SDG Acceleration Compass

We are pleased to share the SDG Acceleration Compass, a new exploratory analytical tool developed to support UN Resident Coordinator Offices, UN Country Teams, policy makers in government, and partners in moving from SDG data to more focused SDG action.

Link to SDG Acceleration Compass

The tool responds to a core challenge facing the UN development system in the final stretch to 2030: how to translate large volumes of SDG data into clearer priorities, sharper questions, and more practical policy dialogue. It is designed as a decision-support and exploratory tool, not as a predictive model, official reporting instrument, or substitute for contextual analysis. Its purpose is to help users identify where SDG acceleration may be most needed, where progress has been strongest or weakest, and where comparative experience can offer useful entry points for further discussion and programming. 

The SDG Acceleration Compass brings together data analytics, digital solutions, and peer learning in an integrated Power BI-based dashboard covering countries globally. It builds on the peer-reviewed methodology developed in United Nations Development Analysis at the Country Level by Aljaz Kuncic and Austin G. Hamilton, and extends it using the latest data from the Sustainable Development Report. 

What’s inside:

• SDG trends and decomposition, showing historical progress and identifying which SDGs and indicators have contributed most to acceleration or stagnation.
• Forward-looking SDG trend scenarios up to 2035, using nearest-neighbour matching at Index, Goal and Indicator levels to compare likely trajectories with stronger and weaker peer performance.
• Peer learning and comparative insights, helping users identify countries with similar SDG profiles but stronger performance on specific Goals or indicators, as a starting point for policy learning.
• Data gap and reporting visibility, helping users see where outdated, missing or limited data may affect analysis and where national statistical systems may need further strengthening. 

The tool can support Country Analysis and Cooperation Framework processes, SDG prioritisation and sequencing discussions, Results Group dialogues, and structured engagement with national counterparts. It is particularly useful for asking practical questions such as: which SDGs are particularly strong and weak in our country of interest; which indicators are driving progress or holding it back; what are reasonable expectations for progress on either SDG or indicator level; and which peer countries may offer useful policy lessons to address similar development challenges and accelerate SDG indicator and goal progress. 

The SDG Acceleration Compass also reflects the spirit of UN 2.0, bringing together data, digital, innovation, and foresight capabilities to strengthen evidence-based policy dialogue. Its value lies not in offering definitive answers, but in helping users ask better questions, identify sharper priorities, and explore possible acceleration pathways in a more structured way. Outputs should be interpreted as trend-based scenarios and comparative insights, not as official UN assessments, predictions, rankings, or accountability measures. The data, simulations and results do not necessarily reflect the official position of the United Nations.

We welcome colleagues and partners to explore the tool, share feedback, and consider how it may support SDG acceleration discussions in their own country contexts. For further information, please contact Aljaz Kuncic (kuncic@un.org) and Austin Hamilton (austin.hamilton@un.org).