SDSN Releases 2023 Benin Sustainable Development Report and Launches New National Network in Benin
Alongside the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), SDSN released the second edition of the Benin Sustainable Development Report, analyzing the performance and trends of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country and policies to achieve them. The SDSN also announced the launch of SDSN Benin.
On 13 July, alongside the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), SDSN launched the second edition of the Benin Sustainable Development Report 2023: Strengthening Human Capital and Reducing Inequalities. The report is a key outcome of the partnership between the Government of Benin and the SDSN.
Key takeaways from the report include the following:
- Benin is halfway to achieving the SDGs, with a score of 54.4 out of 100, above the population-weighted average for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), for all 17 SDGs.
- Benin is on track to achieve SDGs 10 (reduced inequalities), 12(responsible consumption and production), and 13 (Climate Action).
- Although major challenges remain in achieving most of the SDGs in the region, Benin is making moderate progress on SDGs 8 (decent work and economic growth) and 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure).
- Benin’s progress toward SDGs 7 (affordable and clean energy) and 11 (sustainable cities and communities) has declined and should be monitored.
- Benin faces the challenge of pursuing its economic and social development, while “leaving no one behind".
The hybrid event featured opening remarks from Ms. Simona Marinescu, UN Senior Advisor on Financing and Development for SIDS at the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS). A presentation of the report findings was given by Mr. Guillaume Lafortune, Vice President of SDSN and Head of the Paris Office.
The event also featured a panel discussion exploring the diverse range of innovative financing schemes and policies that have the potential to foster human development followed the presentation. Panelists included Prof. Alastaire Alinsato, Director of Cabinet, Ministry of Development, Republic of Benin; Mr. Rodrigue Chaou, Director General of the Budget, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Republic of Benin; Mr. Obidjon Khakimov, Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reform under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Ms. Kay Chung, Senior Research Officer, International Monetary Fund; Ms. Camille Barré, SRI Analyst, Mirova; and Mr. Cedric Merle, Head of Center of Expertise & Innovation and ESG coverage for SSA, Natixis Green & Sustainable Hub.
A recording of the event can be found on SDSN’s YouTube Channel.
To continue SDG localization efforts in Benin, SDSN also launched a new national network in Benin co-hosted by the University of Abomey-Calavi and the Directorate of Research and Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. SDSN Benin has a mission of committing its members around a common ambition: contributing to the achievement of the SDGs, through education, awareness and engagement, and solutions. As Mr. Cedric Merle said in his remarks, “Benin's strong track record, long-term commitments, policy consistency, and transparency position it well for future opportunities amid the global crisis. Progress, dedication, and accountability underpin sustainable finance in Benin.” Through the new SDSN Benin Network, efforts will continue to translate the latest expertise in sustainable development into action.
Learn more about the new SDSN Benin network.