Measuring distance to the SDG targets – Lithuania
Based on 118 available indicators allowing a coverage of 94 of the 169 SDG targets, Lithuania has currently achieved 16 of the 2030 targets, and many of the remaining distances to targets are small (Figure 2.41). For example, Lithuania has a very low water stress (target 6.4), low CO2 intensity (target 9.4) and a high GDP growth rate (target 8.1). However, some challenges remain; Lithuania is still very far (i.e. more than 3 standardised distances away) from meeting some 8% of the targets. For instance, Lithuania has a high incidence of tuberculosis (target 3.3), a high rate of premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (target 3.4) and a significant share of dwellings without access to basic sanitation (target 11.1).
The Measuring Distance to the SDG Targets Study is intended as an analytical tool to assist countries in identifying strengths and weaknesses across the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda, and as such differs in nature from Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) or other reporting processes. To ensure international comparability, indicators used in the Study are based on the UN Global List of Indicators on SDGs and are sourced from the UN SDG Database and OECD databases. VNRs typically use national indicators that reflect national circumstances and can be more up-to-date.
Figure 2.42, Panel A shows that Lithuania is on average closest to reaching goals on Sustainable Production, Climate, Energy, Economy and Implementation (goals 12, 13, 7, 8 and 17). On the other hand, Lithuania is furthest from Poverty Eradication, Gender Equality and Cities (goal 1, 5 and 11). Relative to the OECD average, Lithuania outperforms on goals such as Climate, Institutions and Implementation (goals 13, 16 and 17), as well as on goals relating to Prosperity (in particular goals 7 on Energy, 8 on Economy and 10 on Reducing Inequality). Conversely, Lithuania is relatively further away on goals such as Poverty Eradication, Health, Education, Water and Cities (goals 1, 3, 4, 6 and 11). However, considerable effort by the international statistical community will be key to fill the data gaps and allow a more accurate assessment (see Figure 2.42, Panel B). For example, if missing data were available on Sustainable Production, Climate, Oceans and Cities (goals 12, 13, 14 and 11), Lithuania’s performance on Planet and Prosperity could change from current assessments.