Estonia now has a monitoring system for sustainable development goals, which complies with the global goals of the United Nations.
“The Commission had so far monitored sustainable development only in the context of Estonia. Today, we are increasingly closer to the point where it is no longer possible to separate global sustainable development from that of Estonia. It is also clear that we must begin measuring things that we as a nation value and wish to maintain to a larger extent. For example, sustainable development indicators now include ones assessing the mental health of Estonians and in addition to economic growth, we also pay more attention to happiness,” said Sigrid Solnik, chairperson of the Commission for Sustainable Development.
“At first glance, it might seem that setting the indicators is not much of an achievement. However, I believe that it is the foundation of sustainable development in Estonia, as based on accurate and measurable statistics we will be able to see how Estonia is doing in terms of meeting sustainable development goals in the coming years and decades.”
Next year, a statistical report on the sustainable development indicators of Estonia will be published based on the new list of sustainable development goals.
The list was agreed on under the leadership of the Government Office based on the proposals of ministries, Statistics Estonia, and the Commission for Sustainable Development.
In September 2015, the United Nations adopted the Agenda for Sustainable Development, setting 17 sustainable development goals and 169 targets that provide guidance in the protection of people and the environment, as well as in the achievement of well-being. These global goals apply to all countries and the fulfilment thereof is monitored.
The Estonian Commission for Sustainable Development was founded in 1996 to analyse Estonia’s policy of long-term sustainable development. The Commission comprises representatives of non-governmental organisations and it is serviced by the Government Office.
More information:
Sigrid Solnik, chairperson of the Commission for Sustainable Development, +372 523 4104, [email protected]
Eili Lepik, Strategy Unit of the Government Office, +372 693 5619, [email protected]