- Brief created: 2021
- For policymakers
- Egypt
Politics of Evidence Based Policy Making: Reporting on SDG 16 in Egypt
Based on:
Journal Article (2020) ↗
SDG 16 has many politically sensitive indicators, which is allowing governments (in this case – Egypt) to not self-report accurately. Including quantifiable targets and indicators for the SDGs helps citizens hold their governments accountable for the implementation of all the promises governments make to its citizens.
Brief by:
The Development of targets and indicators for the SDGs is a first step forward towards more effective global governance.
However, SDG 16 is one of the trickiest and most sensitive goals in measuring, monitoring and reporting. We do not expect governments to be forthcoming and willing to share data about poor governance, violations of human rights, lack of transparency, corruption, and curbing of freedoms.
This study was based on the Government of Egypt. But it can be relevant to all countries having to report on SDG 16.
Key findings
A lot of information is lacking and there is a clear interest in not reporting accurately, or at all, on SDG 16 targets and indicators by the Egyptian Government.
Hiding information and not reporting, or selective reporting, is an obsolete practice with the open skies and open space for information sharing.
Proposed action
Recognise the role of civil society organisations, academia and research centres in monitoring and reporting on the politically sensitive indicators of SDG 16 (not just governments!)
If we're interested to achieve the SDGs then we need to take responsibility by actively collecting the data and monitoring achievement ourselves (especially for SDG 16)
There is a need for governments to invest in better data collection, access and rigorous, transparent and objective reporting
Civil society organisations can support the government by collecting data and monitoring the implementation of the various indicators agreed to
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Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Anna Chadwell for preparation assistance
We would like to extend a special thank you to Anna Chadwell, for their invaluable contribution in assisting the preparation of this research summary.
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Politics of Evidence Based Policy Making: Reporting on SDG 16 in Egypt
Cite this brief: El Baradei, Laila. 'Politics of Evidence Based Policy Making: Reporting on SDG 16 in Egypt'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/politics-of-evidence-based-policy-making-reporting-on-sdg-16-in-egypt/
Brief created by: Professor Laila El Baradei | Year brief made: 2021
Original research:
- El Baradei, L., ‘Politics of Evidence Based Policy Making: Reporting on SDG 16 in Egypt’ 43(5) (pp. 425–440) https://doi.org/10.1080/01900692.2019.1668414. – https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01900692.2019.1668414
Research brief:
SDG 16 has many politically sensitive indicators, which is allowing governments (in this case – Egypt) to not self-report accurately. Including quantifiable targets and indicators for the SDGs helps citizens hold their governments accountable for the implementation of all the promises governments make to its citizens.
The Development of targets and indicators for the SDGs is a first step forward towards more effective global governance.
However, SDG 16 is one of the trickiest and most sensitive goals in measuring, monitoring and reporting. We do not expect governments to be forthcoming and willing to share data about poor governance, violations of human rights, lack of transparency, corruption, and curbing of freedoms.
This study was based on the Government of Egypt. But it can be relevant to all countries having to report on SDG 16.
Findings:
A lot of information is lacking and there is a clear interest in not reporting accurately, or at all, on SDG 16 targets and indicators by the Egyptian Government.
Hiding information and not reporting, or selective reporting, is an obsolete practice with the open skies and open space for information sharing.
Advice:
Recognise the role of civil society organisations, academia and research centres in monitoring and reporting on the politically sensitive indicators of SDG 16 (not just governments!)
If we’re interested to achieve the SDGs then we need to take responsibility by actively collecting the data and monitoring achievement ourselves (especially for SDG 16)
There is a need for governments to invest in better data collection, access and rigorous, transparent and objective reporting
Civil society organisations can support the government by collecting data and monitoring the implementation of the various indicators agreed to