Quantifying Global Cooperation in the Sustainable Development Goals

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) hinges critically on extensive international cooperation. However, the extent and evolution of such cooperation at the global level, along with the relative synergy contributions of different country groups, remain insufficiently studied and inadequately quantified. This study aims to assess the level of global cooperation in advancing the SDGs from 2001 to 2023. It further examines the synergy contributions of countries across different income groups and geographic regions. To this end, a synergy-based statistical framework is employed for the analysis. Our results indicate that global cooperation has shown a steady upward trend during this period, yet substantial disparities persist across different goals and indicators. High-income countries contributed most to economic SDGs, whereas low-income countries contributed most to environmental and social SDGs. Regionally, North America and Europe contributed most to economic synergy. Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean made more substantial contributions to social and environmental progress. This study enhances the understanding of global cooperation dynamics related to the SDGs. It also provides evidence-based insights to support the design and timely adjustment of more effective international cooperation strategies.