Crunching the Numbers in Montenegro: SDG Data Monitoring and Reporting

With just about six years to go for our 2030 milestone, the world is severely off-track to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Even as we race to make the most impactful decisions for a sustainable future, data and evidence continue to be our backbone, informing policies, investments and spurring us to improve our effectiveness. 

The journey to making data accessible and usable for the SDGs has been a significant one. In 2016, when the global indicator framework was first established, reliable data was available for only about a third of the indicators, and many lacked established methods for collection. Today, the number of indicators with good data coverage (meaning data is available for more than 50 per cent of countries) has nearly doubled to 68 per cent. Furthermore, since 2020, all 231 indicators now have internationally accepted methodologies.  

Yet, this exercise of collecting, monitoring and reporting SDG data is a titanic effort, which extends beyond just the statistical bodies in every country. It requires a collaborative partnership among governments, international organizations, data producers and users.

In Montenegro, under the leadership of the RCO, the  UN supports the national SDG dashboard, that helps track progress on the implementation of the SDGs  Since its establishment towards the end of 2022, the availability of SDG indicators considerably increased  from below 30 per cent to current 63 per cent, with significant progress in measuring SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and Infrastructure), closely followed by SDG 4 (Quality education) and 6 (Clean water and sanitation).  The increase in public availability of collected indicators was also evident through the improved SDG index score (as per the Sustainable Development Report) from 68.8 in 2022 to 73.05 in 2024.

Key indicators from this dashboard are also used to report on the National Sustainable Development Strategy and are integrated into the Action Plan for the implementation of National Commitments delivered by the President at the SDG Summit 2023. This SDG monitoring is being institutionalized through the national Sustainable Development Office, with the RCO-led and specific agencies' consultancy and technical assistance. The initial establishment of the dashboard was supported by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), while the inter-agency Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) group coordinates further work to enhance dashboard functioning and longer-term sustainability.

The dashboard has also evolved into a crucial platform for knowledge exchange, featuring publications and offering access to analytical work by the UN that aligns with the strategic priorities of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, thus further ensuring buy-in and more in-depth engagement of Government partners.