Measuring Progress and Impact for the Sustainable Development Goals: Frameworks, Indicators, and Practical Methods
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-sstdvgltch-06
This material forms part of the NEYA Global knowledge architecture. Institutional, organizational, professional, training, consulting, curriculum, program design, or implementation use requires an active license from NEYA Global
Explore Architecture →
Module Overview →
Request Institutional Access →
About the Article
This article explores practical frameworks and methods for measuring progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E). It compares Logical Framework Approach, Results-Based Management, Theory of Change, and Outcome Mapping, while emphasizing the value of participatory M&E in ensuring contextual relevance and ownership. The analysis highlights how SDG-aligned indicators can be operationalized using SMART criteria and linked to the UN Global Indicator Framework. Practical approaches—such as mobile data collection tools, GIS and remote sensing, and open data integration—are assessed for feasibility in low-resource settings. By combining rigorous frameworks, participatory processes, and cost-effective technologies, the article provides academics with an integrative roadmap for evaluation research and practitioners with actionable methods to design resilient M&E systems that demonstrate credible impact.
Key Topics
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Monitoring and evaluation frameworks
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E)
- Mobile and GIS data collection methods
- Adaptive and transparent reporting
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Measuring Progress and Impact for the Sustainable Development Goals: Frameworks, Indicators, and Practical Methods. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. Neya Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-sstdvgltch-06
References
- Earl, S., Carden, F., & Smutylo, T. (2001). Outcome mapping: Building learning and reflection into development programs. International Development Research Centre.
- Hartung, C., Lerer, A., Anokwa, Y., Tseng, C., Brunette, W., & Borriello, G. (2010). Open Data Kit: Tools to build information services for developing regions. In Proceedings of the 4th ACM/IEEE ICTD (pp. 1-12). ACM/IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1145/2369220.2369236
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Sustainable development goals and tech. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/sdg-tech-2025
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Impact assessment: Measuring & communicating. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/impact-assessment-2025
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Financial management: Best practices and tools. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/financial-management-2025
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Participatory development for change. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/participatory-development-2025
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Understanding the sustainable development goals: Origins, framework, and global commitment. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-sstdvgltch-02
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). The sustainable development goals: Framework, challenges, and pathways to inclusive global progress. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
- Kusek, J. Z., & Rist, R. C. (2004). Ten steps to a results-based monitoring and evaluation system. World Bank. https://doi.org/10.1596/11269
- Patton, M. Q. (2011). Developmental evaluation: Applying complexity concepts to enhance innovation and use. Guilford Press.
- United Nations Statistical Commission. (2021). Global indicator framework for the Sustainable Development Goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (A/RES/71/313, E/CN.3/2021/2/Add.1). United Nations.