Dear Emilia

Thank you for bringing up this discussion. That's an interesting thought! I have been reading the contributions with interest and I believe that moving beyond assessing progress towards the SDGs is crucial for achieving them by 2030. While tracking progress is important, it paints only a partial picture. Here are some potential areas in which I assist organizations and institutions in exploring beyond traditional assessments:

1. Deepen Understanding of Challenges and Gaps:

• Go beyond averages: Disaggregate data to understand how different demographics, regions, and groups are experiencing progress or setbacks.
• Analyze root causes: Don't just measure outcomes, delve into the underlying factors hindering progress, such as inequalities, governance issues, or lack of resources.
• Explore unintended consequences: Assess the potential negative impacts of actions taken towards reaching some SDGs, and how they might affect others.

2. Facilitate Action and Implementation:

• Identify actionable solutions: Use data and analysis to recommend practical interventions and policies that can accelerate progress.
• Develop implementation pathways: Bridge the gap between policy and action by outlining concrete steps to achieve desired outcomes.
• Engage stakeholders: Partner with communities, businesses, and civil society to co-create and implement solutions, fostering ownership and accountability.

3. Promote Innovation and Collaboration:

• Explore disruptive solutions: Go beyond traditional approaches and embrace innovative technologies, social models, and business practices that can significantly accelerate progress.
• Foster multi-stakeholder partnerships: Break down silos and encourage collaboration between different sectors, leveraging diverse expertise and resources.
• Support knowledge sharing and capacity building: Share best practices and lessons learned across regions and countries to accelerate global progress.

4. Address Systemic Issues:

• Tackle underlying inequalities: Recognize that unequal access to resources, opportunities, and power hinder progress, and prioritize actions that address these imbalances.
• Strengthen institutions and governance: Invest in building strong, inclusive, and accountable institutions that can effectively implement the SDGs.
• Promote sustainable development: Recognize that environmental degradation and climate change threaten progress on all SDGs, and integrate sustainability into all efforts.

Let’s remember that achieving the SDGs requires a holistic approach that goes beyond just numbers. By understanding the challenges, fostering action, embracing innovation, and addressing systemic issues, we can move beyond mere assessment and create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

Do you have any specific areas or challenges within the SDGs that you'd like to explore further? I'm happy to assist in any way I can.

Best regards,
John

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John Akwetey (he/him/his)
Doctoral Graduate Associate, The Evaluation Center
Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Evaluation (IDPE) 
Western Michigan University
1903 W. Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5237
+ 1 (269) 210-9349

Editorial Board Member, American Journal of Evaluation (AJE)