The Influence of Sustainable Development on National Happiness: Examination of Multinational Survey Data

Abstract

Background and Aims: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development proposed by The United Nations and accepted by its members was an effort to direct the development for the true benefit of humans and the earth. But it is undeniable that the ultimate goal of development is still the people’s happiness. This quantitative research article aimed to examine the influence of sustainable development on people’s happiness.

Methodology: The analysis was conducted on the data surveyed by international organizations from 120 countries/governing districts. The data consisted of 2 sets. The first set was the national happiness collected by the World Happiness Report Project and the second set was the sustainable development scores collected by the Sustainable Development Solution Network. The author conducted the regression analysis to realize the effects of sustainable development on people’s happiness.

Results: The result showed that 7 sustainable development goals could explain 81.5 % of the variation in people’s happiness, they were, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, decent work and economic growth, quality education, clean water and sanitation, gender equality, and life below water.

Conclusion: According to the data, 81.5% of the variance in people's happiness can be attributed to seven specific sustainable development goals: gender equality, clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, sustainable cities, and communities, responsible consumption and production, quality education, and life below water. These goals have a significant impact on overall well-being and should be prioritized to promote greater societal contentment.