An Integrated Goal Programming Model Applied for Planning a National Policy of Sustainable Development: A Case of Jordan

Efforts to integrate sustainable development into national policies have gained momentum in recent years. The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda introduced 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressing environmental, social, and economic concerns. Achieving these goals requires effective policy formulation that reconciles conflicting environmental and social aspects across different economies. However, current research often lacks strategies for realizing SDGs while promoting national development. This study employs a decision-making approach centered around the Goal Programming Model (GPM), a technique for managing conflicting objectives. The GPM shows promise in guiding policymakers toward SDG-aligned planning. The research presents an optimization-based GPM that allocates resources to pursue multiple development goals, including GDP growth, reducing electricity consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and creating employment opportunities. The study focuses on three specific SDGs: ensuring water and sanitation (SDG 6), promoting clean energy (SDG 7), and developing industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9). The findings highlight the challenge of achieving these goals simultaneously while maintaining balance. SDG 7 is particularly emphasized for its focus on affordable and clean energy solutions, essential for growth. An interesting observation is noted in SDG 9, which shows that public transportation projects can impact the environment, particularly in terms of GHG emissions. Based on these insights, the study underscores the need for Jordan’s government to adopt innovative strategies, such as promoting renewable energy sources to mitigate environmental impacts. Regulatory measures to control emissions and foster job creation are crucial, aligning with economic growth and sustainable development principles. Ultimately, this research underscores the complex nature of pursuing SDGs and emphasizes the need for comprehensive decision-making approaches. By balancing trade-offs and synergies between goals, Jordan can significantly advance its sustainable development ambitions, enhancing economic prosperity, environmental preservation, and societal well-being.