Reflection on 9 Years of SDGs in 2024: In-Depth Analysis Using PEST, SWOT, and SMART Approaches
Sustainable development is one of the greatest challenges facing the world in the 21st century. With a growing population, the challenges of climate change, and increasing social inequality, the need for global strategies that are inclusive and fair has become more urgent. One of the significant efforts made to achieve this goal is the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations in 2015.
The SDGs consist of 17 goals set to create a more sustainable world by 2030. These goals cover a wide range of aspects of life, from poverty eradication and quality education to gender equality and climate action. Every country, through its policies and actions, plays a role in ensuring the achievement of these targets. The year 2024 marks nine years since the implementation of the SDGs, a significant period to evaluate the successes, challenges, and opportunities encountered along the way.
Reflecting on the implementation of the SDGs in 2024 is crucial for understanding the various factors that influence the achievement of these global goals. In this essay, I will utilize the PEST (political, economic, social, and technological) analysis, SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis, and SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) criteria to explore how global dynamics have impacted the progress of the SDGs. With this approach, we can evaluate the progress made, identify existing obstacles, and develop strategies to accelerate the achievement of SDG targets as we approach 2030.
II. Reflection with PEST Analysis in the Implementation of SDGs
The PEST approach (Political, Economic, Social, and Technological) offers a comprehensive overview of the external factors that influence the implementation of the SDGs. This analysis is summarized in the following table:
| Aspect | Explanation |
| Political | Strong political commitment from many countries through national policies supporting the SDGs. Geopolitical challenges, such as international conflicts, hinder peace (Goal 16). |
| Economic | Lack of funding, especially in developing countries due to the pandemic. Global wealth distribution inequality hinders poverty eradication (Goal 1). |
| Social | Social inequalities in education and healthcare services. Increasing public awareness of sustainability. |
| Technological | Advancements in digital technology and renewable energy accelerate goal achievement. Technological gap between developed and developing countries. |
Political:
Political commitment globally is a crucial pillar in the successful implementation of SDGs. Many countries have integrated the SDGs into their national policies, such as Indonesia’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (RPJMN). However, geopolitical challenges like the ongoing war in Ukraine have created instability, disrupting global collaboration toward peace and justice (Goal 16). Political stability is key because, without government support, the implementation of SDGs at both local and global levels will be difficult to achieve. Additionally, shifting political priorities, especially during election cycles, can impact the consistency of SDG-focused policies and actions.
Economic:
Economically, funding remains a major challenge. The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has drained resources, particularly in developing countries, hindering poverty alleviation and sustainable development programs (Goal 1). According to the UNDP, the pandemic has pushed an estimated 120 million people back into extreme poverty. Despite these setbacks, there are significant opportunities through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to mobilize funds from the private sector to support SDG projects. Yet, there remains a challenge in effectively coordinating between the private and public sectors. The gap between wealthy nations and the rest of the world in terms of financial resources remains an obstacle, especially in sectors like health, education, and infrastructure.
Social:
From a social perspective, inequalities in access to education and healthcare remain prominent. Although there has been an increase in public awareness about the importance of sustainability, social inequalities persist, particularly in remote and underserved regions. For instance, more than 260 million children worldwide are still out of school, and healthcare access continues to be a luxury in many parts of the Global South. Bridging this gap requires concerted efforts in education for sustainability, public campaigns, and increased community participation. Furthermore, social cohesion is key to driving widespread support for SDGs, as many social movements and grassroots organizations work to empower communities and promote local solutions for global challenges.
Technological:
Technology has been one of the primary drivers of progress in the SDGs. Innovations like renewable energy solutions, blockchain for financial transparency, and digitalization of public services have made substantial contributions. The deployment of renewable energy technologies, for example, has expanded access to clean energy in parts of Africa and Asia, helping to address Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). However, there is still a significant technological gap between developed and developing countries, which impedes equitable progress toward the SDGs. To close this gap, it is essential to facilitate fair technology transfer, capacity building, and the fostering of local innovation, which can help mitigate the effects of global inequalities and promote shared growth.
