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State of the Art of Assessment for Sustainable Development Goals—2nd Edition

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Development Goals towards Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 October 2025 | Viewed by 8632

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Chaofeng Shao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
Interests: sustainable development practice; assessment for sustainable development goals; environmental planning; environmental management; environmental impact assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The world is facing a multitude of major challenges; a global sustainable development model is needed to guide countries towards an inclusive, green, resilient, and shared future. In September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a Resolution called Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The core of the SDGs lies in how to implement them well, which needs to be fully explored from the aspects of progress assessment, policy design, action, and local practice.

The Special Issue is called State of the Art of Assessment for Sustainable Development Goals—2nd Edition. The goal of this Special Issue is to publicize and recommend the actions and effects of SDG promotion in various countries and regions around the world, and to explore the theoretical and practical experience of SDG localization.

This Special Issue is open to any subject area related to the assessment of sustainable development goals. The listed keywords suggest just a few of the many possibilities.

  • SDG localization theory;
  • Urban sustainable development;
  • Sustainable cities and communities;
  • SDG progress assessment;
  • Creating enabling policies to mobilize financial resources;
  • Building policy implementation capacity;
  • Monitoring and evaluating policy performance.

If you are uncertain about whether your paper fits into the scope of this Special Issue, please contact the Guest Editor.

Prof. Dr. Chaofeng Shao
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • SDG localization theory
  • urban sustainable development
  • sustainable cities and communities
  • SDG progress assessment
  • policies to mobilize financial resources
  • policy implementation capacity
  • policy performance evaluation

