Measuring Performance for Sustainable Development Goals: A Review From Social, Economic, and Environmental Perspectives Under Scientific Diplomacy

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), put forward by the United Nations (UN), emerged intending to create a more sustainable world in terms of social, economic, and environmental (SEE) aspects. Measurements and reporting containing various indices determine the SEE position of countries in achieving the Global Goals. This study examines the adequacy, consistency, weaknesses, and strengths of the SDG Index (the SDGI) introduced by the Sustainable Solutions Network and used to measure the SDGs and other global indices. In this context, more than thirty indices in the SEE fields used to measure the SDGs were investigated, and the indices containing current data from recent years were evaluated. In addition, SEE weights, performances, and relationships among SDG indicators and indices were discussed. Among more than 30 indices, only 4 indices with the SEE dimension were used. In order to be fair and equal, only indices with the SEE dimension were selected for comparison, and the SDGI and 4 index indicators were compared in detail. As a result of the SDGI and index comparison, it seems that SDG also carries out more detailed examinations despite the limitations in SEE dimensions. In addition, it is important to acknowledge the contribution of science diplomacy to the achievements of the SDGs and the relationship between them. This includes recognizing the framework that the SDGs offer for the practice of science diplomacy. Achieving the SDGs of countries is closely related to science diplomacy because the challenges in achieving the SDGs can come through science diplomacy. The dynamic relationship between them is based on science diplomacy, proving on a scientific basis the contribution that the achievement of the SDGs will make to countries. Contributions to this end have also been presented here.