Afghanistan
Cost Estimation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Afghanistan
This project utilized the integrated Sustainable Development Goals simulation model (iSDG) to estimate the financial resources required for Afghanistan to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
It considered the challenges and complexities of development planning, especially in the context of Afghanistan's political and economic instability. The study analyzed various scenarios to understand the cost-effectiveness of different policy interventions and identified key areas of investment and policy reform. The outcomes demonstrate the vital role of specific policies in sustainable development, even under constraints of limited financial and political resources.
Key Policies and Reccomendations
Invest in Health Services:Â Prioritize funding for fundamental health services, including access to clean water, sanitation, and family planning. This area offers the highest return on investment in terms of SDG attainment per unit of GDP.
Emphasize Education and Agricultural Training:Â Focus on general education and agricultural training, as these are crucial in empowering the population and driving sustainable development, especially in resource-scarce contexts.
Adopt an Integrated Policy Design:Â Implement policies that consider cross-sectoral impacts and feedback loops. An integrated approach is vital for optimizing the effectiveness of interventions towards SDG attainment.
Address Systemic Inequalities:Â Identify and strategize against historical inequalities and systemic barriers that hinder sustainable development. This includes tailoring policies to address regional disparities and marginalized groups.
Establish Stable Investment Mechanisms:Â In light of Afghanistan's instability, develop robust and institutionalized mechanisms for funding SDG-related initiatives. This will help in securing and efficiently allocating resources towards sustainable development goals, even in uncertain political and economic conditions.