III. Reflection with SWOT Analysis in the Achievement of SDGs
The SWOT approach (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) is used to analyze the global position in the implementation of the SDGs. This analysis helps to identify internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) that influence the progress towards achieving the SDGs. Below is a summarized table of the SWOT analysis:
| Aspect | Explanation |
| Strengths | SDGs have a comprehensive and inclusive framework. Multilateral support from various international organizations and the private sector. |
| Weaknesses | Lack of coordination between governments, the private sector, and civil society. Significant funding deficits, particularly in developing countries. |
| Opportunities | Utilization of advanced technologies for innovation in education and renewable energy. Youth engagement in SDG movements creates positive momentum. |
| Threats | Environmental crises, such as climate change, pose a major challenge. Global economic instability due to pandemics and international conflicts. |
Strengths:
One of the primary strengths of the SDGs is their comprehensive and inclusive framework, which covers all aspects of human life—economic, social, and environmental. This makes SDGs a universal guide for sustainable development, adaptable to all countries and regions. Additionally, SDGs benefit from strong support from international organizations like the United Nations, as well as multilateral partnerships. The involvement of the private sector further bolsters the implementation of SDGs, with corporations like Tesla contributing to renewable energy projects (Goal 7). Such collaborations and commitment are crucial to advancing the SDGs and demonstrating global cooperation.
Weaknesses:
Despite these strengths, the implementation of the SDGs faces significant weaknesses, primarily due to a lack of coordination among key stakeholders: governments, the private sector, and civil society. Often, these sectors act independently rather than collaborating in a coordinated manner, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for synergies. Furthermore, developing countries face a substantial funding deficit, which impedes the progress of SDG-related projects. According to the United Nations, financing for the SDGs in low-income countries is about 70% below the target. This financial shortfall is compounded by the lack of infrastructure and institutional capacity in some regions, further hindering progress.
Opportunities:
The SDGs also present various opportunities, particularly through the application of advanced technologies. Innovations in digital education, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture are opening up new pathways for SDG achievement. For instance, mobile applications for tracking education progress, or solar-powered technologies for off-grid areas, provide practical solutions that can accelerate SDG targets. Another key opportunity lies in the increasing engagement of youth in SDG-related movements. Young people around the world are demanding action on issues like climate change (Goal 13) and gender equality (Goal 5). Their enthusiasm and energy create positive momentum, pushing governments and organizations to take stronger, more urgent actions towards meeting the 2030 targets.
Threats:
However, the SDGs are also confronted with several significant threats. One of the most pressing is the ongoing environmental crisis, particularly climate change. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss threaten many of the SDGs, especially those related to environmental sustainability (Goals 13, 14, and 15). The urgency to tackle climate change requires global coordination and prompt action, but political will and financial resources remain limited. Additionally, global economic instability, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing international conflicts, has severely disrupted progress on SDGs. The economic downturn has led to a recession in many countries, resulting in reduced investments in SDG-related projects and widening inequalities. Such crises not only hinder progress but also deepen vulnerabilities in developing regions, where the SDGs are needed the most.
IV. SMART Strategy to Accelerate the Implementation of SDGs
The SMART approach (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) offers a powerful framework for designing effective strategies to achieve the SDGs. By applying this method, we can ensure that goals are not only set but are actionable and achievable in a way that can be tracked and adjusted over time. The SMART strategy can help governments and organizations tailor their efforts to meet SDG targets in a meaningful and impactful way. Below is a summary table explaining how the SMART criteria can be applied to SDG implementation:
| Component | Explanation |
| Specific | Focus on eradicating extreme poverty (Goal 1) and improving access to quality education (Goal 4). |
| Measurable | Measure progress through quantitative indicators such as reductions in carbon emissions. |
| Achievable | Align targets with the available resources and capacities of individual countries to set realistic outcomes. |
| Relevant | Prioritize climate action in disaster-prone areas (Goal 13). |
| Time-bound | Set specific deadlines for each initiative, with annual progress checkpoints. |
Specific:
A clear, specific strategy is essential for the success of the SDGs. By focusing on critical issues such as the eradication of extreme poverty (Goal 1) and improving access to quality education (Goal 4), we can ensure that efforts are directed toward areas that have broad and interconnected impacts. For example, poverty alleviation directly improves access to education, healthcare, and housing, and subsequently contributes to other SDG goals. By making these goals the centerpiece of a national or regional development plan, policymakers can ensure they address the root causes of many interconnected challenges.
