Safeguard Criteria

1 Poverty

“End poverty in all its forms everywhere”

What questions do I need to answer to know if a project has a negative impact on the first goal of the SDGS “End poverty in all its forms everywhere”?

To evaluate whether a project negatively impacts the first Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of "Ending poverty in all its forms everywhere," you can ask the following questions:

Impact on Income and Employment

1. Does the project lead to job losses or reduced income for vulnerable populations?
2. Does it disproportionately affect low-income or marginalized groups?
3. Will the project create economic opportunities that are accessible to those living in poverty?

Access to Basic Services

1. Does the project restrict access to essential services like healthcare, education, or social protection for impoverished communities?
2. Will it lead to increased costs for basic goods or services, making them unaffordable for the poor?

Community Displacement and Land Use

1. Does the project involve displacement of communities or loss of land that could exacerbate poverty?
2. Are there adequate measures to compensate or relocate affected individuals equitably?

Environmental Impacts

1. Will the project degrade natural resources (e.g., water, forests, agricultural land) that poor communities depend on for their livelihoods?
2. Could it increase vulnerability to climate change or environmental disasters for these groups?

Social Inequalities

1. Does the project exacerbate existing inequalities or social exclusion for disadvantaged groups?
2. Are there mechanisms to ensure inclusive participation of poor and marginalized communities in the project's planning and implementation?

Policy and Governance

1. Does the project align with local and national poverty reduction strategies?
2. Are there safeguards to prevent corruption or mismanagement of resources intended to support poverty reduction?

Long-Term Outcomes

1. Could the project undermine long-term economic stability or growth in poor regions?
2. Will it erode traditional or informal safety nets relied upon by impoverished communities?

By answering these questions, you can assess whether a project might have a negative impact on efforts to end poverty and take corrective measures if necessary.

 5 Gender equality

“Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”

What questions do I need to answer to know if a project has a negative impact on the fifth goal of the SDGS “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”?

To determine whether a project negatively impacts the fifth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of "Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls," consider the following questions:

Access and Participation

• Does the project restrict women's or girls' access to education, employment, or healthcare?
• Are women and girls excluded from decision-making processes related to the project?
• Does the project provide equal opportunities for women and men to benefit from its outcomes?

Economic Impact

• Does the project exacerbate wage gaps between men and women?
• Are job opportunities created by the project accessible to women, particularly in leadership or technical roles?
• Does it increase the burden of unpaid care and domestic work on women?

Rights and Protections

• Does the project undermine women's rights, such as land ownership, inheritance, or access to resources?
• Could it expose women or girls to unsafe or exploitative conditions, including gender-based violence?
• Are safeguards in place to protect women and girls from harassment or discrimination during project implementation?

Social and Cultural Norms

• Does the project reinforce harmful gender stereotypes or biases?
• Could it unintentionally perpetuate patriarchal norms or social exclusion of women and girls?
• Does it challenge existing inequalities or actively promote gender equity?

Inclusivity and Representation

• Are women and girls from marginalized or disadvantaged groups included in the project’s planning and execution?
• Does the project consider the specific needs and experiences of women and girls with disabilities, in rural areas, or from minority groups?

Health and Well-being

• Does the project negatively impact women's reproductive health or restrict access to sexual and reproductive health services?
• Could it increase health risks or burdens for women and girls, such as through environmental degradation or unsafe working conditions?

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Does the project include measurable gender equality goals and indicators?
• Are there mechanisms to track and address unintended negative impacts on women and girls during and after implementation?

Answering these questions will help identify whether the project might have a negative impact on achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls. Adjustments can then be made to ensure the project aligns with SDG 5.

16 Justice

"Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels"

What questions do I need to answer to know if a project has a negative impact on the sixteenth goal of the SDGS “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels"?

To assess whether a project has a negative impact on the sixteenth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 16), consider the following questions:

Inclusivity

• Does the project exclude specific groups from participating in decision-making processes or accessing benefits?

Justice Access

• Does the project undermine or hinder access to justice for marginalized communities? Are there barriers to legal resources?

Transparency

• Are the project's processes transparent? Is there adequate information available for stakeholders and the public?

Accountability

• Are there mechanisms in place to hold project implementers accountable for their actions? Is there recourse for grievances?

Conflict and Violence

• Could the project exacerbate existing social tensions or lead to increased violence in the community?