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 3869 KiB  
Article
Beyond Numbers: Challenges in Measuring SDG4 Targets—Serbia’s Perspective
by Stefana Matović, Dunja Demirović Bajrami, Tamara Gajić, Milica Lakić, Darko Martinov, Srđan Šuput, Adriana Radosavac and Ružica Đervida
Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 10006; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162210006 - 16 Nov 2024
Viewed by 750
Abstract
Achieving the targets and indicators outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) presents significant global challenges, particularly in countries like Serbia, where diverse socio-economic contexts and policy planning shape educational outcomes. SDG4 focuses on providing inclusive and fair access to quality education [...] Read more.
Achieving the targets and indicators outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) presents significant global challenges, particularly in countries like Serbia, where diverse socio-economic contexts and policy planning shape educational outcomes. SDG4 focuses on providing inclusive and fair access to quality education for everyone and encourages lifelong learning opportunities for people of all ages. It comprises ten specific targets. This paper focuses on the complexities and challenges associated with measuring five of these targets, which were not analyzed in Serbia’s official report on SDGs. By using Serbia as a case study, the paper systematically examines national policies, educational data, and assessment frameworks, identifying persistent barriers that impede progress toward the SDG4 objectives. A comparative analysis was conducted to better understand Serbia’s progress in achieving these targets. This analysis compares Serbia’s performance with that of neighboring countries in the region as well as with more developed nations. Methodological limitations in data collection and monitoring further complicate efforts to accurately assess SDG 4 indicators. Through specific examples of non-measurable indicators, the paper illustrates these challenges and explores potential strategies for improving measurement accuracy and policy effectiveness. By evaluating Serbia’s experience, this study offers insights that are valuable for finding ways to start measuring targets that currently lack data, considering the close deadline for achieving the goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art of Assessment for Sustainable Development Goals—2nd Edition)
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30 pages, 16649 KiB  
Article
Integrating the SDGs into Urban Regeneration: A Madrid Nuevo Norte Case Study Using an Adapted Voluntary Local Review Framework
by Inés Álvarez-Melcón, Raffaele Sisto, Álvaro de Juanes Rodríguez and David Pereira
Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9727; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229727 - 8 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1403
Abstract
While the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have emerged as the preeminent sustainability framework across various spatial scopes, the reporting and assessment of new urban developments and regeneration projects often remain tethered to sustainability frameworks that lack direct alignment with SDG targets. This paper [...] Read more.
While the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have emerged as the preeminent sustainability framework across various spatial scopes, the reporting and assessment of new urban developments and regeneration projects often remain tethered to sustainability frameworks that lack direct alignment with SDG targets. This paper proposes a framework to integrate SDG reporting within urban regeneration initiatives. This approach leverages existing resources, such as the Joint Research Center’s (JRC) European Handbook for SDG Voluntary Local Report (VLR) and UN-Habitat’s Global Urban Monitoring Framework (UMF), to report potential contributions towards SDG progress. The framework is validated through the case study of Madrid Nuevo Norte (MNN), one of the largest urban regeneration projects currently developed in Europe, located in the northern district of the Spanish capital and encompasses the regeneration of a 3.2 million square meter area. The methodology evaluates MNN potential contributions through a set of indicators based on input–output/outcome–impact framework to track the causal pathways arising from MNN activities. This paper presents an analysis of the methodological framework developed for the MNN SDG report during the project-planning phase, with a focus on evaluating the framework’s capacity to accurately estimate the project’s contributions to the SDGs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art of Assessment for Sustainable Development Goals—2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 9837 KiB  
Article
The Synergy Between CO2 and Air Pollution Emissions in Chinese Cities by 2060: An Assessment Based on the Emissions Inventory and Dynamic Projection Model
by Guosheng Wang, Wei Xia, Yang Xiao, Xiujing Guan and Xin Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9338; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219338 - 28 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1202
Abstract
Synergizing air pollution control and climate change mitigation has been of significant academic and policy concern. The synergy between air pollution and carbon emissions is one of the measures to understand the characteristics and process of the air pollution–carbon synergistic control, which will [...] Read more.
Synergizing air pollution control and climate change mitigation has been of significant academic and policy concern. The synergy between air pollution and carbon emissions is one of the measures to understand the characteristics and process of the air pollution–carbon synergistic control, which will also provide valuable information for collaboratively achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (such as SDGs 11 and 13). This study establishes a systematic framework integrating emissions inventory and projection models, correlation mining and typology analysis methods to predictively evaluate the synergy and comprehensive coordination between air pollution and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Chinese cities by 2030, 2050, and 2060 under different policy scenarios for air pollution and CO2 emissions control. The results reveal the significant effects of synergistically implementing clean air and aggressive carbon-reducing policies on mitigating air pollution and CO2 emissions. Under the On-time Peak-Net Zero-Clean Air and Early Peak-Net Zero-Clean Air scenarios, the total reduction and synergy for air pollution and CO2 emissions will be more significant, particularly by 2050 and 2060. This study is the first to integrate scenario projection and synergy evaluation in air pollution and CO2 research, providing a novel supplement to the air pollution–climate change synergy methodology based on co-benefit estimation. The methods and findings will also contribute to measuring the achievement and analyzing the interaction of the SDGs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art of Assessment for Sustainable Development Goals—2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 4568 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Tracking of Seasonal River Pollution Sources and Integration of Sustainable Development Goals in Hilly Regions
by Wanping Zhang, Dongdong Gao, Chun Wang, Hongle Shi, Xiaogang Tian, Xingnian Ren, Siyao Liu, Mingkun Guo and Peng He
Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9235; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219235 - 24 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1146
Abstract
In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, a comprehensive understanding and precise quantification of the temporal and spatial characteristics of water quality is essential to identify sources of pollution in basins and to protect river headwaters to maintain water safety throughout basins. However, [...] Read more.
In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, a comprehensive understanding and precise quantification of the temporal and spatial characteristics of water quality is essential to identify sources of pollution in basins and to protect river headwaters to maintain water safety throughout basins. However, there is a lack of systematic quantitative tracking of seasonal river pollution sources in hilly areas in southwest China. In this study, the spatial and temporal characteristics of the water environmental factors in the Yaoshi River basin, the causes of pollution, and the main sources of nitrogen pollution were systematically investigated using geographic information systems and statistics. The results showed that the main pollutants in the river as a whole included five-day biological oxygen demand (BOD5), oxygen demand (COD), ammonium (NH4+), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN). Nitrogen pollution was the most serious, and various environmental factors caused seasonal variations and different spatial distributions in this pollutant. Temporally, the TP and COD concentrations were highest during the wet season, while the NH4+, TN, and BOD5 concentrations were highest during the dry season. Spatially, BOD5, COD, and TP concentrations were ranked upstream < downstream < midstream, while TN and NH4+ concentrations were ranked downstream < midstream < upstream. The main sources of pollution in the study area were domestic activities (34.94%), agricultural activities (40.12%), and mixed organic and natural sources (24.94%). Notably, manure effluent dominates nitrate nitrogen sources, while fertilizer inputs minimally contribute during mean-flow and dry seasons, and atmospheric deposition contributes during the wet season. These findings provide important data for improving water quality in the Yaosi River Basin, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, alleviating water scarcity, and advancing the region’s Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, this study can provide reference for the development of sustainable development management strategies for seasonal rivers in other hilly areas and promote broader environmental sustainability efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art of Assessment for Sustainable Development Goals—2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 4199 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Ecological Sensitivity and Spatial Correlation Analysis of Landscape Patterns in Sanjiangyuan National Park
by Tianshu Liu, Xiangbin Peng and Junjie Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5294; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135294 - 21 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1525
Abstract
The Sanjiangyuan region, situated on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, constitutes an exceptionally delicate ecological environment. Alterations in the region’s ecological landscape stem not only from natural factors but also from significant anthropogenic influences, exerting a notable impact on the sustainable economic and social development [...] Read more.
The Sanjiangyuan region, situated on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, constitutes an exceptionally delicate ecological environment. Alterations in the region’s ecological landscape stem not only from natural factors but also from significant anthropogenic influences, exerting a notable impact on the sustainable economic and social development of the region’s middle and lower reaches. Consequently, investigating changes in the landscape pattern of Sanjiangyuan National Park holds paramount importance for comprehending the formation mechanism of spatial landscape distribution in the area. This study analyzes the ecological sensitivity and landscape pattern of Sanjiangyuan National Park in Qinghai Province, China, utilizing ArcGIS 10.8 and Fragstats 4.2. Employing the bivariate spatial autocorrelation analysis method, the research uncovers the spatial distribution characteristics between ecological sensitivity and landscape pattern, along with their aggregated change traits. The findings reveal that ecological sensitivity areas within the park encompass varying degrees, ranging from extremely sensitive to insensitive. The area of moderately sensitive zones in the Yellow River source region is 7279.67 km2 (39.17%), whereas the corresponding area in the Yangtze River source region is 32,572.34 km2 (36.30%). The eastern and northern parts of the Sanjiangyuan National Park exhibit significant landscape fragmentation. Ecological sensitivity varies markedly across different regions, with the southern and some northern areas showing higher sensitivity. In the Lancang River source park and the southern part of the Yellow River source park, the Largest Patch Index (LPI) and Ecological Sensitivity Index exhibit a high–high (HH) clustering pattern, indicating strong ecological connectivity in these areas. These regions also feature high Total Edge (TE), Number of Patches (NP), Patch Density (PD), and Edge Density (ED), indicating a complex landscape structure and abundant habitat edge areas. The study recommends restoring ecological connectivity in highly fragmented areas and implementing strict protection measures in sensitive regions to maintain ecosystem health and biodiversity. These findings provide a foundation for developing targeted ecological protection measures to enhance ecosystem health and biodiversity conservation in the area. This research aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Climate Action, Life on Land, and Clean Water and Sanitation, by promoting sustainable ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art of Assessment for Sustainable Development Goals—2nd Edition)
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Review

