Going 'beyond GDP' should not mean sidelining the SDGs

"The group has already produced an interim report and is consulting with diverse stakeholders through in-person and online events. But some researchers and policymakers are concerned that the final recommendations will not adequately incorporate the work done on the indicators for the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world's current plan to end poverty and achieve environmental sustainability."

"A central lesson from the SDG global monitoring experience is that future efforts should build on what already exists rather than start anew. This is good advice. The process of creating, reviewing and improving the SDG indicators and then helping countries to implement them is perhaps one of the most comprehensive, inclusive and recognizable international framew"

The United Nations will soon publish recommendations from its High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP, proposing measures of progress that extend beyond gross domestic product to capture what matters to people, the planet, and the future. These recommendations will be presented to UN member states in September for consideration and potential adoption. The group has consulted with diverse stakeholders through various events. However, researchers and policymakers worry the final recommendations may not adequately incorporate the extensive work done on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, which use over 200 unique criteria for measuring progress. SDG indicator specialists have advised that future efforts should build upon existing frameworks rather than create entirely new systems.

Read at Nature