SDG Indicator 17.14.1: Number of countries with mechanisms in place to enhance policy coherence of sustainable development

1. Key features and metadata

Definition: This indicator tracks the mechanisms put in place by countries to ensure coherence between policies in general that cover the dimensions of sustainable development.

Sub-indicator Disaggregated by

SG_CPA_SDEVP

Mechanisms in place to enhance policy coherence for sustainable development (%)

No current data disaggregation available.

Sources of information: Data is provided by national governments – including entities responsible for SDG implementation – through a UNEP questionnaire.

Related SDG Indicators: All other indicators.

2. Data availability by region, SDG Global Database, as of 02 July 2025


Figure 4.46 Number of countries with mechanisms in place to enhance policy coherence of sustainable development

3. Proposed disaggregation, links to policymaking and its impact

Proposed disaggregation Link to policymaking Impact

Number of countries with mechanisms in place to enhance policy coherence for sustainable development, by domain(%)(UNSD 2023a): 

  • Institutionalization of political commitment
  • Long-term considerations in decision-making
  • Inter-ministerial and cross-sectoral coordination
  • Participatory processes
  • Policy linkages
  • Alignment across government levels
  • Monitoring and reporting for policy coherence
  • Financing for policy coherence

Applies to:

  • SG_CPA_SDEVP

This disaggregation aims to capture the various dimensions and instruments of policy coherence for sustainable development, depending on national contexts. It provides relevant highlights to policymakers on which mechanisms work best to ensure policy coherence for sustainable development and areas where efforts are needed to strengthen the integration of sustainable development into existing policy frameworks. It is useful information for identifying mutually supportive actions and potential trade-offs, to enhance effective synergies, and toprevent any conflicts between policies and interventions. It can be used to make better informed decision on the most effective entry points for mobilization to meet Agenda 2030 objectives(UNEP 2022d; UNEP n.d.c). This disaggregation is aligned with the UN Agenda 21- Article 8(UN 1992).

Promoting policy coherence for sustainable development in an integrated and balanced way is essential for achieving sustainable development in all its intertwined dimensions. This is particularly challenging due to the potential for conflict among various sectors and stakeholders.

The adoption of a long-term vision through sound policies (i.e. anational strategy or programme encompassing all dimensions of national development) to ensure policy coherence is needed. Participatory approaches should be at the heart of this strategy to foster the engagement of stakeholders and be considered as a live document to update wherever needed, based on experiences and results. To promote greater policy coherence and to ensure significant changes for society, the economy and the environment, the availability of relevant information for decision-makers and stakeholders is central. As is the development of sufficient capacities to implement and monitor the transition towards increased policy integration(OECD 2023e).