Abstract

This exploratory research addresses a gap in the existing literature by examining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) readiness and priorities consensus from society's perspective, emphasizing the importance of understanding the community's sentiments and awareness regarding SDGs. The study contends that societal 'readiness' for SDG implementation, as mandated by government policies, involves an intricate interplay between three primary constructs – SDG awareness, subjective sentiments, and personal interests. As well, it highlights an existing gap between governmental plans and societal expectations of SDG priorities for the local economy. Employing a qualitative approach, the research conducted a survey in Kuwait with 218 participants using a 19-item questionnaire. The questions focused on gauging SDG awareness, subjective sentiments, personal interests, and local consensus on priorities in comparison to the government’s plans, shedding light on the dynamics influencing societal implicationson achieving SDGs. The findings underscore the pivotal roles of governmental and private sectors as key stakeholders in sustainable development, highlighting substantial awareness of SDGs among the local population. Civic engagement is notably high, with an increasing emphasis on SDGs in parliamentary considerations during elections. As well, the results identify a gap of the national priorities between the general public and those set out in the New Kuwait Vision 2035 plan. Local society indicated that ‘SDG4 - Quality Education’ as being the number one priority, as opposed to ‘SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth’ being the number one priority according to governmental plans. This research contributes to the understanding of societal readiness for SDGs by unravelling the complex interplay between awareness, sentiments, and interests. The emphasis on key stakeholders and the role of social media in shaping perceptions highlights areas of significance for policymakers seeking to implement evidence-based regulations and comprehend the factors influencing the trajectory towards sustainable actions.