Corruption

• Does the project involve practices that could encourage corruption or a lack of integrity in governance?

Participation

• Are local communities actively consulted, and do they have a say in the development and implementation of the project?

Institutional Strengthening

• Does the project strengthen or weaken local institutions and governance structures?

Rights and Freedoms

• Does the project respect and uphold human rights and freedoms, particularly for vulnerable populations?

Sustainability

• Will the project's outcomes contribute to long-term peace and stability, or could they create dependency or other negative consequences?

Evaluating answers to these questions can help determine the potential negative impacts of a project on SDG 16.

Direct Criteria

15 Life on land

"Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss."

What questions do I need to answer to know whether a project contributes to the fifteenth goal of the SDGS “Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss”?

To assess whether a project contributes to the 15th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) regarding terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity, consider addressing the following questions:

Ecosystem Impact

• • How does the project affect local ecosystems?
  • Does it promote the restoration or sustainable use of ecosystems?

Biodiversity

• • What measures are in place to protect biodiversity?
  • Are native species promoted, and is there a plan to mitigate negative impacts on wildlife?

Deforestation and Land Degradation

• • Does the project involve deforestation, or does it contribute to reducing deforestation rates?
  • How does the project address land degradation or combat desertification?

Sustainable Practices

• • Are sustainable land management practices integrated into the project?
  • What strategies are in place to minimize environmental footprints?

Stakeholder Engagement

• • How does the project engage local communities and stakeholders in biodiversity conservation efforts?
  • Are Indigenous knowledge systems and practices considered and integrated?

Monitoring and Evaluation

• • Is there a plan for monitoring and evaluating the impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity?
  • What metrics will be used to measure success in achieving SDG 15 objectives?

Policy Alignment

• • Does the project align with national and international policies on biodiversity and ecosystem management?
  • How does it contribute to existing efforts or frameworks aimed at protecting terrestrial ecosystems?

By exploring these questions, you can gain insight into the project's alignment with the goals of protecting and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and combating biodiversity loss.

13 Climate change

"Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts"

What questions do I need to answer to know whether a project contributes to the thirteenth goal of the SDGS “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts”?

To determine whether a project contributes to the 13th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) focused on climate action, consider addressing the following questions:

Emissions Reduction

• • Does the project aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? If so, by how much?
  • What specific strategies or technologies are being employed to achieve emissions reductions?

Adaptation Measures

• • How does the project address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and ecosystems?
  • Are there specific adaptation strategies included to enhance resilience to climate-related events?

Sustainable Practices

• • Does the project promote sustainable practices that contribute to climate change mitigation (e.g., renewable energy, sustainable agriculture)?
  • How does the project reduce reliance on fossil fuels or other high-emission resources?

Engagement and Awareness

• • How does the project educate or engage local communities about climate change and its impacts?
  • Is there a plan to raise awareness and promote climate action among stakeholders?

Policy Alignment

• • Does the project align with national and international climate policies and commitments (e.g., the Paris Agreement)?
  • How does it contribute to the global climate agenda?

Monitoring and Reporting

• • Is there a clear plan for monitoring and evaluating the climate impacts of the project?
  • What indicators will be used to assess progress in combating climate change?

Collaboration and Partnerships

• • Does the project involve collaboration with other organizations, governments, or sectors to enhance climate action efforts?
  • How are partnerships leveraged to increase the project's effectiveness in addressing climate change?

By answering these questions, you can better assess a project's potential to contribute positively to the goal of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

2 Zero hunger

"End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture"

What questions do I need to answer to know whether a project contributes to the second goal of the SDGS “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture”?

To determine whether a project contributes to the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2), you can answer the following questions:

Does the project address hunger?

• Does the project increase access to food for individuals or communities suffering from hunger?
• Is the project focused on vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women, or marginalized groups, who are most affected by hunger?

Does the project improve food security?

• Does the project ensure consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food throughout the year?
• Does it address the root causes of food insecurity, such as poverty, inequality, or lack of infrastructure?
• Is the project improving food distribution systems or supply chains?

Does the project enhance nutrition?

• Does it address malnutrition, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, or obesity?
• Does it promote dietary diversity and the consumption of nutrient-rich foods?
• Does it provide education or awareness about healthy eating and nutrition?

