Classifying Sustainable Development Goals as per Panchabhoota: An Elemental Lens

Classifying Sustainable Development Goals as per Panchabhoota: An Elemental Lens

The ancient Indian philosophy of Panchabhoota (the five great elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space) describes the foundation of life itself. Each element represents not only a physical force but also a way of seeing our place in the universe. When viewed through this lens, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) stop being a checklist of targets and begin to feel like a holistic blueprint for balance between people, planet, and prosperity.

E1 – Space (Akasha): Harmony, Justice, and Connection

Space holds everything together—the realm of consciousness, relationships, and global cooperation. It is the silence that makes sound possible.

  1. Life Below Water – Conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas, and marine resources.

  2. Life on Land – Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

  3. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Build peaceful, inclusive societies with justice and accountable institutions.

Space teaches us interconnectedness—reminding us that ecosystems, governance, and global partnerships exist in the same vast fabric.

E2 – Air: Growth, Knowledge, and Collective Breath

Air is movement, breath, and expansion. It represents freedom, ideas, and the unseen forces shaping life.

  1. Good Health and Well-being – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

  2. Quality Education – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

  3. Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

  4. Climate Action – Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

  5. Partnerships for the Goals – Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Air reminds us that collaboration, knowledge, and opportunity are the currents that allow humanity to breathe together.

E3 – Fire: Energy, Hunger, and Transformation

Fire is both survival and transformation—energy that fuels change, agriculture that feeds life, and production that must be managed wisely.

  1. Zero Hunger – End hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

  2. Affordable and Clean Energy – Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

  3. Responsible Consumption and Production – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Fire calls us to use energy and resources carefully, transforming society without burning out the planet.


E4 – Water: Flow, Equality, and Nurture

Water is adaptability, purity, and inclusiveness. It nurtures life and symbolizes equality, carrying strength through fluidity.

  1. Gender Equality – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

  2. Clean Water and Sanitation – Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Water reminds us that true progress flows when equity and basic dignity reach everyone.

E5 – Earth: Abundance, Stability, and Security

Earth is grounding and abundance, the source of stability and sustenance. It represents the structures that support collective well-being.

  1. No Poverty – End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

  2. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

  3. Reduced Inequalities – Reduce income inequality within and among countries.

  4. Sustainable Cities and Communities – Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Earth teaches us that lasting security and prosperity come from stability, shared abundance, and strong foundations.

Why this Mapping Matters?

The SDGs often appear as technical targets and indicators. But through the Panchabhoota, they become more than goals—they reflect a universal truth: sustainability is balance. When Ether holds space, Air circulates freely, Fire transforms responsibly, Water flows equally, and Earth remains abundant, humanity can thrive without collapsing the systems it depends on.

This Ether–Air classification also implies the universal order. To truly improve Earth, we must first tend to the other four elements—Ether, Air, Fire, and Water. As Ether is refined, Air is purified; when Air flows clear, Fire burns clean; when Fire balances, Water sustains; and when all four are in harmony, Earth itself becomes abundant and secure. Ancient wisdom and modern vision meet here: a reminder that progress is not about conquering nature, but aligning with it.


Quick Look: Nations Leading SDG Progress

According to the Sustainable Development Report 2025, Nordic countries lead in SDG achievement, with Europe dominating the top ranks. The report ranks countries based on a score out of 100, representing the percentage of SDG achievement. Here are the top performers:

  • Finland (Rank 1, Score 87.0): Finland has met SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 4 (Quality Education), and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and is on track for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Its circular economy approach and decentralized governance contribute to its success, though challenges remain in SDGs 2, 12, 13, and 15 due to unsustainable consumption and environmental spillovers.
  • Sweden (Rank 2, Score 85.7): Sweden has achieved SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 5 (Gender Equality), and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and is on track for SDGs 6, 8, 16, and 17. Its focus on corporate social responsibility and evidence-based environmental solutions drives progress, but it faces challenges in environmental goals (SDGs 12, 13, 15).
  • Denmark (Rank 3, Score 85.3): Denmark has met SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and is on track for SDGs 5, 6, 9, 15, and 17. Its inter-ministerial coordination and green energy partnerships, including with Germany, bolster its performance, though it lags in some environmental targets.
  • Norway (Rank 7, Score 82.7): Norway has achieved SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 5 (Gender Equality), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and is on track for SDGs 11 and 16. Its strong social welfare system and inclusive policies support its progress, but environmental sustainability (SDGs 12, 13) remains a challenge.
  • Austria (Rank 6, Score 83.0): Austria has met SDGs 1 (No Poverty) and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and is on track for SDGs 6 and 11. Its emphasis on digitalization and hydrogen energy initiatives supports its progress, though it faces hurdles in broader environmental goals. A few countries outside Europe, like Brazil, have also shown standout achievements in specific goals—Brazil’s "zero hunger" model remains a beacon The Guardian.
  • And across the Arab region, nations like the UAE, Jordan, Tunisia, Oman, Egypt, and Morocco have each achieved more than two-thirds of their SDG targets