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Integrated SDG Insights

Bhutan

UNDP’s Integrated SDG Insights explore how to achieve the SDGs by 2030. So that no one is left behind.

How To Read This Report

‘SDG Insights’ playbooks transcend development “as usual,” and leverages data innovation, AI and systems analysis to chart credible pathways that help countries meet the 2030 Agenda.

SDG Moment This section provides an overview of a country's economic growth trajectory, with new insights on sustainability and inclusiveness of growth pathways.

SDG Trends & Priorities This section builds from the foundation of national SDG progress and uses machine learning to analyse national development ambition with an SDG lens.

SDG Interlinkages Combined, these insights are mapped against SDG interlinkages to define policy choices the accelerate SDG progress, tailored to national context.

Finance & StimulusThese policy choices are made against fiscal constraints and opportunities for stimulus mapped in this section to ensure choices translate to development impact and leave no one behind.

1. SDG Moment

While economic growth is a key element in achieving the SDGs, many countries are intent on moving beyond growth as a yardstick for progress. In the short run, growth enables the SDGs; but in the long run, the SDGs aim to transform the pattern of growth itself.

GDP Growth Pathways

People

Poverty: Percentage of the population under each threshold (PPP$ a day).

Data not available.

Planet

Carbon Intensity: CO2 emissions intensity of GDP (tCO2 per PPP $1,000).

Bhutan’s economy experienced significant growth prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it contracted by 2.4% and 3.2% in 2020 and 2021, respectively, before reviving moderately to 4.3% in 2022. Looking ahead, the pace of growth continues mitigating the recent contractions before accelerating and is anticipated to be 51% higher, on average, than the global figure, and is converging to the country’s growth trajectory forecast before the pandemic. Consequently, the country is expected to graduate from the list of LDCs in 2023.

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Accordingly, Bhutan’s commitment to achieve the SDGs is premised on an increased impetus toward enhancing socio-economic development, strengthening governance and addressing the impacts of climate change, while protecting the environment and ensuring carbon neutrality. This is underpinned by a strong conservation policy which is further leveraged by the nation’s constitution that mandates 60% of its geographical area be maintained under forest cover for all time. As a carbon sink, Bhutan absorbs close to three times more carbon dioxide than it emits with a net national emission of -5,572.50 Gg of CO2 as of 2015. Nevertheless, the country’s carbon intensity of growth is expected to increase through emissions from the transport sector and industries.

3. SDG Interlinkages

Maps synergies and trade-offs of national priorities to the most relevant SDG targets to chart policy pathways with most potential to accelerate progress.

1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.90 a day.

Bhutan has made tremendous progress in reducing extreme poverty and inequality in recent years, primarily through the implementation of robust social protection schemes targeting the most vulnerable segments of society. One such initiative is the provision of monthly cash transfers to the most vulnerable population, including children and single mothers, amounting to $63.66 million for the entire pandemic period.

However, poverty persists in rural areas of the country. As evident from its 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-2029), the Government remains committed to prioritizing substantial investments in socio-economic infrastructures to enhance productivity and expand market access. This emphasis aims to empower rural populations economically and bridge the urban-rural gap. The plan also incorporates the development of a shock-responsive, inclusive and comprehensive social protection system to foster a more sustainable growth. Investments on SDG target 1.1. can generate positive effects across other SDGs, such as boosting economic development (SDG8), health (SDG3) and education (SDG4) outcomes.

3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

Bhutanese citizens have access to free health care services and the Government allocates a significant share of its expenditures to the health sector (12.9% in 2023). As a result, the country has witnessed strong achievement in health-related outcomes. Health policies have evolved from an initial emphasis on expanding access and coverage to strengthening the quality of care and improving equity.

Free and improved health services can have a ripple effect: beyond contributing to poverty reduction (SDG1) and enhancing the nutritional status of individuals (SDG2), it can also lead to a greater awareness of hygiene practices, positively impacting water and sanitation (SDG6). A healthier workforce is also more productive, leading to an increased economic output (SDG8), and a more resilient society to climate-related health challenges (SDG13). It can also catalyse progress in partnerships and resource mobilization (SDG17), which is critical for the sustainability of free quality healthcare.

Achieving the SDGs would require an integrated multisectoral response with intersectoral policies further articulated in the 13th FYP for healthy and productive society, aimed at building a resilient health system.

8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors.

Following a substantial contraction during the pandemic, Bhutan's economy is rebounding moderately with continued acceleration prospects, driven by a few capital-intensive sectors, such as hydropower, without commensurate employment creation. Low productivity, especially in the agricultural sectors, and youth unemployment remains among the most pressing issues in the country.

