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Rethinking Sustainable Development: Multidimensional Comparisons Across Countries and Regions

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  • Hasan Tutar
  • Hakan Tahiri Mutlu
  • Dalia Streimikiene

Abstract

This study examines the multidimensional nature of sustainable development through comprehensive analysis of the Human Development Index (HDI) and its components across 189 countries using 2023/2024 UNDP data. The research employs comparative descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, and cluster analysis to investigate the relative contributions of health, education, and economic indicators to human development outcomes. Results demonstrate that education and health indicators significantly outweigh economic factors in determining HDI performance. Multiple regression analysis reveals that mean years of schooling (β = 0.017) and life expectancy (β = 0.007) explain 97.8% of HDI variance (R2 = 0.978), while per capita income shows a relatively weak correlation (r = 0.048). The strongest correlation exists between mean years of schooling and HDI (r = 0.913), followed by life expectancy (r = 0.907). Cluster analysis identifies five distinct development groups, revealing significant regional disparities in human development patterns. Countries with high income levels but lower HDI rankings, particularly in Gulf regions, demonstrate that economic prosperity alone does not guarantee human development progress. The findings support Amartya Sen's capabilities approach, emphasizing that sustainable development requires investments in human capital rather than solely economic growth. Policy implications suggest that development strategies should prioritize education accessibility, healthcare infrastructure, and social services to achieve meaningful progress toward Sustainable Development Goals. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence advocating for people‐centered development approaches that focus on enhancing individual capabilities and quality of life rather than purely economic indicators.

Suggested Citation

  • Hasan Tutar & Hakan Tahiri Mutlu & Dalia Streimikiene, 2026. "Rethinking Sustainable Development: Multidimensional Comparisons Across Countries and Regions," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(S1), pages 183-196, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:s1:p:183-196
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70157
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    1. Shiyu Yan & Li Wang & David Andrew Barry & Zhineng Hu, 2026. "Assessing the Impact of Targeted Poverty Alleviation Program on Poor Households With Different Causes of Poverty: Evidence From Rural China," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(1), pages 190-212, February.

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