Sustainable Development Goal 9
Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Goal 9 or SDG 9) is about "industry, innovation and infrastructure" and is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.[1] SDG 9 aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.[2][3]
Sustainable Development Goal 9
"Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation"
No
Global
2015
SDG 9 has eight targets, and progress is measured by twelve indicators. The first five targets are outcome targets: develop sustainable, resilient and inclusive infrastructures; promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization; increase access to financial services and markets; upgrade all industries and infrastructures for sustainability; enhance research and upgrade industrial technologies. The remaining three targets are means of implementation targets[4]: Facilitate sustainable infrastructure development for developing countries; support domestic technology development and industrial diversification; universal access to information and communications technology.
In 2019, it was reported that "the intensity of global carbon dioxide emissions has declined by nearly one quarter since 2000, showing a general decoupling of carbon dioxide emissions from GDP growth".[5] Millions of people are still unable to access the internet due to cost, coverage, and other reasons.[6] It is estimated that just 54% of the world's population are currently (in 2020) internet users.[7]
Background[edit]
The aim of attaining inclusive and sustainable industrialization is to "unleash dynamic and competitive economic forces that generate employment and income".[8] This goal includes striving for resilience (engineering and construction) and urban resilience.
SDG 9 recognizes that humanity's ability to connect and communicate effectively, move people and things efficiently, and develop new skills, industries and technology, is crucial in overcoming the many interlinked economic, social and environmental challenges in the 21st century.[9]
In order to have a successful community, a functioning and strong infrastructure has to be in place as its basic requirement.[10] SDG 9 is all about promoting innovative and sustainable technologies and ensuring equal and universal access to information and financial markets.[10]
The technological development in infrastructure is what gives rise to a sustainable society.[10] This is expected to create prosperity and jobs, and build stable and prosperous societies across the globe.[10] The key emphasis is on developing reliable and sustainable infrastructural solutions that support economic development as well as human well-being, while also ensuring financial affordability.[11] This goal aims at ensuring every society in the world possess good infrastructure.[10]
Achieving SDG 9 will require significant financing and political will. Key challenges include improving internet access in developing countries, inadequate transport, (particularly in land-locked developing countries) and the disparity of Research and Development investment and the number of researchers in developing countries when compared to developed countries.[12]
Means of implementation targets[edit]
Target 9.a: Facilitate sustainable infrastructure development for developing countries[edit]
Target 9.a is: "Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and Small Island Developing States."[14]
It has one indicator: "Total official international support (official development assistance plus other official flows) to infrastructure".[8]
Monitoring[edit]
High-level progress reports for all the SDGs are published in the form of reports by the United Nations Secretary General, the most recent one is from April 2020.[5] The report before that was from May 2019.[22] Updates and progress can also be found on the SDG website that is managed by the United Nations.[8]
The custodian agencies are responsible for data gathering and reporting on the indicators. They are:-[23]