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.