In this article, we will look into the 20 most sustainable countries in Asia. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Most Sustainable Countries in Asia.

According to the recent sustainability report by SDSN, global progress toward reaching 2030 sustainable development goals is sluggish and requires increased investments from high-income countries. The global SDG index barely increased from 64% in 2015 to 66% in 2019. However, this slight growth was hindered by the pandemic. As of 2022, the global SDG index is less than 67%. The report suggests that high-income and low-income countries need to progress together in order to achieve their 2030 sustainability goals.

Sustainability Efforts by Asian Economies

Asian economies are taking crucial steps toward sustainable development. Their commitment to these goals is reflected in the growth of their sustainable financing market. On January 13, Reuters reported that although global sustainable funding experienced a slowdown in 2022, the Asian market remained strong. ESG bond issuance reached $142 billion in the region, near the record set in 2021. This can be attributed to various factors such as local investor demand and low-interest rates. China took the lead followed by South Korea, issuing $84 billion and $20 billion in ESG-linked bonds respectively.

Another significant step toward sustainable development is the clean energy transition efforts by the Asian countries and their initiatives for sustainable transport. On February 19, Reuters reported that Singapore is set to move toward greener aviation. All departing flights in the country will be required to use a minimum of 1% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from 2026. The country aims to increase this percentage to 3-5% by 2030. Another example is China, aiming to reduce its carbon emissions. On December 29, Reuters reported China is striving to become a global leader in the production of clean-fueled ships by 2025 to cut down its carbon emissions and focus on lower-carbon fuels. This initiative is in line with China’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2060 and also supports sustainable development in the region.

On March 15, Reuters reported that Japan is increasing its exposure to the offshore wind power market, focusing on floating wind farms. A total of 14 Japanese energy companies including JERA, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. (OTC:TKGSF), and Mitsubishi Wind Power Unit have forged an alliance to develop the Floating Offshore Wind Technology Research Association for working on green technology and international standards required for large scale floating wind farms. This aligns with Japan’s aim to reach 45 GW of offshore wind power by 2040.

Methodology

To compile our list of the 20 most sustainable countries in Asia, we utilized the Sustainable Development Report 2023, by UN SDSN. The report analyzes 192 UN countries across 17 SDGs and calculates their SDG scores based on a wide range of indicators. We used the SDG scores to rank the countries on our list and also provided insight into their progress across different sustainable development goals. Our list ranks the 20 most sustainable countries in ascending order of their SDG scores.

20 Most Sustainable Countries in Asia

20. Iran

SDG Score (2023): 69.1

Iran is ranked 20th on our list of the most sustainable countries in Asia. The country faces significant challenges including hunger, gender biases, lack of affordable and clean energy, and inequalities. The country has an SDG score of 69.1.

19. Tajikistan

SDG Score (2023): 69.2

Ranked 19th on our list, Tajikistan has an SDG score of 69.2. It has achieved SDG 12, responsible consumption and production, and SDG 13, climate action. The country faces challenges such as health and well-being, industry and infrastructure, and land ecology.

18. United Arab Emirates

SDG Score (2023): 69.7

The United Arab Emirates is ranked 18th on our list. The country has progressed significantly on many fronts and has achieved SDG 1, no poverty, SDG 4, quality education, and SDG 10, reduced inequalities. As of 2023, the country has an SDG score of 69.7.

17. Malaysia

SDG Score (2023): 69.8

Malaysia is ranked among the most sustainable countries in Asia. The country has an SDG score of 69.8, as of 2023. It has a global ranking of 78 and has achieved SDG 1. It is also showing moderate progress across industrial innovation, gender equality, marine life conservation, and responsible consumption and production.

16. Jordan

SDG Score (2023): 69.9

Jordan is ranked 16th on our list. As of 2023, the country has achieved SDG 1, no poverty. However, the country is yet to show progress on many fronts including hunger, gender inequality, sanitation, and health among others. The country has an SDG score of 69.9.

15. Indonesia

SDG Score (2023): 70.2

Indonesia is one of the most sustainable Asian countries. It has an SDG score of 70.2 and is on track to achieve SDG 1, 4, and 6. However, it still needs significant progress across clean energy, hunger, and marine life conservation. It is ranked 15th on our list.

14. Turkey

SDG Score (2023): 70.8

Turkey is ranked 14th on our list. The country is on set to achieve SDG 1 and SDG 4. It is also showing moderate progress on fronts such as affordable and clean energy, sanitation, and responsible consumption and production. As of 2023, it has an SDG score of 70.8.

13. Uzbekistan

SDG Score (2023): 71.1

Uzbekistan ranks 13th on our list. As of 2023, it has an SDG score of 71.1. The country faces major challenges across clean energy, water sanitation, and well-being. However, it is on track to achieve SDG 5, gender equality, and SDG 6, clean water and sanitation.

12. Maldives

SDG Score (2023): 71.3

Maldives is one of the most sustainable countries in Asia. The country has an SDG score of 71.3. It has achieved no poverty and quality education goals, as reported by the SDSN. The country is on track to achieve SDG 6, clean water and sanitation, and SDG 10, reduced inequalities.

11. Kazakhstan

SDG Score (2023): 71.6

Kazakhstan has an SDG score of 71.6, as of 2023. According to the sustainability report by SDSN, the country has achieved SDG 1, no poverty. Clean energy, hunger, and climate change are some of the areas that need improvement for the country to be more developed. It is ranked 11th on our list.

10. Singapore

SDG Score (2023): 71.8

Singapore is ranked 10th on our list of the most sustainable countries in Asia. The country has achieved SDG 4, quality education, and SDG 9, industry, innovation, and infrastructure. The country is also on track to achieve SDGs 6, 12, and 13. It has an SDG score of 71.8, as of 2023.

9. China

SDG Score (2023): 72.0

China is ranked 9th on our list of the most sustainable countries in Asia. The country has an SDG score of 72. The country faces many challenges such as climate change, gender inequality, hunger, and irresponsible consumption and production. The country has achieved SDG 1, no poverty, and SDG 4, quality education. The country is also showing progress in industrial innovations and infrastructure.

8. Bhutan

SDG Score (2023): 72.3

Bhutan is ranked 8th on our list. The country has an SDG score of 72.3, as of 2023. It has achieved SDG 13, climate change, and is on track to achieve SDG 4 and 12. However, it faces challenges across fronts including economic growth and hunger.

7. Armenia

SDG Score (2023): 73.3

Armenia ranks 7th on our list. The country has achieved SDG 10 and is set to achieve SDG 1 and 6. As of 2023, the country has an SDG score of 73.3. It is one of the most sustainable countries in Asia.

6. Vietnam

SDG Score (2023): 73.3

Vietnam is ranked 6th on our list of the most sustainable countries in Asia. The country has achieved SDG 12, responsible consumption and production, and SDG 13, climate action. As of 2023, Vietnam has an SDG score of 73.3. The country is on track to achieve nearly 35% of its SDG targets.

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Disclosure: None. 20 Most Sustainable Countries in Asia is originally published on Insider Monkey.