Deciphering Sustainable Development: Multicriteria Analysis for Integrated Country Ranking of Global Sustainability Indicators

This study addresses the complex dynamics of global sustainable development, emphasizing the need for a meticulous assessment of sustainability indicators in 159 countries. Using the Gaussian AHP multi-criteria method and descriptive and exploratory statistical analysis, the research quantifies countries' performance in 18 critical indicators, integrating economic, social, and environmental aspects. The methodology applied allowed the construction of a comparative ranking, highlighting the superiority of nations with robust environmental policies, such as the Nordic countries, in contrast to the challenges faced by developing countries, which show lower scores due to less integrated policies. The results indicate the effectiveness of the Gaussian AHP in identifying leaders and laggards in sustainability, serving as a tool for guiding and building more informed public policies. Future investigations can enrich these analyses through longitudinal studies, expanding the understanding of sustainable development trajectories.