Resilience in the SDGs: developing an indicator for target 1.5 that is fit for purpose
This briefing paper provides one proposal as a first step to stimulate further debate on developing a resilience indicator that is fit for purpose for target 1.5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It outlines a comprehensive approach for developing a cross-sectoral, multi-dimensional and dynamic understanding of resilience. The document provides a a practical proposal of what a more effective indicator could look like, even given the capacity constraints of National Statistical Offices (NSOs).
It also highlights that building resilience and reducing vulnerabilities are core aspects of the SDGs – both explicitly and implicitly across the framework. The SDGs recognise that threats, disasters, shocks and stresses produced by natural and man-made hazards present immense challenges and can reverse years of development gains, but also pledge that ‘no one will be left behind'.
Its authors assert that more discussion is needed on the most suitable targets that should make up the Composite Resilience Capacity Index and the Composite Resilient Outcomes Index, the weighting of indicators within these, and the establishment of baselines for measuring hazards and exposure.