INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
Background
The interest in ‘progress’ resonates around the world. Many other nations and organisations are undertaking their own measures of progress, measuring what aspects of life they see as important. As part of the MAP consultation, the ABS looked at a selection of other projects being undertaken throughout the world, to see how they relate to the work currently being done with MAP.
The ABS is a world leader in measuring progress, having first produced MAP in 2002. The ABS aims to continue to contribute to the international conversation about progress by describing a new conceptual approach: for the first time, articulating the aspirations of Australians for their nation.
There are, however, many different approaches that can be taken to measuring progress. Different organisations may choose to focus on different things (such as well-being or sustainable development), yet there are many common themes that emerge across different countries.
This chapter describes the historical international context for measuring progress which has influenced the MAP consultation. It then presents a selection of international initiatives which the ABS has examined and concludes by describing emerging international themes and aspirations.
Figure 5.1: 'The Graph', Michael Leunig
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