populations.

Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) – Australia excels in promoting economic growth and employment. The country has strong labour market policies, leading to relatively low unemployment rates. Australia maintains a stable and growing economy, which supports job creation and decent work conditions.

Quality Education (SDG 4) – High rates of school enrolment and completion at all levels of education are noted. Australia is home to some of the world’s leading universities and has high levels of tertiary education attainment.

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) – The country has a strong focus on innovation and infrastructure development. High expenditure on research and development, and strong innovation ecosystems support technological advancements. Australia has well-developed infrastructure, including transportation, utilities, and digital networks

Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) – Australia ensures high standards for drinking water and widespread access to sanitation facilities across the country. Effective management practices for water resources help sustain supply and quality.

Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) – Significant investments in renewable energy sources, especially solar and wind, have increased the share of clean energy in the national grid. Almost the entire population has access to reliable and affordable electricity.

Key areas of concern

However, Australia has shown significant shortcomings in several key areas, impacting its overall progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite some progress, the country is lagging in critical goals, which could hinder its ability to meet the 2030 Agenda.

Climate Action (SDG 13): Australia continues to struggle with climate action, specifically in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The country has one of the highest per capita emissions rates globally (21.9 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent), and its policies on climate change have been criticized for lacking ambition and effectiveness.

Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): Australia has not made significant progress in responsible consumption and production. High levels of waste generation and insufficient recycling efforts are major issues. The country also faces challenges with sustainable management of natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of its economic activities.

Zero Hunger (SDG 2): Although Australia is a wealthy nation, it still struggles with food security issues, particularly in remote and indigenous communities. The prevalence of undernourishment and food insecurity remains a concern, exacerbated by economic inequalities and climate impacts on agriculture.

Quality Education (SDG 4): Educational outcomes in Australia show mixed results. While the country performs well in higher education and literacy rates, there are disparities in educational attainment linked to socioeconomic status. Ensuring equal access to quality education for all remains a challenge.

Gender Equality (SDG 5): Australia’s progress on gender equality has been slow. Issues such as the gender wage gap, representation of women in leadership roles, and gender-based violence require more robust policies and enforcement to achieve significant improvements.

Australia’s overall ranking in the Sustainable Development Report 2024 is 37th out of 166 countries, indicating room for improvement compared to other OECD nations. The report emphasizes the need for stronger and more coordinated efforts to address these gaps and accelerate progress toward the SDGs by 2030.