Assessment of Well-being and Sustainable Development in South Sudan

Abstract

This study evaluates the current state of well-being and sustainable development in South Sudan through a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative survey data and qualitative contextual analysis. The aim is to assess key indicators economic satisfaction, access to basic services, employment, health, education, environmental quality, subjective well-being, sustainability awareness, and livelihood stability within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the economy of well-being. A structured questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of 100 respondents across various regions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze favorable and unfavorable responses, and findings were contextualized using secondary data from global sources such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Health Organization (WHO), and United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Results reveal notable progress in areas such as employment (65%), health (66%), and environmental quality (79%), but also highlight significant gaps in life satisfaction (54% unfavorable) and education (37% without formal education). These disparities underscore the need for a holistic development strategy that integrates material conditions, quality of life, and sustainability. A conceptual framework is proposed to guide future policy and research, emphasizing people-centered, equitable, and resilient development pathways for South Sudan.