SDG Synergies: An approach for coherent 2030 Agenda implementation

The Stockholm Environment Institute's SDG Synergies approach provides a systemic framework for planning sustainable development by analyzing how progress toward specific SDG targets influences others. The method involves a three-step process: customizing a subset of 20 to 40 relevant targets, scoring their direct interactions in a cross-impact matrix, and using network analysis to identify indirect 'ripple effects' and clusters of targets. This approach aims to improve priority-setting, resource allocation, and cross-sectoral collaboration by identifying targets with high positive influence and mitigating potential trade-offs.

• The SDG Synergies approach utilizes a three-step collaborative process—Customization, Scoring interactions, and Analysis—to move beyond simple target-to-target interactions and understand how effects ripple through the 2030 Agenda.
• In the first step, stakeholders narrow the scope of analysis to a manageable subset of targets, typically between 20 and 40, based on the specific natural, economic, and governance context.
• The second step involves using a 'cross-impact matrix' to score direct interactions between targets, noting that the direction of the interaction matters as progress on Target A may affect Target B differently than vice versa.
• The final analysis step employs network analysis to detect indirect 'ripple' effects and identify clusters of positively interacting targets, which can serve as a foundation for cross-sectoral partnerships.
• The approach informs policy by identifying high-impact targets for resource prioritization, highlighting targets that require specific support because they lack positive influence from others, and anticipating negative trade-offs.

APA

Weitz, N., Carlsen, H., & Trimmer, C. (2019). SDG Synergies: An approach for coherent 2030 Agenda implementation. Stockholm Environment Institute. https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/sei-brief-2019-sdg-synergies-2.pdf

Chicago

Weitz, Nina, Henrik Carlsen, and Caspar Trimmer. SDG Synergies: An approach for coherent 2030 Agenda implementation. Stockholm Environment Institute, 2019. https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/sei-brief-2019-sdg-synergies-2.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Weitz |first1=Nina |last2=Carlsen |first2=Henrik |last3=Trimmer |first3=Caspar |title=SDG Synergies: An approach for coherent 2030 Agenda implementation |publisher=Stockholm Environment Institute |date=May 2019 |url=https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/sei-brief-2019-sdg-synergies-2.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{weitz2019sdg, author = {Weitz, Nina and Carlsen, Henrik and Trimmer, Caspar}, title = {{SDG Synergies: An approach for coherent 2030 Agenda implementation}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2019}, month = may, url = {https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/sei-brief-2019-sdg-synergies-2.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }