The Henley Wealth and Sustainability Report

Sustainable development is a constitutional state goal in Austria. The SDGs play a core role in several nationwide strategies spanning climate and energy, economic development, health, youth and foreign trade. Austria performs well within categories related to prosperity, as well as peace (Goal 16), and partnerships (Goal 17). Among OECD countries Austria has one of the lowest income inequalities and highest participation rates in lifelong learning. The country has an ambitious net zero by 2040 target. More work is needed in addressing the gender pay gap and in issues related to ecological sustainability such as high consumption levels.

Austria ranked 5^th out of 193 in the 2023 SDG Index. It was classed as ‘on track’ for gender equality and as ‘moderately improving’ for 11 of the goals. It was marked as ‘stagnating’ for 4 of the goals.

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Canada has developed specific plans and initiatives to address climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change is a notable example. To date, Canada has placed significant focus on SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Canada is seeking to accelerate progress for those left furthest behind, including Indigenous Peoples, racialized and religious minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ people, those with a disability, official language minority communities, and other groups in vulnerable situations.

Canada ranked 26^th out of 193 in the 2023 SDG Index. It was classed as ‘on track’ for no poverty and as ‘moderately improving’ for 9 of the goals. It was marked as ‘stagnating’ for 7 of the goals.

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In recent years, sustainability principles have been increasingly mainstreamed across a wide range of sectors in Greece. The government has integrated sustainability and the SDGs into its national budgetary process. In recent years Greece has introduced a series of National Action Plans and Strategies that champion the principle of leaving no one behind in public policies and reform measures. This ranges from children’s rights to people with disabilities. The country has made notable progress towards meeting its net zero by 2050 targets.

Greece ranked 28^th out of 193 in the 2023 SDG Index. It was classed as ‘on track’ for reduced inequalities and clean water and sanitation. It was classed as ‘moderately improving’ for 10 of the goals and ‘stagnating’ for 4 of the goals. It was marked as ‘decreasing’ for responsible consumption and production.

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Italy’s National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS) outlines its approach for achieving the SDGs. The strategy has a multilevel governance approach covering regions, autonomous provinces and metropolitan cities which serves to boost deeper integration of the SDGs. The strategy champions a system of well-being indicators for policymaking that move beyond traditional economic indicators. Italy’s recent progress in energy efficiency has put it on track for meeting its national emissions reduction targets. It has also succeeded in surpassing European Union industrial and urban waste recycling targets.

Italy ranked 24^th out of 193 in the 2023 SDG Index. It was classed as ‘on track’ for no poverty and clean water and sanitation. It was classed as ‘moderately improving’ for 9 of the goals and ‘stagnating’ for 6 of the goals. It was marked as ‘decreasing’ for responsible consumption and production.

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Luxembourg’s National Plan for Sustainable Development has 10 priority areas of action for the implementation of the SDGs. This covers areas ranging from protection of biodiversity to the fight against social exclusion to the development of a sustainable finance ecosystem. Luxembourg has a participatory approach to sustainable development policy perusing regular public consultations. The country has made good progress in decoupling environmental pressures from economic growth and has ranked highly in environmental performance.

Luxembourg ranked 33^rd out of 193 in the 2023 SDG Index. It was classed as ‘on track’ for no poverty, gender equality, and sustainable cities and communities. It was classed as ‘moderately improving’ for 6 of the goals and ‘stagnating’ for 7 of the goals.

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New Zealand has a number of sustainability initiatives and strategies. To measure progress, it has developed a broader set of measures that move beyond purely economic metrics. This includes the Living Standards Framework (LSF) which puts sustainable intergenerational wellbeing at the centre of policy-making and the management of the country’s resources. The special status of the Māori indigenous people plays an important role in the country’s approach to sustainability. One of New Zealand’s notable environmental initiatives is the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy which seeks to protect and restoring biodiversity. In 2023, New Zealand announced its largest emissions reduction project in history, transitioning from coal to renewable electricity at the country’s major steel plant.

New Zealand ranked 27^th out of 193 in the 2023 SDG Index. It was classed as ‘on track’ for gender equality and as ‘moderately improving’ for 7 of the goals. It was marked as ‘stagnating’ for 8 of the goals.

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Significant steps were taken in 2022 towards aligning the SDGs with Portugal’s high-level strategies and initiatives. These include the Portugal 2030 Strategy, the 2022 National Reform Programme, the Major Options Plan for 2022–2026 and the Portuguese Cooperation Strategy 2030. Work as also been done to integrate the SDGs at a regional and local level, in scientific research, and in strategic business plans. Portugal has set ambitious targets for increasing the share of renewables in its energy mix. In 2023 the country more than doubled its 2030 goals for installed capacity of solar energy and green hydrogen production capacity. It has also been considering moving its net zero target forward to 2045.

Portugal ranked 18^th out of 193 in the 2023 SDG Index. It was classed as ‘on track’ for no poverty, gender equality, and clean water and sanitation. It was classed as ‘moderately improving’ for 10 of the goals and as ‘stagnating’ for life on land.

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Spain’s framework for action for the SDGs is outlined in its Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 (EDS 2030). It covers issues affecting women and children, effective access to social rights, and the generation of quality employment. Spain is a leader in renewable energy with the second largest installed capacity of wind power in Europe. With Major investment, McKinsey has estimated Spain could become a regional leader and clean-energy hub under a net-zero scenario. Capital expenditures of EUR 2.5 trillion for green technologies and processes by 2050 would be needed to achieve this.

Spain ranked 16^th out of 193 in the 2023 SDG Index. It was classed as ‘on track’ for gender equality and as ‘moderately improving’ for 13 of the goals. It was marked as ‘stagnating’ for 3 of the goals.

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Switzerland has a 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy (2030 SDS). At the heart of this strategy is a commitment to ensure the prosperity and well-being of society while leaving no one behind. The country is known for its strong commitment to environmental conservation. Switzerland is well on its way to achieving education, healthcare, infrastructure, and competitiveness targets. Priority areas for further progress include sustainable consumption and sustainable production including transformation towards a sustainable food system. Other areas include enhanced climate action, reducing energy consumption, biodiversity preservation and restoration, and enhancing equal opportunities and social cohesion.

Switzerland ranked 15^th out of 193 in the 2023 SDG Index. It was classed as ‘on track’ for decent work and economic growth, clean water and sanitation, and responsible production and consumption. It was classed as ‘moderately improving’ for 7 of the goals. It was marked as ‘stagnating’ for 5 of the goals and ‘decreasing’ for reduced inequalities.

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The UK has various sustainability strategies and initiatives in place and is committed to ensuring that the SDGs are fully embedded in planned activity of each government department. The 25 Year Environment Plan outlines goals for improving air and water quality, reducing plastic waste, and enhancing biodiversity. The Green Finance Institute and the Green Finance Strategy are elements of the UK's efforts to align financial systems with sustainability goals. The UK was the first country to establish a long-term legally binding framework to tackle climate change through the 2008 Climate Change Act. Some challenges remain since the UK government watered down some of the country’s interim net zero-related targets in 2023.

The UK ranked 11^th out of 193 in the 2023 SDG Index. It was classed as ‘on track’ for decent work and economic growth, and as ‘moderately improving’ for 10 of the goals. It was marked as ‘stagnating’ for 5 of the goals and ‘decreasing’ for no poverty.

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