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
COP 28 Side Event | Gender-Responsive Adaptation Action: Progress in NAP processes
This session will provide an update on the progress made in mainstreaming gender considerations into NAP processes globally. It will also showcase the efforts of three francophone countries supported by the NAP Global Network—Côte d’Ivoire, Haiti, and Senegal—to address gender inequalities through adaptation action.
Trade + Sustainability Hub 2024
Alongside the Thirteenth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) we will be running our Trade + Sustainability Hub, bringing together thought leaders from both within and outside governments for a series of conversations on the challenges of building cooperative trade policy that delivers for sustainable development.
Advancing Natural Infrastructure 2024 Forum
A premier event to discuss natural infrastructure on the Canadian prairies and shape the future of prairie water infrastructure by working with nature
COP 28 Side Event | What Skills and Capacities Are Needed at Sub-national Levels to Implement NAPs?
This event will examine the importance of sub-national and local-level engagement in national adaptation policies and plans, discussing how capacities and networks can be enhanced to enable vertical integration in decision-making and ensure inclusive and gender-responsive adaptation action.