Written by Maryam Habib and Dr. Muhammad Asim

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Global Index shows that Iran has a better score in SDG 12 for Responsible Consumption and Production compared to Pakistan and Afghanistan. This paper examines the progress of these three countries in achieving SDG 12 and identifies policies and initiatives that can promote sustainable consumption and production. While Iran has made progress through its National Environmental Action Plan and promotion of renewable energy, Afghanistan has recently established the Ministry of Urban Development and Land to address urbanization challenges, and Pakistan had implemented the Green Pakistan Program. Scholars suggest that politically stable countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan can learn from Iranian progress by implementing similar policies and initiatives. This study concludes that all three countries have significant room for improvement in achieving SDG 12 and should work towards increasing awareness and educating the public on the importance of responsible consumption and production.

Introduction

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a blueprint for a sustainable future, with the aim of achieving economic, social, and environmental development for all. SDG 12 for Responsible Consumption and Production aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns by promoting resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services, green and decent jobs, and a better quality of life for all. This paper examines the progress of Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in achieving SDG 12 and identifies policies and initiatives that can promote sustainable consumption and production.

Methods

This study consulted the SDGs Global Index to compare the scores of Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in SDG 12 for Responsible Consumption and Production. Additionally, this paper analyzed policies and initiatives that each country had implemented to achieve this goal.

Results

According to the SDGs Global Index, Iran has a better score in SDG 12 for Responsible Consumption and Production compared to Pakistan and Afghanistan. This indicates that Iran has made progress in promoting sustainable consumption and production through its National Environmental Action Plan and promotion of renewable energy. Similarly, Afghanistan has recently established the Ministry of Urban Development and Land to address urbanization challenges and improve sustainable land use. Likewise, Pakistan had implemented the Green Pakistan Program during the Imran Khan government, which aimed to increase forest cover and combat desertification. However, the regime change operation in Pakistan has also become a cause of the termination of this globally recognized program too.

Discussion

Scholars suggest that politically stable countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan can learn from Iranian progress by implementing similar policies and initiatives. For example, they can promote renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, encourage sustainable land use and resource management, and invest in green infrastructure. Additionally, they can work towards increasing awareness and educating the public on the importance of responsible consumption and production. However, it is important to note that all three countries still have significant room for improvement in achieving SDG 12.

Conclusion

By analyzing the facts, this study highlights the progress made by Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in achieving SDG 12 for Responsible Consumption and Production. Iran has made significant progress through its National Environmental Action Plan and promotion of renewable energy. Similarly, Afghanistan has established the Ministry of Urban Development and Land, and Pakistan had implemented the Green Pakistan Program. However, all three countries have significant room for improvement in achieving SDG 12 and should work towards increasing awareness and educating the public on the importance of responsible consumption and production. Politically stable countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan can learn from Iranian progress by implementing similar policies and initiatives.