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17 pages, 1895 KiB  
Review
Bibliometric Analysis of Research Hotspots and Frontiers in Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals
by Shuqi Xin, Ruiyu Dong, Chuyuan Cui, Tingzhang Yang, Xuesong Zhan, Fang Wang and Chaofeng Shao
Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 2005; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16052005 - 28 Feb 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1822
Abstract
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2015, are binding targets for monitoring the sustainable status of all countries in the world. Developing localized SDGs indicator systems, assessing SDGs progress comprehensively, and creating policy tools have gradually become the hotspots of [...] Read more.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2015, are binding targets for monitoring the sustainable status of all countries in the world. Developing localized SDGs indicator systems, assessing SDGs progress comprehensively, and creating policy tools have gradually become the hotspots of scientific research and practical application of the SDGs. To systematically sort out the research status of the SDGs progress and identify problematic gaps, this paper uses bibliometric methods to analyse the scientific knowledge mapping of SDGs research, sort out the general characteristics, scientific cooperation, cutting-edge hotspots and future research trends of SDGs research. Besides, this paper promotes the integration of academic research into concrete practice by linking it to mainstream SDGs progress reports. The results show that: ① The amount of SDGs research literature in 2015–2022 is on a growing trend, and the existing research is characterised by multidisciplinary crossover. Research institutions such as Utrecht University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have contributed the most to SDGs research. ② The research hotspots include the SDGs practice of different responsible subjects, the comprehensive assessment of the progress of SDGs, the scientific research of SDGs indicators, and the research on the interaction between the goals of SDGs. ③ Environmental issues, indicators, energy transition, education and agriculture are the hot directions of SDGs research. Energy saving and carbon reduction, sustainable practices of supply chain management, and promoting the progress of environmental dimension goals are the focus of subsequent research. According to the results of the bibliometric analysis, future SDGs research should pay attention to strengthening multi-party cooperation, using innovative technologies to support the assessment of SDGs progress, and formulating sustainable development strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art of Assessment for Sustainable Development Goals—2nd Edition)
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