Study of the implementation possibility of sustainable development goals

Abstract

After assessing the relevance of sustainable development goals (hereafter SDGs) and their implementation in the context of scientific literature, this article examines the experience of research participants' involvement in the performance of SDGs. It discusses the possibilities of managing sustainable development processes. 198 respondents participated in the research. Analytical descriptive, quantitative and statistical research methods were applied. Quantitative data analysis was performed by calculating analysis of variance (ANOVA) and percentage distribution (frequency). Using the Stjudent's -t criterion, a comparative analysis of the evaluation of the experience of involvement in the implementation of SDGs was performed in two groups of subjects of different ages. It was identified that the respondents engage in the implementation of SDGs in both the environmental and social fields by their behaviour: they combine various means of transport during trips and participate in ecological management campaigns, help poor and vulnerable people, allocate funds for charity, support and look for ways to reduce inequality (social, gender, religion, age, etc.). However, the observed lowest estimates indicate less expressed efforts of the research participants in contributing to the implementation of SDGs by sorting waste/garbage, saving paper and electricity, and respecting the rights and needs of every person. After conducting a comparative analysis in terms of age, it was found that the expressiveness of the experience of involvement in the implementation of SDGs is different in the two groups of subjects. The results of the statistical analysis showed that the younger research participants, belonging to the age group under 35 years old, evaluated their efforts in contributing to the implementation of SDGs in both social and environmental fields with significantly higher estimates than the elder respondents belonging to the age group over 36. When evaluating the possibilities of achieving SDGs, the results of the research confirmed the importance of public education on the topics of sustainable development, as well as the importance of raising personal awareness in the family and educational institutions and encouraging young people to be more actively involved in the implementation of SDGs. Television, media and social networks are also named ways to ensure sustainable development processes. The results of the research will have a lasting value in the scientific discussion about SDGs and the possibilities of their implementation, as well as practical significance in predicting possible ways of managing sustainable development processes and creating social and environmental well-being, forming public awareness and responsibility, changing mindsets, and attitudes.