COVID-19 SDG Barometer

The impact of COVID-19 on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Netherlands

The consequences of the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the ensuing crisis are of an unprecedented scale. The crisis is affecting the whole world. Not just specific sectors, but the entire economy. Namely private companies, healthcare, government and other institutions. This COVID-19 barometer examines the consequences of COVID-19 on the Netherlands from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Regular insight into the effects of the crisis

Many governments, companies and organisations have in the past few years responded to the request of the United Nations to actively participate in solving the world’s major problems, such as poverty, inequality and climate change. This COVID-19 SDG Barometer uses available data to provide regular insights into the consequences of COVID-19 on the SDGs that are most relevant to the Netherlands.

The impact of COVID-19 on SDGs is considerable

‘If you examine the situation from a specific SDG point of view, you realise the seriousness of the impact of COVID-19 on the SDGs. The COVID-19 crisis has also exacerbated and compounded problems in the Netherlands,’ says Renate de Lange, member of the Executive Board of PwC and responsible for corporate sustainability policy. ‘I hope that organisations use this barometer to also examine the consequences of the crisis from the perspective of the SDGs and seek solutions.’ According to Renate de Lange, the crisis is generating momentum to fundamentally change and improve the world around us. ‘That means that all parties that have committed to the goals of the United Nations must continue to work together. No company or organisation can do this alone. We need to continue to reach out to one another.’