Achieving inclusive development and social mobility will require enhancing overall productivity and diversifying the sources of growth. These efforts should be underpinned by a rapid adoption of digital technology and innovation, while addressing the gender digital gap. The ongoing educational reform and specialized skills development program are expected to reduce youth unemployment and enhance worker productivity, directly contributing to harnessing Bhutan's demographic dividend. 

Overcoming these investments are critical for the country to achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2034.

11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.

Bhutan is currently encountering significant challenges in urban development with escalating rural-to-urban migration (21.7%). This has led to a concentration of population in urban centers (43.7% in 2022) that are susceptible to extreme weather events. The adaptive capacity of these populations is constrained by inadequate institutional, technical, and financial resources.

Bhutan recognizes access to clean water and sanitation as a pivotal element in building sustainable cities and mitigating health risks in the country. The nation prioritized sanitation and hygiene by providing citizens with improved toilets and water facilities. However, challenges remain in ensuring 24-hour access to drinking water for the entire population.

Achieving sustainable and resilient urban development is possible by strengthening water resource management and creating economically viable water-based industries. Climate-responsive urban planning, integrated green infrastructure, and adoption of sustainable building practices is also crucial for promoting balanced growth in rural and peri-urban regions. These approaches can yield positive interlinkages on outcomes related to SDG6.

13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

Bhutan's success as a carbon-negative country can be largely attributed to effective policies and strategies, underpinned by a strong emphasis on environmental protection, promotion of renewable energy, and a large forest cover (mostly under protected areas). Bhutan reaffirmed its carbon neutrality through its enhanced NDC and Low Emission Development Strategies.

Bhutan renewable energy master plan and Electric Vehicle Road Map (2021-2035) diversifies clean energy sources with solar energy investments. This will accelerate, zero-emission transition and enhance women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated fields.

However, being carbon-negative is facing increasing pressure with higher demand for socio-economic growth and changing land use. Sustaining low-carbon development requires an inclusive and balanced approach that combines economic aspirations and environmental benefits. This challenge is further exacerbated by the threat posed by rapidly melting glaciers and the resulting climatic extremes. Investments in technology and innovation are essential for implementing effective solutions and achieving climate-resilient, low-carbon development.

16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

A vibrant democracy and effective governance are critical for Bhutan’s human development. Since the adoption of the Constitution in 2008, its political systems and governance institutions have made transformative progress, with stronger checks and balances, improved decentralization and service delivery and more robust citizens’ engagement.

However, citizens’ understanding of judicial processes and the law, and women's presence and engagement in decision-making continues to remain low. Providing access to justice and decision-making platforms to vulnerable groups is an ongoing effort in the country.

Through the 13th Five-Year Plan, Bhutan aims to bolster access to information, fostering civic engagement and reinforcing its executive, legislative and judiciary systems through a country-wide digitalization transformation and through the adoption of data driven, anticipatory and adaptive governance mechanisms. Improvements in SDG target 16.6 have multiplier effects in other priority areas for Bhutan: poverty reduction, decreased inequalities, improved nutrition, health and education, gender equality, and effective infrastructure planning.

15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainableuse of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

By prioritizing Target 15.1 in its 2021-2025 National Development Plan, Ecuadorreaffirmed the significance of protecting and preserving terrestrial ecosystems andtheir biodiversity. This includes recognizing that the investment projects intendedto fulfil Target 15.1 will not only contribute to achieving the SDGs 13, 14 and 15, butwill also help restore ecosystems that underpin the availability and comprehensivemanagement of water resources (SDG 6) and promote their sustainable use (Target12.2). Additionally, it will also foster the generation of new energy from renewablesources (Target 7.2).

To this end, Ecuador seeks to strengthen the management of the National Systemof Protected Areas through its 2022-2032 Strategic Plan and the implementationof the National Forest Restoration Plan 2019-2030. These instruments serve as thetechnical, legal and financial foundation for executing local forest restorationprocesses with a landscape vision, with an overall goal of covering 30,000hectares through its projects. Considering that the proportion of national territoryunder conservation or environmental management, as of 2022, stands at 22.1%, itis necessary to mobilize additional financial resources from various sources andestablish robust governance (Target 17.3) to intensify the care of protected areas.This ensures the conservation of natural and cultural resources, genetic flows, theprovision of environmental services for the benefit of the population and thealignment of policies on the ground.

Futures Scenarios

SDG Push is a futures scenario based on 48 integrated accelerators in the areas of Governance, Social Protection, Green Economy and Digital Disruption. It uses national data to explore the impact on human development by 2030 and 2050 across key SDG indicators. It does this by using ‘International Futures,’ a systems model designed to explore interactions across development systems.

Poverty <$1.90 Per Day (Number of People)

Malnourished Children Under 5 (Number Of Children)

Malnourished Children Under 5 (Number Of Children)

4. Finance and Stimulus

Many countries are facing reduced fiscal space, high debt levels, rising interest rates and downgrades on credit ratings. Fiscal and financial constraints tend to slow or even reverse SDG progress.

