How non-cognitive skills contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

This thesis investigates the often-overlooked influence of non-cognitive skills, such as resilience, adaptability, empathy, perseverance and effective communication, on advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While much attention has traditionally centered on cognitive capabilities, technical expertise and policy interventions, the skill to handle complex issues, cooperate effectively and maintain a forward-looking perspective has grown increasingly important for the success of sustainable programs. By drawing on these non-cognitive competencies, entrepreneurs, innovators and organizational leaders can tackle social, economic and environmental obstacles in ways that uphold the SDGs’ principles of inclusivity, equity and responsible stewardship. To explore these dynamics, this research uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with entrepreneurs from sustainability-oriented businesses across different industries and regions. The survey, conducted with a diverse group of entrepreneurs, revealed that 85% of respondents identified resilience as a key factor in overcoming financial instability and business challenges, while 74% emphasised interpersonal awareness as crucial for fostering strong stakeholder relationships and securing investment. In addition, over 70% of respondents noted that adaptability directly contributes to business growth and sustainability impact. Complementing these findings, in-depth interviews with representatives from companies such as Ecosia (Germany), Reforestum (Spain), WeSchool (Italy), Accelerate Prosperity (Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan), Chveni Ezo (Georgia) and iSoul Café (Kazakhstan) provided valuable insights into how non-cognitive skills shape decision-making, leadership and long-term resilience in sustainable business models. These interviews highlighted the sector-specific role of non-cognitive skills, showing that emotional intelligence is particularly important in community-based enterprises, while problem-solving and innovation play a more important role in technology-based sustainability ventures. Ultimately, this thesis argues that integrating non-cognitive skill development into education, training programs and policy frameworks can drive more well-rounded and enduring progress toward the 2030 Agenda. By recognizing the importance of these human-centered competencies, decision-makers can more effectively mobilize resources, reduce systemic barriers and ensure that sustainable development initiatives lead to measurable and lasting impact across diverse communities worldwide. Ultimately, this thesis argues that integrating non-cognitive skill development into education, training programs, and policy frameworks can drive more well-rounded and enduring progress toward the 2030 Agenda. By recognizing the importance of these human-centered competencies, decision-makers can more effectively mobilize resources, reduce systemic barriers, and ensure that sustainable development initiatives lead to measurable and lasting impact across diverse communities worldwide.