Determination of Strategic Targets and Core Indicators for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Integration in China Based on SDG Interlinkages Analysis and Statistical Method

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, set 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with 169 targets. 232 indicators were proposed as the global framework for monitoring the progress made in achieving SDGs. SDG targets and their corresponding indicators interact with each other forming an indivisible system. This study examined the interlinkages between SDG targets in China and used 51 indicators and relevant time-series data mapping with 108 SDG targets to quantify the network of interlinkages between SDG targets. Using Social Network Analysis and Principal Component Analysis, we identified 17 strategic targets and 17 core indicators. The core indicators can explain more than 95% of the variance of 51 indicators. Using core indicators can reduce statistical burden while satisfying the needs for SDG monitoring. Based on the dashboard indicating the synergies and trade-offs between 17 strategic targets and other targets, this paper recommended that China should set 17 strategic targets as priority areas and optimise the use of limited financial resources by maximising the synergies and minimising the trade-offs.