The global SDG indicators hold a central place in the global drive for timely, reliable and internationally comparable data. This core set of metrics, applicable to developed and developing countries alike, is the bedrock of the 2030 Agenda’s mutual accountability mechanism – not only measuring, but also effectively prompting countries to take action to achieve the SDG targets. “What gets measured, gets done”, as the saying goes. As compelling as the power of data may be, many obstacles still challenge countries’ ability to harness this power and report on global SDG indicators. In many countries, National Statistical Systems lack the capacity to report SDG indicators with the regularity, timeliness and level of disaggregation demanded of the 2030 Agenda. Compounding this capacity gap is the misalignment between many national and regional monitoring frameworks and the global indicator framework, which often leads to the arbitrary substitution of global SDG indicators with different national or regional proxy indicators.

This publication complements FAO’s digital SDG progress report and other material on SDG indicators available through FAO’s SDG indicators portal. It provides a snapshot of the main characteristics of each of the 21 SDG indicators under FAO custodianship in a compact and agile format. For each of these indicators, a concise factsheet provides the latest information on data availability and country coverage; the methodology for compiling the indicator and the process followed for establishing it as an international standard; a description of data sources and the main constraints faced by countries in reporting the indicators; and a list of the main tools, resources and initiatives developed by FAO for providing technical support to countries.