Progress and success by sovereignty? The attainment of the sustainable development goals in small island states, small island developing states, and subnational island jurisdictions

Abstract

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represents a crucial milestone for small island states (SIS), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and subnational island jurisdictions (SNIJs), and understanding perceptions and support from citizens towards the SDGs is critical for governments to implement suitable policies. Notwithstanding progress in meeting key SDGs, especially in relation to reducing poverty, social, and gender inequalities, as well as improving access to education and health, there are still areas where progress has stalled, and where governments face difficulties in interpreting public opinion needed to promote effective interventions. This chapter seeks to answer, for a selected group of SIS, SIDS, and SNIJs, the relationship between the importance given to SDGs by island citizens and the actions taken by governments to meet the SDGs. We aim to close a knowledge gap and contribute to a growing debate in island studies, in understanding the characteristics — and, potentially, factors — that shape public perceptions of success in achieving SDGs. The chapter adopts a quantitative approach by using correlation analysis, utilizing an original survey conducted in ten SIS, SIDS, and SNIJs. We find that issues connected to sovereignty, population dynamics, and wealth can potentially help to interpret current gaps in policy implementation and to support the success by governments to meet their SDG targets.