Assessment of realization of the social component of sustainable development: Experience of Russia and China

Aim. To analyze the implementation of the social pillar of sustainable development (SD) with a special focus on Russia and China, and to examine the progress made by both countries on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the United Nations (UN).Objectives. To assess progress in achieving the SDGs in such areas as poverty and hunger eradication, health and education development, gender equality, reduction of inequality both domestically and globally; to compare approaches and results achieved by Russia and China in the context of the SDGs; to identify common achievements and unique challenges faced by both countries in the process of realizing the social component of SD.Methods. The analysis is based on the comparison of official data, publications and reports on Russia's and China's successes in implementing SDGs. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to assess the degree of goal fulfillment in both countries, and comparative and analytical approaches were applied to identify and interpret the key factors influencing successes and obstacles to achieving sustainable social development.Results. Russia and China have made significant progress in realizing some of the SDGs, including poverty reduction, improving access to quality education and health care, and promoting gender equality. However, both countries face a number of challenges. Among them are inequality and internal regional differences. The article traces the differences in the approaches and strategies of Russia and China in realizing the social component of SD.Conclusions. Russia and China have made significant progress in realizing SDGs, but they still face a number of challenges. The comparative analysis reveals both common and unique strategies and problems in the realization of the social component of SD. Further progress on the SD path will require both countries to adapt their approaches to the emerging challenges and international cooperation within the global SD framework.