Abstract

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a global commitment to address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. However, the effective implementation of these goals often encounters significant hurdles, necessitating a systematic approach to policy formulation and execution. This paper presents a framework, termed the “Ladder of Deconstructing Five Priorities,” aimed at enhancing the efficacy of SDG implementation. The ladder comprises five critical priorities: stakeholder engagement, data-driven decision-making, capacity building, policy coherence, and monitoring and evaluation. Firstly, stakeholder engagement emphasizes the necessity of inclusive participation from diverse groups, ensuring that policies are reflective of the needs and aspirations of all segments of society. Secondly, data-driven decision-making underscores the importance of robust data collection and analysis to inform policies, enabling targeted interventions that address specific challenges. Thirdly, capacity building focuses on empowering local institutions and communities, equipping them with the skills and resources necessary for effective governance and sustainable practices. The fourth priority, policy coherence, advocates for the alignment of diverse policies across sectors to avoid conflicting objectives and maximize synergies. Finally, monitoring and evaluation are essential for assessing progress, facilitating accountability, and enabling adaptive learning throughout the implementation process. By employing this ladder framework, the paper elucidates the interconnections among these priorities, illustrating how addressing them in a cohesive manner can enhance the overall effectiveness of SDG initiatives. Case studies from various countries are analysed and thirty-eight articles were selected for qualitative analyses from 2006 – 2025, to demonstrate practical applications of the framework and highlight successful strategies. Ultimately, this study contributes to the discourse on sustainable development by providing actionable insights that can guide policymakers in overcoming implementation challenges, thus fostering a more sustainable and equitable future for all.