Finland once again ranks first in international comparison of sustainable development

For the second year in a row, Finland has taken the top spot in the annual global ranking of sustainable development. The comparison assesses countries’ progress on implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals. Of the 17 goals, Finland has achieved or is close to achieving those related to social sustainability in particular. There are still several goals related to ecological sustainability where Finland has work to do. These themes will be discussed at an event on the state of sustainable development in Finland on 8 June.

The esteemed ranking is conducted annually by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the Bertelsmann Foundation. According to the new ranking, Finland has achieved its goals related to poverty reduction, clean and affordable energy, and high-quality education. Finland is doing well when it comes to social sustainability and is also close to achieving the goals related to reducing inequality, advancing gender equality, decent work and economic growth, and peace and the rule of law. Finland still faces challenges are related to ecological sustainability, including the fight against climate change, the need for more sustainable consumption and production patterns and halting biodiversity loss.

Secretary-General of the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development Sami Pirkkala says the results are significant.

“Sustainable development is about safeguarding people’s wellbeing within the limits of our planet’s carrying capacity. Finland’s strength lies in our long-term investments to ensure people’s wellbeing and equality. A key challenge for Finland is how to maintain this high level of wellbeing within the limits of our planet.”

The state of sustainable development in Finland is monitored on an annual basis, and the topic will be discussed at the State and Future of Sustainable Development event on Wednesday 8 June at 9.00–12.00. This year’s event will focus on education, equality, biodiversity and the state of marine environments. For each theme, the discussions will address the situation globally and in Finland, links to the new strategy of the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development, and ways to use art and culture to advance the goals of the 2030 Agenda.

“We are facing a global learning crisis, and Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine may lead to a food crisis that will further hamper our ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In the midst of all this, however, it is important to give young people and future generations a picture of a future worth striving for. This is at the heart of sustainable development,” Pirkkala emphasises.

The State and Future of Sustainable Development event is part of Finland’s national monitoring of sustainable development. The event will focus on the current state of sustainable development both in Finland and globally and will examine new innovations in policy and society. The event will kick off Finland’s preparations leading up to the High Level Political Forum taking place next month in New York.

Inquiries: Sami Pirkkala, Secretary-General, Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development, tel. +358 295 160 487
[email protected]