Sustainable Development Report 2024 revealed Uzbekistan's placement at 81st out of 167 countries assessed, highlighting the nation's progress and challenges in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The report evaluates countries based on their performance across 17 SDGs, encompassing areas from poverty eradication and health to environmental sustainability and economic growth. Uzbekistan achieved an overall score reflecting its efforts in advancing sustainable development, positioning itself within the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region.
SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure:
- Uzbekistan scored positively with 88.6% of the rural population having access to all-season roads.
- High rates of internet usage (83.9%) and mobile broadband subscriptions (106.7 per 100 population) were noted.
SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities:
- The country faces challenges in urban planning, with only 21.9% of the population having convenient access to public transport in cities.
- Air quality remains a concern, with an annual mean concentration of PM2.5 at 31.8 μg/m³ in 2022.
SDG 13 - Climate Action:
- Uzbekistan recorded CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion and cement production at 3.5 tCO2/capita in 2022, indicating room for improvement in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
SDG 15 - Life on Land:
- Efforts to protect biodiversity through designated areas were noted, with mean area protected in terrestrial sites important to biodiversity at 20.5% in 2023.
Despite making progress across several indicators, Uzbekistan faces ongoing challenges in environmental sustainability, urban development, and climate action. Issues such as air pollution and limited access to public transport point out areas needing attention for future improvement.
The Sustainable Development Report serves as a critical tool for policymakers, providing insights into areas where Uzbekistan excels and where targeted interventions are necessary. Enhancing infrastructure, promoting sustainable urban planning, and strengthening climate mitigation strategies are essential steps toward achieving higher rankings in future assessments.
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