Progress Of South Asia In Achieving SDGs – OpEd
South Asia, home to more than half of the world's population, has exhibited varied and uneven progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda in 2015. Despite efforts across multiple sectors, progress has been alarmingly slow, with minimal advancements in critical areas such as climate action, renewable energy, and hunger eradication.
According to the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), current trajectories suggest that the region will miss the 2030 targets by an estimated 32 years, with full achievement of the SDGs not expected until 2062. Significant challenges such as climate change, political instability, and the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic have further hindered the region's ability to meet its goals. This calls for urgent and transformational actions to address these issues and put South Asia back on track toward sustainable development.
South Asia's Steady Progress on Sustainable Development: A Decade of Growth in SDG Scores
South Asia has faced significant challenges in climate action, with limited progress in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy. The region's heavy reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, coupled with insufficient investments in clean energy, has hindered advancements. National climate policies often remain under-prioritized, exacerbating vulnerability to climate-related disasters. The lack of political will and financing for climate-resilient infrastructure further impedes progress, making climate action a critical concern for South Asia's sustainable future.
In terms of clean energy, while there has been progress in expanding electricity access, challenges persist in reducing dependence on traditional biomass and fossil fuels for cooking. Many households, particularly in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, still lack access to clean cooking solutions. The share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix has declined due to policy inconsistencies and insufficient investment in clean energy technologies. This exacerbates environmental impacts and slows the transition towards sustainability, highlighting the need for more robust policies and investments.
Despite these challenges, South Asia has shown notable achievements in poverty reduction, hunger, and malnutrition. Countries like India and Bangladesh have made significant strides in alleviating poverty, though recent setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic have reversed some gains. Progress in addressing hunger and malnutrition is evident, particularly in Bangladesh and Nepal, but disparities remain, especially in rural areas. Countries like Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal have demonstrated strong commitments to sustainable development, achieving higher SDG scores. However, Myanmar and Pakistan lag behind, underscoring the need for intensified efforts in climate action, clean energy, and social welfare to ensure balanced and inclusive progress across the region.
A Decade of Progress: South Asia's Journey towards Achieving the SDGs (2010-2024)
Over the past decade, South Asia has seen varied progress in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with notable successes and ongoing challenges across the region. Bhutan stands out as a regional leader, with its SDG score rising from 63.96 in 2010 to 72.52 in 2024, driven by its commitment to Gross National Happiness and strong policies in environmental conservation and renewable energy. The Maldives has also made commendable strides, improving its SDG score from 65.45 in 2010 to 70.93 in 2024, focusing on poverty reduction and climate resilience despite its vulnerability to climate change. Sri Lanka and Nepal have demonstrated consistent progress, with their scores reflecting significant advancements in healthcare, education, and sustainable development initiatives.
In contrast, Bangladesh and India have made considerable progress in human development and renewable energy, with their SDG scores increasing from 56.88 to 64.35 and 54.51 to 63.99, respectively. Bangladesh has excelled in poverty reduction and economic inclusivity, while India has made substantial investments in renewable energy and sanitation. However, both countries face challenges in maintaining this momentum and addressing socio-economic disparities. Myanmar has shown steady progress despite political instability, with improvements in healthcare and education contributing to a rise in its SDG score from 53.72 in 2010 to 62.82 in 2024.
Pakistan's progress has been slower compared to its regional counterparts, with its SDG score rising from 54 in 2010 to 57.02 in 2024. The country has made advancements in education, poverty alleviation, and renewable energy, but more substantial efforts are needed to accelerate progress and achieve greater SDG goals. Overall, while South Asia has made significant strides in various areas, continued efforts and targeted policies are essential to address ongoing challenges and ensure sustainable development across the region.
The Asia-Pacific region, particularly South Asia, faces significant hurdles in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, with no single goal currently on track. The progress has been sluggish and uneven, highlighting the need for urgent transformational actions to bridge the gap. The region lags behind, especially in critical areas like climate action, renewable energy adoption, and hunger eradication, largely due to political, economic, and infrastructural challenges.
To accelerate progress, stronger political will and alignment of national policies with the SDG framework are essential. Enhanced investments in climate resilience, renewable energy, data infrastructure, and education will be key drivers for future improvements. International cooperation and resource mobilization are also necessary to push the region forward.
Despite these challenges, the overall SDG scores of South Asian countries reflect a positive trend of steady progress. Nations like Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh have shown resilience and commitment, making gains in areas such as healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. While the road ahead is long, South Asia is gradually advancing toward sustainable development, driven by innovation, focused policies, and a collective vision for a better future. If these efforts are sustained and scaled up, the region can make significant strides toward achieving the SDGs, albeit beyond the 2030 timeline.