Measurable:
To ensure effective tracking of progress, achieving SDGs must be measured by clear, quantifiable indicators. This may include monitoring carbon emission reductions (Goal 13), literacy rates (Goal 4), or access to clean water (Goal 6). Measuring progress through reliable data allows governments and organizations to adjust strategies and ensure that targets are being met. For example, monitoring the reduction of emissions in line with climate action goals can guide policies toward more sustainable practices. Similarly, increasing the enrollment and graduation rates of girls in education would help track progress on gender equality (Goal 5) and education (Goal 4).
Achievable:
The targets set must be realistic, given the resource capacities of individual countries. While ambitious goals are necessary to inspire action, they must also align with a country’s economic, technological, and social capabilities. For instance, initiatives related to renewable energy in developing countries must be adapted to the existing infrastructure and resource availability. A country with limited access to modern technology may need to take gradual steps toward scaling up renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Setting achievable targets ensures that each step is within reach, which helps sustain momentum over time. Additionally, it is crucial to consider local contexts to ensure that strategies are not overly generalized.
Relevant:
It is essential to prioritize actions that are directly aligned with the most pressing global challenges. For example, mitigating the impacts of climate change (Goal 13) in disaster-prone areas should take precedence. Areas most vulnerable to climate-related disasters—such as small island developing states or regions prone to floods, droughts, or wildfires—should receive targeted interventions. Similarly, regions with high poverty rates should prioritize immediate poverty alleviation and education access. The relevance of each initiative must be tailored to the local context to ensure that resources are used effectively and that the most critical needs are addressed.
Time-bound:
Setting specific time frames for achieving SDG targets ensures accountability and encourages timely action. For instance, governments could set a goal of reducing poverty rates by 2% annually until 2030, ensuring that progress is made each year and that short-term targets are aligned with the long-term vision of SDGs. Time-bound goals also allow for regular evaluations, where strategies can be adjusted to address unforeseen challenges. This approach is essential for creating momentum and ensuring that the SDGs are not delayed or deprioritized.
V. Case Reflection on SDG Implementation in Indonesia
Since the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, Indonesia has made significant progress in a number of sustainability indicators, particularly in poverty reduction. In 2015, Indonesia’s poverty rate stood at 11.22%, but by 2023, this figure had decreased to 9.57% (BPS, 2023). This achievement reflects the success of government policies aimed at alleviating poverty through social assistance programs, infrastructure development, and improved access to education. However, despite the reduction in poverty, social and economic inequalities across regions remain a significant challenge, especially when aiming to achieve social equality (Goal 10). These disparities are evident in the stark differences between urban and rural areas, as well as between communities that have access to better education and healthcare services and those that do not.
One of the key issues affecting the implementation of SDGs in Indonesia is the inequality in access to education and healthcare. While Indonesia has made progress in reducing illiteracy rates and improving education participation, the quality of education in certain regions still falls short of global standards. Furthermore, access to healthcare services remains limited in many remote areas, preventing the country from fully achieving SDGs related to quality education (Goal 4) and good health (Goal 3). This challenge is exacerbated by geographic factors, with regions such as Papua and Nusa Tenggara Timur still facing inadequate educational and healthcare infrastructure. Addressing these disparities requires an inclusive, community-based approach to service delivery and infrastructure development.
