Bangladesh ranked among top 3 performers for sustainable development - Report

DHAKA, June 16 -- Bangladesh ranks as one of the top performers in a new report on sustainable development at a time when the global economy is languishing amid weak performances in most economic indicators.

According to the Sustainable Development Report – 2021 launched Monday by the Sustainable Development Solution Network (SDSN), the other two countries that have improved the most in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Index are Ivory Coast and Afghanistan, reported Anadolu News Agency.

“Before the (coronavirus) pandemic hit, significant progress had been achieved on the SDGs in many regions and on many goals – especially in East and South Asia, which has progressed more on the SDG Index than any other region,” the report said.

“At the national level, Bangladesh, Côte d’Ivoire and Afghanistan have improved the most on the SDGs Index since 2015,” it added.

The United Nations adopted the SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, in 2015 with a specific target of ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring peace and prosperity for all people across the world by 2030.

The 17 main global targets to achieve under the SDGs include no poverty; zero hunger; good health and wellbeing; quality education; gender equality; clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reducing inequalities; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; protection of life below water; ensuring sound and dignified life on land; peace, justice and strong institutions and developing partnership.

According to the report, Bangladesh is ranked 109th with an overall score of 63.5 in the 2021 SDG index, while Finland ranks first with a score of 85.9. The four other countries in the top five positions are Sweden (85.6), Denmark (84.9), Germany (82.5) and Belgium (82.2).

In South Asia, Bhutan (70) is in 75th position, Maldives (69.3) in 79th, Sri Lanka (68.1) 87th, Nepal (66.5) 96th, India (60.1) 120th, Pakistan (57.7) 129th and Afghanistan (53.9) 137th.

-- BERNAMA