An independent assessment of the Voluntary National Review (VNR) reports submitted to the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) commissioned by civil society last 2019 is out now.
Titled Progressing National SDGs Implementation, the document was prepared by the Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC), and is available in French, Spanish, and English, on their website. It covers 47 English, French, Spanish, Russian, and Arabic VNR reports.
The fourth in a regular series, the assessment notes positive trends in reporting on leaving no one behind and stakeholder engagement, but highlights the continued silence of UN Member States on the pattern of closing civic space and its impacts on the ability of all stakeholders to engage and implement the SDGs.
The Voluntary National Review reports are a part of the follow-up and review mechanisms of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Member states were encouraged to “conduct regular and inclusive reviews of progress at the national and sub-national levels,” which are voluntary, state-led, undertaken by both developed and developing countries, and involve multiple stakeholders.
These reviews are expected to form the basis for the regular reviews by the HLPF, and facilitate the exchange of lessons in order to facilitate the implementation of the SDGs. Moreover, the VNRs can help improve government policies and mobilize multi-stakeholder support and partnerships for Agenda 2030.#