On the other hand, Indonesia has made significant strides in integrating climate change issues into national policy, particularly in relation to Goal 13 on climate action. The Indonesian government has ratified the Paris Agreement and set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions while accelerating the transition to renewable energy. However, despite efforts to raise awareness and implement climate policies, the greatest challenge lies in the field-level implementation, especially in sectors heavily reliant on fossil fuels, such as industry and transportation. In this context, existing policies must be supported by more specific programs, such as incentives for companies investing in green technologies and the reduction of fossil fuel subsidies that harm the environment.
At the local government level, SDG implementation often faces barriers due to bureaucracy and limited budgets. Regional governments in Indonesia frequently struggle to formulate and implement SDG policies due to funding shortages and a lack of skilled personnel who can effectively manage SDG-related initiatives. Furthermore, the lack of coordination between central and local governments remains a major obstacle to achieving SDG targets, as these goals require better cross-sector and inter-agency integration. To address this, there is a pressing need to build the capacity of local government officials to plan and manage sustainable development projects and to support the allocation of budgets that are more focused on achieving SDGs.
Additionally, the gap between the formal and informal sectors presents a significant challenge in achieving SDGs in Indonesia. The informal sector, which includes a large portion of the workforce, often lacks access to social security and adequate healthcare services and is marginalized in broader development policies. To achieve SDGs related to gender equality, poverty reduction, and decent work (Goal 8), special attention should be given to the informal sector by improving access to social security, enhancing skills for informal workers, and supporting the development of sustainable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
One positive aspect of SDG implementation is the increasing involvement of civil society and the private sector in supporting sustainability goals. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are involved in local initiatives to reduce poverty and raise awareness about social and environmental issues. The private sector is also showing greater commitment to incorporating sustainability principles into their operations. For example, major companies like Unilever and Danone have launched programs aimed at reducing their carbon footprint and supporting the development of environmentally friendly products. However, while the private sector has great potential, their contribution is often limited to financially profitable projects, while long-term, high-risk sustainability initiatives are frequently overlooked.
In terms of technology, Indonesia has started leveraging advancements in digital technology to support SDG implementation. Digital platforms such as waste management systems and online learning platforms have provided new solutions to sustainability challenges in education and the environment. However, there remains a significant digital divide between urban and rural areas, which hinders the potential for technology to achieve SDGs in a more equitable manner. To accelerate SDG implementation, policies are needed to ensure more equitable access to technology, digital training for the workforce, and improved infrastructure in underserved areas.
Finally, while Indonesia has made progress, the reflection on 2024 indicates that achieving the SDGs requires more decisive steps and better coordination among all stakeholders. Achieving the SDGs is not a task that can be accomplished by the government alone; it requires the active involvement of civil society, the private sector, and the international community. Therefore, it is crucial for Indonesia to continue pursuing more inclusive and sustainable policies, foster synergies between the public and private sectors, and ensure that no group is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development goals.
VI. Conclusion
Reflecting on the past nine years, it is clear that while significant achievements have been made in areas such as poverty reduction, education, and healthcare, many challenges remain in achieving the SDGs. The disparities between developed and developing countries, the health crisis exacerbated by the pandemic, and the pressing urgency of climate change are key obstacles that must be addressed immediately. Therefore, more focused and strategic steps need to be taken to ensure that the SDGs are met by 2030.
The first step is to strengthen international collaboration. Governments, the private sector, and civil society must work together to create inclusive and sustainable solutions. Increased funding should be allocated to developing countries to help them access the technologies necessary to achieve the SDGs. Additionally, policies that support the transition to renewable energy and sustainable natural resource management must be reinforced to meet Goal 13, addressing climate action.
Furthermore, there is an urgent need to raise global awareness about the importance of inclusive and equitable education. Integrating sustainability education into school curricula worldwide can enhance public awareness of the SDGs and motivate individuals to actively participate in achieving these goals.
With more coordinated and strategic actions, achieving the SDGs by 2030 is still within reach. However, this can only be realized if all parties remain committed to working together, overcoming existing obstacles, and seizing every opportunity to create a more inclusive and equitable sustainable development future.
By: Muhamad Fadli
Write and Win: Participate in Creative writing Contest & International Essay Contest and win fabulous prizes.