Does the project promote sustainable agriculture?

• Does the project encourage environmentally friendly farming practices, such as reduced chemical use, soil conservation, or water management?
• Does it support smallholder farmers, including providing resources, training, or market access?
• Does the project work to adapt agriculture to climate change or increase resilience to natural disasters?
• Does it focus on preserving biodiversity or promoting agroecological methods?

Does the project have a long-term, systemic impact?

• Does it tackle structural issues, such as land rights, trade policies, or agricultural subsidies, that impact food systems?
• Does it involve partnerships with governments, NGOs, or other stakeholders to scale its impact?
• Does the project integrate technology, innovation, or research to improve outcomes?

By answering these questions, you can evaluate whether a project aligns with and contributes to SDG 2’s targets and sub-goals.

Indirect Criteria

6 Clean water and sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

What questions do I need to answer to know whether a project contributes to the sixth goal of the SDGS “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”?

To determine whether a project contributes to the sixth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6), “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all,” you can ask the following questions:

Does the project improve access to clean water?

• Does it ensure safe, affordable, and equitable access to drinking water for underserved or vulnerable populations?
• Does it address water quality by reducing pollution, preventing contamination, or treating wastewater?
• Does the project increase the availability of water infrastructure in communities lacking it?

Does the project improve access to sanitation and hygiene?

• Does it promote or provide access to adequate and equitable sanitation services (e.g., toilets, sewer systems)?
• Does it encourage hygiene practices, such as handwashing with soap or menstrual hygiene management?
• Does the project target open defecation and provide sustainable alternatives?

Does the project promote sustainable water management?

• Does it involve efficient use of water resources, such as reducing water wastage or improving irrigation systems?
• Does it ensure sustainable withdrawals from freshwater sources, such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers?
• Does it protect or restore water-related ecosystems, such as wetlands, rivers, aquifers, or forests?

Does the project address water-related risks and challenges?

• Does it help communities adapt to water scarcity or drought conditions?
• Does it mitigate the impacts of floods, storms, or other water-related disasters?
• Does it address the effects of climate change on water resources?

Does the project promote equity and inclusion in water and sanitation access?

• Does it target marginalized groups, such as rural communities, indigenous populations, or slum dwellers, who face barriers to water and sanitation access?
• Does it address gender-specific needs, such as safe sanitation facilities for women and girls?
• Does it ensure the affordability of water and sanitation services?

Does the project foster collaboration and governance in water management?

• Does it involve partnerships with local governments, communities, or NGOs to improve water and sanitation access?
• Does it strengthen water resource management policies or institutions at the local, regional, or national level?
• Does the project promote public awareness or education on sustainable water use?

Does the project use innovative or sustainable solutions?

• Does it incorporate technology or infrastructure that enhances water efficiency or reduces environmental impacts?
• Does it prioritize renewable energy or nature-based solutions for water and sanitation systems?

By answering these questions, you can assess whether the project aligns with and contributes to the specific targets under SDG 6.

3 Good health and quality of life

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

What questions do I need to answer to know whether a project contributes to the third of the SDGS “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”?

To determine whether a project contributes to the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3), “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages,” you can answer the following questions:

Does the project improve access to healthcare?

• Does it provide equitable access to essential healthcare services, particularly for underserved or vulnerable populations?
• Does it address barriers to accessing healthcare, such as cost, geographic location, or discrimination?
• Does it strengthen health infrastructure, such as hospitals, clinics, or telemedicine?

Does the project address specific health conditions?

• Does it focus on reducing maternal mortality, neonatal mortality, or child mortality?
• Does it target the prevention and treatment of communicable diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, or tuberculosis?
• Does it address non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or cancer?

Does the project promote preventative health measures?

• Does it encourage vaccination programs to prevent disease outbreaks?
• Does it focus on health education or awareness campaigns to reduce risky behaviors (e.g., smoking, poor nutrition, unsafe sex)?
• Does it promote mental health and well-being by addressing stress, depression, or other mental health conditions?

Does the project address public health emergencies?

• Does it strengthen the capacity to respond to pandemics, epidemics, or other health emergencies?
• Does it improve early warning systems, disease surveillance, or emergency preparedness?
• Does it enhance access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to reduce the spread of diseases?

Does the project address determinants of health?

