Participation Process for Germany’s Voluntary National Review on SDG Implementation and Global VNR Peer Learning

National Stakeholder Participation

National participation in creating a VNR strengthens review, dialogue, and implementation processes while exploring synergies with national strategy processes on the environment, biodiversity, and climate efforts. It also enhances VNRs as a tool for integrated SDG implementation. In Germany, this process involved a series of events that allowed participants to provide critical input throughout the development of the VNR. A "national HLPF" was held prior to the forum in New York to review the final version of the VNR with German stakeholders and define common goals for Germany’s engagement at the HLPF in New York.

• Seventh German HLPF Conference | IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin

On the fringes of the national HLPF conference, IISD interviewed representatives of key stakeholder groups to reflect on their participation in the development of Germany’s VNR, the role of VNR reporting for SDG implementation, and the future of the 2030 Agenda.

• Interview with Audrey MacLean, German UN youth delegate for Sustainable Development
• Interview with Katarin Wagner, managing director of ECONSENSE, a sustainability network of German businesses
• Interview with Kai Niebert, president of the German League for Nature and Environment and member of the German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE)
• Interview with Marianne Beisheim, senior associate, Global Affairs, at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP)

Germany presented its third VNR to the HLPF on July 22, 2025. The following day, the Government of Germany hosted a VNR Lab to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Germany's third VNR process, focusing on how engagement mechanisms can help strengthen transparency, accountability, and long-term impacts.

• Participation Works! Strengthening the Role of Stakeholders in the Implementation and Reporting of the 2030 Agenda | IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin

Global VNR Peer Learning

To exchange experiences and facilitate peer learning with other countries, the German government initiated an international peer learning group to share success factors, challenges, and lessons learned in reflective and integrated national SDG implementation and reporting—all with a view to increasing ambition among the participating countries. Through a series of demand-driven events, the peer learning exchange sought to enhance communication and collaboration during VNR preparation, thereby contributing to accelerated SDG implementation.

Finland, Guatemala, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Thailand participated in the 2025 exchange.

The first two sessions of the peer learning took place virtually and under Chatham House rules to allow for an open exchange of views. The first session, on January 30, 2025, focused on ensuring reflective reporting, including the role of different types of data; stakeholder participation; and how to address changes in governments and reporting frameworks during reporting periods. At the second session, on March 17, 2025, participants shared experiences on monitoring, tracking, and evaluating data, as well as stakeholder engagement.

The third session was held in person on April 7, 2025, in Berlin, Germany. Participants discussed SDG financing and accelerating SDG implementation through ambitious VNR reporting. They also conducted a comparative VNR analysis.

• Voluntary National Reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals | IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin

During the 2025 HLPF, Germany, Finland, Guatemala, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Thailand co-hosted an official side event to reflect on lessons learned in the implementation of the SDGs and to raise the level of ambition through the national VNR process. Participants highlighted the value of peer learning to exchange innovative ideas; improve inclusion in SDG implementation and reporting, especially among youth, local communities, and marginalized communities; and use the VNR process as a platform to inspire more ambitious SDG implementation.

• Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) 10 Years on – Our Common Journey |IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin

The national participation support and peer learning exchanges complemented a series of global workshops to support evidence-based VNRs organized by the UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs. The first Global Workshop, held in December 2024, aimed to facilitate the practical exchange of experiences and knowledge among countries and explore specific issues and challenges related to the VNR preparations. The second Global Workshop, hosted by the Federal Government of Germany and held in April 2025 in Berlin, focused on supporting a new generation of VNRs that deepen the analysis of progress toward the 2030 Agenda, shifting from assessments of the current situation to an examination of the root causes of challenges.

• Voluntary National Reviews 10 Years On: Peer Learning – Our Common Journey. Summary report published by GIZ in collaboration with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and other partners.