Justice and Governance in SDG Implementation : A Comparative Study of Nepal and Sweden

This thesis explores how justice-based governance influences the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nepal and Sweden. It addresses the problem of unequal SDG progress, especially regarding equity, representation, and community participation. This issue is crucial to understanding how institutional and societal structures shape the outcomes of global development frameworks at the national level. The research applies a justice-oriented analytical framework, focusing on distributive, recognition, and procedural justice. Using qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews with civil society organizations and development actors, the study employs a comparative case study design to examine both grassroots and institutional approaches in the two countries. Findings reveal that Sweden demonstrates strong procedural and distributive justice, supported by institutional coordination and participatory governance. However, gaps remain in recognition justice, particularly in addressing intersectional gender and global equity. In Nepal, while institutional capacity is weaker, grassroots innovations, especially those led by women and marginalized communities, play a significant role in SDG localization. Yet, structural inequalities and limited funding continue to constrain broader progress. The study concludes that justice-oriented SDG implementation is shaped by both formal governance systems and bottom-up practices. The two cases demonstrate complementary strengths: Nepal’s adaptive community leadership and Sweden’s institutional coherence. These insights highlight that embedding justice within SDG strategies is not only a normative imperative but also a practical requirement for inclusive and sustainable development.