Implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in Fragile Economies: The Role and Effectiveness of Multinational Companies

The aim of this study is to assess the priority goals of multinational companies (MNCs) operating in the Fragile Eight countries regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as of 2023, and to examine the contribution of these goals to environmental sustainability and economic growth. In this study, the annual and sustainability reports of 40 multinational companies for the year 2023 were analyzed to determine the extent to which these companies have aligned with the SDGs. The effectiveness of the goals was assessed using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), with a particular focus on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), and efficiency scores were calculated accordingly. According to the results, it was determined that the SDGs were implemented at a rate of 57% in the Fragile Eight countries. SDG 8 and SDG 13 emerged as the most widely adopted goals, with South Africa, Chile, and Turkiye achieving the highest efficiency scores under SDG 8, and Indonesia leading under SDG 13. The initiatives of companies in line with these goals contribute positively to both economic growth and environmental sustainability. This study reveals that the extent to which multinational enterprises in the Fragile Eight economies have integrated the SDGs into their corporate strategies and identifies which countries are more effective in achieving these goals. Policy recommendations include promoting sustainable investments, supporting programs that enhance employment opportunities for women and youth, and establishing monitoring mechanisms to evaluate SDG performance.