Bhutan's gross government debt, projected at 129.5% of GDP in 2023, is more than 2.5 times above the low-income developing countries (LIDC) average of 48.3%. The country is expected to collect 25.5% of GDP in revenue this year, thus 10.6 percentage points (pp) more than the LIDC average of 14.9%.

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Bhutan's external debt servicing this year is expected to be as high as 36.3% of revenue, thus more than 2.5 times the LIDC average of 14.1%. Given that Bhutan owes most of its public debt to India for hydropower projects and India covers the financial and construction risks of the latter and, given an expected downward trajectory of debt due to increased electricity exports, the latest World Bank and IMF DSA 2022 rated the country as at ‘moderate risk of debt distress’. Historically, the Government has demonstrated strong fiscal prudence and fundamentals while supporting growth and maintaining deficit within 3.0 per cent over the plan period. The fiscal response to the shocks from the pandemic has also been rapid and effective in implementing livelihood and growth supporting measures. However, government finance faces mounting pressure amid increasing expenditure and declining revenues. The fiscal deficit remained elevated for two consecutive years (6%in 2020, 9.3% in 2022) and is expected to further deteriorate to 11.3% in 2023. In response the Government is redoubling efforts towards enhancing resource mobilization through diversifying and expanding of financing sources beyond ODA to mobilize resources from the private sector (public private partnerships), foreign direct investment and innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds.

SDG Stimulus

The UN Secretary General’s SDG Stimulus Plan lays out a blueprint for action within the existing financial architecture. It includes:

  • Providing liquidity to support recovery in the near term
  • Enhance debt relief for vulnerable countries.​
  • Expanding development financing by MDBs
  • Align financial flows with the SDGs and Paris Agreement, according to country-level priorities and needs, for example through the rollout of the UN Integrated National Financing Framework (INFFs).

Given the projected fiscal and financial constraints faced by

Bhutan

possible funding options for the investments derived from the identified interlinkages are as follows:

  • Tax and revenue reform and aligning taxes to SDGs
  • Redouble efforts in resource mobilization, including expanding finance beyond ODA. These could include:
  • Debt for SDGs
  • Climate finance
  • Blended finance and public-private partnerships
  • Accessing financial markets and insurance
  • Remittances, philanthropy and, most importantly, foreign direct investments, green, SDG and social bonds
  • Enabling business environment and ecosystem
  • SDG-aligned business environment and investment
  • Green inclusive growth
  • Recovery efforts to transition to a more resilient and sustainable economy leveraging upon promoting green investments, including in alternative renewable energy, green jobs and the implementation of climate-resilient solutions.
  • Private sector development through implementation of a conducive business ecosystem and public private partnerships

Methodology & Data Sources

Click here to view the Methodological Note for the Integrated SDG Insights.

This report is the result of a global exercise carried out using artificial intelligence to identify SDG priorities based on 10 national government documents, together with SDG progress and SDG interlinkage analysis. The implementation and monitoring of the 2030 Agenda in Argentina should be consulted in the Country Reports and National Voluntary Reports.

SDG Moment

Methodology
Assesses challenges and opportunities in national growth trajectories with insights on environmental sustainability and inclusiveness.

Data Sources
Future trajectories to 2025 are based on IMF-WEO GDP projections, distributions of per capita income or consumption from the World Bank, and CO2 emissions from the Global Carbon Budget 2022 and EDGAR (JRC and IEA).​

Trends & Priorities

Methodology
SDG trends tracks progress from 2015 to date for the 231 indicators. National priorities are analysed using machine learning to reveal the most prominent SDGs referenced in national policy documents.

Data Sources
SDG trends tracks progress from 2015 to date for the 231 indicators. National priorities are analysed using machine learning to reveal the most prominent SDGs referenced in national policy documents.

Interlinkages

Methodology
SDG trends tracks progress from 2015 to date for the 231 indicators. National priorities are analysed using machine learning to reveal the most prominent SDGs referenced in national policy documents.

Data Sources
The exercise globally considered a total of 454 documents published from 2015 to August 2022. (Miola et al., 2019 updated in 2021-2022)​

Finance & Stimulus

Methodology
Provides insight into indicators of fiscal and financial stress with options (INFF) for stimulus and other means to accelerate progress.

Data Sources
Most recent resource data from UNU-WIDER GRD (between 2018 and 2021), debt and revenue from IMF WEO (between 2020 and forecasts for 2023), external debt from IDS (2023), yields from Haver Analytics (8 June 2023), credit ratings from S&P, Moodys and FITCH (2023), and DSA ratings from World Bank/IMF (31 May 2023).