29.10.2015 Update on global SDG indicators

The Inter-Agency Strategy Group (IAEG) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) held its second meeting from 26-28 October in Bangkok at the United Nations Conference Centre to work on finalising the global SDG indicators for Agenda 2030. Click here for details on the proposed indicators.

Currently there are 224 global SDG indicators proposed, of which 159 are mostly agreed (green) and 65 that need further discussion (grey). Persons with disabilities and/or disability are included in four green/approved indicators, including: (1) Poverty Eradication Indicator 1.3.1, (2) Employment Indicator 8.5.2(3) Education Indicator 4.5.1, and (4) Peaceful and Inclusive Societies Indicator 16.7.1. Possible indicators that could include disability after consultation include: (1) WASH Indicator 6.1.1 and (2) Inclusive Cities Indicator 11.7.1. See the table below for details.

Positively, the chapeau (introduction) of the final IAEG Report will have a statement on disaggregation of data, which includes disability: “SDG indicators should be disaggregated where relevant by income, gender, age, race, ethnicity, migratory status, disability and geographic location, or other characteristics, in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics.”

Stakeholders were able to provide brief statements to the IAEG and persons with disabilities were included in the statements on education and health (twice), poverty eradication, employment, and in an overall principles paper.

In order to make this a more inclusive and transparent process, there will be a three-day process (date not yet determined) to input into the green/agreed indicators (for minor considerations) online for IAEG members, observers, UN agencies, and stakeholders, including civil society. There will be clear guidelines on how to input for the online consultation.

For persons with disabilities, this particularly applies to the indicators 6.1.1 (WASH) and 11.7.1 (Inclusive Cities). Following this consultation, there will be a discussion on the grey indicators. Additionally, after March 2016 the IAEG will continue update the adopted indicators and in time add new ones.

Proposed IAEG work plan:

  • October 29-November 20, 2015: Consultation for IAEG Members on green indicators
  • 1 December-15 February, 2016: Work on grey indicators based on work plan agreed by IAEG Members for inclusion in background documents for Statistical Commission
  • 29 October-20 November, 2015: Work stream on disaggregation: Preparation chapeau and identification of targets where particular population groups (e.g. persons with disabilities) are mentioned – proposals for disaggregation of current indicators.
  • 30 November-December, 2015: Draft Report circulated to IAEG Members
  • 7 December-16 December, 2015: Report for Statistical Commission is finalised for submission
  • 8 December, 2015: Update indicators related to climate change based on COP 21 Paris outcome
  • Mid-January, 2016: Meeting of the High-Level Group in which the IAEG-SDG co-chairs will participate
  • March 2016: Third IAEG-SDGs meeting will take place
     

Agreed (green) indicators with disability/persons with disabilities

Target Agreed Indicator
Aligned with target 1.3 Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable Poverty Eradication: Indicator 1.3.1 Percentage of the population covered by social protection floors/systems disaggregated by sex, and distinguishing children, unemployed, old age, people with disabilities, pregnant women/new-borns, work injury victims, poor and vulnerable
Aligned to Target 4.5 By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations Education: Indicator 4.5.1Parity indices (female/male, urban/rural, bottom/top wealth quintile) for all indicators on this list that can be disaggregated (11 countries supported the comment of Germany: Include “people with disabilities” (gradually) in parity indices. Clear definition of “people with disabilities” is needed.)
Aligned with target 8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value Employment: Indicator 8.5.2 Unemployment rate by sex, age-group and disability
Aligned with target 16.7 Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels Peaceful and Inclusive Societies: Indicator 16.7.1 Proportions of positions (by age, sex, disability and population groups) in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service, and judiciary) compared to national distributions.


Possibly Approved Indicators

Target Possible Indicator
Aligned with target 6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all WASH: Indicator 6.1.1Percentage of population using safely managed drinking water services(7 Countries support DESA/DSPD on the need to disaggregate on disability and on rural/urban, but no oral support in the meeting in Bangkok.)
Aligned with target 11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities Inclusive Cities: Indicator 11.7.1 The average share of the built-up areas of cities in open space in public ownership and use(Germany and the UK proposed that accessibility and persons with disabilities are included in this indicator.)


Please stay tuned for continual updates on the global SDG indicator process.