• Does it improve access to nutritious food and clean water, which are essential for good health?
• Does it address air pollution, water contamination, or other environmental factors that affect health?
• Does it work to reduce poverty, inequality, or social determinants that impact health outcomes?

Does the project focus on maternal and reproductive health?

• Does it improve access to quality maternal healthcare and skilled birth attendance?
• Does it provide family planning services, contraception, and education on reproductive health?
• Does it address gender-based violence or harmful practices, such as child marriage and female genital mutilation?

Does the project strengthen health systems?

• Does it train healthcare workers or improve their working conditions?
• Does it ensure the availability of essential medicines, vaccines, or medical technologies?
• Does it focus on funding, policy development, or partnerships to improve healthcare systems?

Does the project promote equity in health and well-being?

• Does it target marginalized groups, such as women, children, older adults, or people with disabilities?
• Does it address health disparities between urban and rural populations or among different socioeconomic groups?
• Does it prioritize the well-being of specific age groups, such as children, adolescents, or the elderly?

Does the project include global health priorities?

• Does it contribute to reducing global health inequalities or achieving universal health coverage (UHC)?
• Does it address the health impacts of climate change, such as heatwaves or vector-borne diseases?
• Does it collaborate with international organizations, governments, or other stakeholders?

By answering these questions, you can evaluate whether a project supports the targets and sub-goals under SDG 3, ensuring its alignment with the broader objectives of health and well-being for all.

8 Decent work and economic growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

What questions do I need to answer to know whether a project contributes to the eigth goal of the SDGS “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”?

To determine whether a project contributes to the eighth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 8), “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all,” consider answering the following questions:

Does the project promote sustained economic growth?

• Does it contribute to steady and long-term economic growth, particularly in low- or middle-income regions?
• Does it support activities or industries that drive innovation and productivity?
• Does it consider environmental sustainability to ensure growth does not deplete natural resources or harm ecosystems?

Does the project foster inclusive economic growth?

• Does it ensure that economic benefits are equitably distributed across all population groups, including marginalized communities?
• Does it reduce income inequality or address disparities between urban and rural regions?
• Does it empower underserved groups, such as women, youth, or people with disabilities, to participate in economic activities?

Does the project create productive employment opportunities?

• Does it generate jobs in sectors or regions with high unemployment or underemployment?
• Does it provide opportunities for full and productive employment for all, especially vulnerable groups like youth, women, and people with disabilities?
• Does it address structural barriers to employment, such as lack of skills, education, or resources?

Does the project ensure decent work conditions?

• Does it provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and reasonable working hours?
• Does it comply with labor rights, such as the right to collective bargaining and freedom from discrimination?
• Does it combat exploitative labor practices, such as child labor, forced labor, or human trafficking?

Does the project encourage entrepreneurship and innovation?

• Does it support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or startups, especially in developing regions?
• Does it provide access to funding, training, or mentorship for entrepreneurs?
• Does it promote research, innovation, or technological advancements that contribute to economic growth?

Does the project promote sustainable tourism?

• Does it support tourism that benefits local economies and communities while minimizing environmental and cultural impacts?
• Does it create local job opportunities and enhance cultural heritage through tourism initiatives?
• Does it promote responsible and environmentally friendly tourism practices?

Does the project improve access to financial services and resources?

• Does it enhance access to banking, insurance, or microfinance services for underserved communities?
• Does it support financial inclusion, particularly for small businesses and entrepreneurs?
• Does it promote policies or programs to make financial systems more equitable and accessible?

Does the project target green jobs or sustainability in economic activities?

• Does it create jobs in sectors focused on environmental sustainability, such as renewable energy, conservation, or waste management?
• Does it encourage sustainable practices in industries, reducing resource use and carbon emissions?
• Does it align economic growth with environmental and social well-being?

Does the project strengthen labor market policies and systems?

• Does it advocate for or implement policies that improve labor rights, such as fair wages and safe working conditions?
• Does it contribute to the creation of social protection systems, such as unemployment insurance or pensions?
• Does it enhance workforce development through training, education, or skill-building programs?

Does the project address global economic challenges?

• Does it promote equitable trade practices or reduce trade barriers for developing countries?
• Does it enhance economic resilience to global shocks, such as pandemics, natural disasters, or financial crises?
• Does it encourage international cooperation or partnerships to support economic growth and decent work?

