Conducted by the global civil society platform CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness in time for the 2021 UN High Level Political Forum, this study presents the perspectives of 109 CSOs from 45 countries and territories on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Voluntary National Reviews, using the lens of effective development cooperation (EDC).
While acknowledging the integration of SDGs in national development planning, respondents suggest weak country ownership and institutional stakeholder engagement, and poor transparency and inclusivity in the SDG processes. They identify major gaps in implementing SDGs, such as the inadequate engagement of CSOs, and note challenges in attaining the goals amidst the COVID-19 crisis. They also offer recommendations to improve SDG implementation, founded on fostering an enabling environment for civil society participation.
The CPDE gratefully acknowledges all individuals and their organisations whose valuable inputs to this year’s VNR survey made this study possible.
