The main goal of the Global Agenda for Sustainable Development is to eradicate poverty everywhere and to ensure dignity and a good quality of life for all, while respecting the capabilities of the natural environment. The objectives of the action plan focus on improving the economic, social and environmental situation.
The targets apply to all countries and require input from both governments and the non-governmental sector.
In Estonia, the global issues related to the implementation of the sustainable development goals are also reflected in the development plans and programs prepared on the basis of the "Estonia 2035" strategy.
Sustainable development in Estonia
Estonia’s sustainable development principles have been determined by the National Strategy on Sustainable Development “Sustainable Estonia 21”. The strategy basics are derived from the Law on Sustainable Development adopted by the Riigikogu in 1995. This Act sets out regulations on sustainable use of natural environment and natural resources.
The National Strategy on Sustainable Development “Sustainable Estonia 21” was completed under the coordination of the Ministry of the Environment in 2005. This constitutes as a strategy for developing the Estonian state and society until 2030. The strategy was completed in close cooperation between the experts and the stakeholders. The adoption of the strategy was preceded by a thorough public discussion.
The aim of the strategy is to combine the requirements for success arising from global competition with the preservation of the sustainable development principles and Estonia’s traditional values. The National Strategy “Sustainable Estonia 21” proposes objectives and policies contributing to the sustainable development of Estonia.
No separate plan has been compiled to implement the Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development: the strategy is implemented through various sectorial strategies and development plans. While compiling a development plan for each sector, the strategic development plans for the national competitiveness and sustainable development have to always be taken into account.
To monitor the implementation of the National Strategy, a report has been compiled on the results of the implementation of the strategy. The report helps to set further goals through the choice of sustainable development indicators and also gives an overview of how the indicators have changed in recent years.
Objectives of Estonia’s sustainable development
- The viability of the Estonian cultural space
- The growth of welfare
- A socially coherent society
- Ecological balance
The Commission for Sustainable Development
The Government established the Estonian Sustainable Development Commission in 1996. The Commission's composition and work format were changed on June 30, 2022. As a result of the change, in addition to non-governmental organizations, the Commission includes representatives of ministries. The Commission sessions are held on the basis of the work plan approved by the Commission, which defines the most important focus topics of the Commission and the times of the regular sessions. The chairman of the Commission is the State Secretary and the Deputy Chairman is a representative of the organizations.
The tasks of the Commission are as follows:
- to make proposals for achieving sustainable development goals in the action plan of the country's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035";
- approve the list of sustainable development indicators in Estonia for monitoring the achievement of sustainable development goals;
- prepare and approve Estonia's country-specific overview of the implementation of the UN's global sustainable development agenda 2030;
- implement the global sustainable development goals and inform the sustainable development platform about their activities.
Since 2007, the Strategy Unit of the Government Office has been operating as the secretariat of the Commission for Sustainable Development, providing technical support for the commission's work and supporting the preparation of the commission's decisions, i.e. helping to find survey and analysis operators, drawing up terms of reference, concluding contracts, financing research and analysis, organizing discussions on focus topics, etc.
Members of the Commission for Sustainable Development
- Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation
- Estonian Education Forum
- Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Estonian Chamber of Environmental Associations
- Estonian Chamber of Culture
- The Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities
- Estonian Banking Association
- The Estonian National Youth Council
- Estonian Chamber of Disabled People
- Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce
- Council of Rectors
- Ministry of Education and Research
- Ministry of Environment
- Ministry of Culture
- Ministry of Rural Affairs
- Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of the Interior
- Ministry of Social Affairs
Last updated: 15.11.2022