Outlook for sustainable development in South Asia

South Asian countries’ record of MDG achievements has been mixed. The subregion has reduced extreme poverty by 54.7% from the 1990 level, overshooting the MDG target of 50% reduction (Table 1). It has also met its MDG targets on universal primary education enrolment and completion. However, at 59% in 2014, the subregion’s net secondary enrolment rate lagged behind the current global average of 65%. Girls, especially in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and children from lower socioeconomic strata and lagging regions continue to have lower access to primary education. Quality of education has often been poor, particularly in rural and remote areas, with low student achievement levels in most of the countries. The outcomes are partly explained by low public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP, ranging from 1.7% in Sri Lanka, or 2.0% in Bangladesh, to 3.9% in India and 2.5% in Pakistan, well below the recommended threshold of 6%.

Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Reduced Inequalities