Global Launch of the 2021 Progressing National SDGs Implementation Report
The review of the 42 Voluntary National Reviews (VNR) submitted by countries to the HLPF last year—as well as the analysis of 17 VNR-related civil society reports—show both positive and concerning trends. The report covers all aspects of 2030 Agenda implementation through an examination of governance arrangements, institutional mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement, policies, means of implementation, and reporting. Key findings, good practice case studies, emerging best practices and recommendations are presented throughout this edition.
Some highlights include:
- In terms of a whole-of-society approach, fewer countries reported on the inclusion of non-state actors in governance arrangements for implementation than in previous years. Although more countries referred to formal processes for stakeholder engagement, there have been backslides in reporting on non-state actors’ engagement in the VNR process, consultations to define national priorities, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on stakeholder engagement.
- The VNR reports continue to be silent on shrinking civic space globally and ongoing attacks on human rights defenders and environmentalists. Conversely, several civil society reports highlight how this has been an issue.
- There has been a positive trend in reporting on leaving no one behind, with increases around the identification of left-behind groups, the incorporation of the LNOB principle in national policies and plans, and the impacts of COVID-19 on the most vulnerable. However, challenges remain in terms of data availability, and level of detail and quality of information provided around LNOB.
Upcoming events
High-Level Political Forum 2022 Debrief
A brief snapshot of the proceedings at 2022 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the challenges in the coming year.
IGF 18th Annual General Meeting
This year’s event will focus on critical minerals for the energy transition. It will be held in-person on November 7–10, 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement: What was agreed and what happens next?
This webinar will bring together experts to discuss the rules and prohibitions of the new WTO fisheries subsidies agreement.