27 June 2019
UNCTAD Releases First Annual Statistical Analysis of Selected SDGs
Photo credit Lynn Wagner
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UNCTAD's SDG Pulse provides an update on the evolution of a selection of official SDG indicators and complementary data and statistics, showcases how UNCTAD is contributing to the implementation of 2030 Agenda, and investigates thematic issues of relevance to the 2030 Agenda.

SDG Pulse was launched on 25 June 2019, during UNCTAD’s annual Trade Development Board meeting in Geneva.

25 June 2019: The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has issued the first annual edition of the ‘SDG Pulse,’ an online statistical publication that reports on developments relating to the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs based on analysis of several global indicators. The indicators include those related to SDGs 10, 16 and 17, which will be reviewed in depth during the July 2019 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).

The SDG Pulse was launched on 25 June 2019, during UNCTAD’s annual Trade Development Board meeting, convening in Geneva, Switzerland, from 25-28 June.

Using a selected set of the official SDG indicators and complementary data and statistics, the online publication provides an update on the evolution of thematic issues related to the 2030 Agenda. The first edition considers multilateralism for trade and development, productive growth and structural transformation. It also discusses indicators related to SDGs 2 (zero hunger), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), 10 (reduced inequalities), 12 (sustainable cities and communities), 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) and 17 (partnerships for the Goals).

Current estimates of GDP in many developing countries are too low, thus overstating global economic inequality.

For example, on Goal 16, the report reflects on SDG indicator 16.4.1 (Total value of inward and outward illicit financial flows), which is currently categorized in ‘Tier 3’ of the global indicator framework, meaning that the methodology for its measurement has not been agreed. SDG Pulse states that UNCTAD and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which are the possible “custodian agencies” for this indicator, are working together on: an agreed statistical framework for the measurement of illicit financial flows (IFFs); a unified conceptualization of IFFs; and a first set of statistical measurement methodologies to be tested in developing countries, where the effects of IFFs on resources for development are most damaging. This work aims to provide the affected countries with detailed evidence to inform their policies to fight IFFs.

The 2019 edition also discusses some measurement issues regarding inequality, which is the theme of the July 2019 session of the HLPF. The publication notes that this issue is complex, and that depending on the variable selected or the time horizon analyzed, global inequality may be said to be falling or rising. It also cautions against discussing economic inequality “in general,” as the quality of gross domestic product (GDP) estimates varies enormously, particularly in developing countries with large informal economies. It adds that current estimates of GDP in many developing countries are too low, thus overstating global economic inequality.

SDG Pulse also highlights UNCTAD’s toolbox for aligning technical cooperation with the SDGs. Per the publication, the toolbox features 28 technical cooperation projects, and in 2018, 249 projects were undertaken, accounting for USD43.7 million. [SDG Pulse] [UNCTAD Press Release]

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