By answering these questions, you can evaluate whether a project aligns with the goals and targets of SDG 8, ensuring that it promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, productive employment, and decent work for all.

12 Responsible consumption and production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

What questions do I need to answer to know whether a project contributes to the twelfth goal of the SDGS “Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns”?

To determine whether a project contributes to the twelfth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 12), “Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns,” you can ask the following questions:

Does the project promote resource efficiency?

• Does it encourage the efficient use of natural resources, including water, energy, and raw materials?
• Does it reduce waste or promote the reuse, recycling, or upcycling of materials?
• Does it promote sustainable supply chain practices to minimize resource consumption?

Does the project reduce waste generation?

• Does it include measures to reduce food waste at the production, retail, or consumer levels?
• Does it address industrial waste, hazardous waste, or e-waste management?
• Does it promote zero-waste or circular economy principles?

Does the project support sustainable production practices?

• Does it encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices and report on sustainability impacts?
• Does it promote the use of environmentally friendly technologies or production methods?
• Does it minimize pollution and environmental degradation in production processes?

Does the project promote sustainable consumption?

• Does it encourage consumers to adopt sustainable behaviors, such as reducing energy use, buying sustainable products, or reducing waste?
• Does it educate consumers about the environmental and social impacts of their consumption choices?
• Does it promote the availability of affordable, sustainable products and services?

Does the project address the environmental impact of consumption and production?

• Does it reduce greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, or biodiversity loss associated with production or consumption?
• Does it address the lifecycle impact of products, from design and production to disposal?
• Does it promote sustainable use and management of ecosystems and natural resources?

Does the project foster sustainable public procurement?

• Does it encourage governments or organizations to adopt sustainable procurement policies and practices?
• Does it prioritize environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and ethically sourced products in procurement?

Does the project promote innovation in sustainable practices?

• Does it involve research and development of sustainable technologies, materials, or processes?
• Does it foster partnerships for sharing sustainable solutions or scaling innovative practices?
• Does it create opportunities for sustainable entrepreneurship or green jobs?

Does the project engage stakeholders in sustainability efforts?

• Does it involve collaboration with businesses, governments, or communities to promote sustainable consumption and production?
• Does it provide training, resources, or capacity-building for stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices?
• Does it create awareness campaigns or educational initiatives to promote responsible consumption?

Does the project align with global or national sustainability strategies?

• Does it contribute to achieving international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement or national sustainable development strategies?
• Does it address cross-cutting issues like poverty reduction, inequality, or climate action through sustainable practices?

By answering these questions, you can assess whether a project aligns with and contributes to the targets under SDG 12, promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Cross-cutting Criteria

17 Partnerships for the goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

What questions do I need to answer to know whether a project contributes to the seventeenth goal of the SDGS “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development”?

To determine whether a project contributes to the seventeenth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 17), “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development,” you can answer the following questions:

Does the project foster partnerships and collaboration?

• Does it bring together stakeholders, such as governments, NGOs, private sector entities, or communities, to achieve common goals?
• Does it involve multi-stakeholder partnerships, including international organizations, to promote sustainable development?
• Does it build or strengthen networks for sharing knowledge, resources, or technology?

Does the project mobilize financial resources for sustainable development?

• Does it attract domestic or international investment in sustainable development initiatives?
• Does it promote innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds, impact investing, or blended finance?
• Does it address challenges in accessing funding, especially for developing countries or marginalized groups?

Does the project enhance capacity-building efforts?

• Does it provide technical assistance, training, or knowledge transfer to governments, organizations, or communities?
• Does it help developing countries build capacity in areas like governance, technology, or resource management?
• Does it strengthen institutions to improve their ability to implement sustainable development programs?

Does the project promote technology transfer and innovation?

• Does it facilitate the transfer of environmentally friendly technologies to developing countries?
• Does it foster innovation to address global challenges, such as climate change, health, or education?
• Does it promote access to information and communications technology (ICT), particularly for least-developed countries?

Does the project support policy and institutional coherence?

• Does it align with global, regional, or national sustainable development strategies?
• Does it promote policy coherence between different sectors, such as trade, environment, and social development?
• Does it address systemic issues, such as corruption or inefficiencies, that hinder development progress?

Does the project strengthen international trade systems?

