Monitoring the SDGs by Means of the Census

 

Overview

Population-related elements are present in approximately 40 percent of the SDG indicators. Where might these population-related indicators be sourced from? What data challenges do they present? This brief highlights some of the important implications of countries having to rely, directly or indirectly, on their census data in the SDG process, and draws attention to possible interventions and strategies that could be used to mitigate these implications.

Key Insights

APPROPRIATE, ACCURATE, AND TIMELY DATA IS NEEDED

Population-related elements are present in approximately 40% of the SDG indicators. Without appropriate, accurate, and timely data, framed by the principle of ‘no-one left behind’, our ability to monitor progress towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals will be constrained.

CHALLENGES ARE GEOGRAPHICALLY UNBALANCED

The challenges of collecting and employing such data will be borne, largely, by the countries of the global South.

 

Research Lead
Tom A. Moultrie, University of Cape Town Centre for Actuarial Research

 
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