Evaluating Progress in Achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals: A Comparative Analysis

This study aims to explore the perceived progress in fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the national level, focusing on Slovenia and comparing it with other European countries and the global landscape. Using the data from 2022 and 2023 for 43 countries, sourced from the contributions of 3,690 national experts, we assess the perceived progress in areas critical to sustainable development, including social contribution, social responsibility, investor interests, economic opportunities for minority groups, environmentally conscious practices, energy efficiency, national cultural values towards sustainability, SDG-aligned business activities and government support for sustainability-focused businesses. The assessment covers twelve key aspects, measured on a scale of 0 to 10, to determine the extent to which new and growing companies and the broader business and policy environment are aligned with the SDGs. The main objective is to identify trends, achievements and areas for improvement in integrating the SDGs into business operations and policy frameworks. Research methods include a quantitative analysis of the GEM database comparative statistical analysis and trend evaluation to provide a comprehensive overview of the progress made between 2022 and 2023. This research is crucial to understanding the effectiveness of current strategies and identifying the need for further action to achieve the SDGs. By analyzing the commitment and progress towards sustainability in the entrepreneurial and political spheres, this study contributes valuable insights into the national and global efforts towards a sustainable future.