• Does it support the integration of developing countries into global trade systems?
• Does it advocate for fair trade practices, reduced trade barriers, or equitable access to markets?
• Does it promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth through trade partnerships?

Does the project promote data, monitoring, and accountability?

• Does it enhance data collection, analysis, or reporting on sustainable development indicators?
• Does it improve access to reliable, timely, and disaggregated data to track progress?
• Does it encourage transparency and accountability in implementing SDG-related initiatives?

Does the project address the needs of vulnerable countries?

• Does it provide support to least developed countries (LDCs), small island developing states (SIDS), or landlocked developing countries (LLDCs)?
• Does it focus on building resilience in these countries to address economic, social, or environmental vulnerabilities?
• Does it promote equitable access to resources, markets, or technology for disadvantaged nations?

Does the project engage civil society and local communities?

• Does it involve grassroots organizations, local governments, or community leaders in planning and implementation?
• Does it empower communities to take ownership of development initiatives?
• Does it promote awareness and advocacy for the SDGs among the general population?

Does the project encourage long-term, sustainable solutions?

• Does it create systems, networks, or structures that will endure beyond the project's timeline?
• Does it address systemic barriers to sustainable development through structural or policy reforms?
• Does it focus on scalable and replicable models for broader impact?

By answering these questions, you can assess whether a project aligns with and contributes to SDG 17’s targets, emphasizing global partnerships and the means of implementation for sustainable development.

4 Quality Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

What questions do I need to answer to know whether a project contributes to the fourth goal of the SDGS “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”?

To determine whether a project contributes to the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4), “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all,” you can answer the following questions:

Does the project improve access to education?

• Does it ensure access to free, equitable, and quality education at all levels (primary, secondary, and tertiary)?
• Does it address barriers to education, such as poverty, geographic isolation, or disability?
• Does it target marginalized or vulnerable populations, such as girls, refugees, or indigenous communities?

Does the project ensure inclusive education?

• Does it address gender disparities in education, ensuring equal opportunities for boys and girls?
• Does it provide support for students with disabilities or special needs?
• Does it promote cultural and linguistic inclusivity in educational materials and methods?

Does the project enhance the quality of education?

• Does it improve teacher training, qualifications, or working conditions to ensure effective teaching?
• Does it provide access to learning resources, such as textbooks, digital tools, or laboratory equipment?
• Does it enhance the curriculum to include skills for employment, sustainable development, and global citizenship?

Does the project promote early childhood education?

• Does it ensure access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education?
• Does it support parents and caregivers in providing stimulating and supportive environments for young children?
• Does it provide infrastructure or resources for early childhood education in underserved areas?

Does the project promote lifelong learning opportunities?

• Does it offer adult education, vocational training, or skill development programs?
• Does it encourage learning opportunities outside formal education, such as community education or online platforms?
• Does it focus on reskilling and upskilling individuals to adapt to changing job markets?

Does the project address literacy and numeracy?

• Does it aim to improve literacy and numeracy among children, youth, or adults?
• Does it target populations with low literacy levels, such as women or rural communities?
• Does it integrate innovative or context-appropriate methods to enhance basic skills?

Does the project promote equity in education?

• Does it reduce inequalities in education outcomes between urban and rural areas, rich and poor households, or different ethnic groups?
• Does it ensure affordable or free access to education for disadvantaged groups?
• Does it address systemic issues, such as discrimination or inadequate policies, that hinder equitable education?

Does the project incorporate technology in education?

• Does it use digital tools to enhance learning opportunities, especially in remote or underserved areas?
• Does it promote access to the internet and digital literacy for students and teachers?
• Does it provide innovative solutions to overcome challenges in education delivery?

Does the project build or improve educational infrastructure?

• Does it provide safe, inclusive, and accessible learning environments, such as schools or community centers?
• Does it ensure adequate facilities, such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity, in schools?
• Does it address the impact of conflict, natural disasters, or other crises on education infrastructure?

Does the project encourage partnerships for education?

• Does it collaborate with governments, NGOs, or private sector organizations to improve education systems?
• Does it involve local communities, parents, or teachers in decision-making and implementation?
• Does it advocate for increased funding or policy reforms to support education?

By answering these questions, you can evaluate whether a project aligns with and contributes to the specific targets under SDG 4, ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.