Events

As one of the critical follow-up and review mechanisms for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Voluntary National Review (VNR) prepared by Member States and presented at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), provides an opportunity for countries to share their experiences, successes, challenges, and lessons learned in implementing the SDGs

To ensure a meaningful assessment of progress on the SDGs, reliable data and statistics are a crucial foundation for evidence-based VNRs. Over the years, countries have made significant strides in enhancing their monitoring frameworks for the SDGs, leading to improved inclusion of data and progress assessments in VNRs. This progress was evident in the 2022 VNRs, where countries not only emphasized the growing importance of data and statistics for policymaking but also demonstrated advancements in monitoring a broader range of indicators and cross-cutting issues within the SDGs.

Despite these positive developments, countries continue to encounter challenges in SDG monitoring, which have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. These challenges encompass limited data availability, insufficient timeliness or disaggregated data, as well as various human and financial constraints. As a result, the breadth of analysis accessible for the VNRs may be affected.

Nonetheless, countries have proactively taken steps to bolster their national statistical capacities and have instigated methods for deepening the data analysis in VNRs. For instance, countries have embraced new technologies and non-traditional data sources to enhance data collection, analysis, and accessibility. They have also forged new partnerships aimed at improving monitoring mechanisms to facilitate better implementation of the SDGs and improved input to the VNRs. They have also included cross-sectoral analyses across the SDGs as well as progress assessments and enhanced statistical annexes.

The main objectives of this VNR data lab are to:

• Enable countries to share experiences and best practices on various data-related topics such as cross-sectoral analyses, SDG progress assessments, and the use of qualitative data in the VNR; and
• Serve as a platform for peer learning, networking, and support among countries preparing VNRs.

This VNR Data Lab will be in person and is open to Member States, UN system and representatives of Major Groups and other Stakeholders attending the 2023 HLPF. For more information on registration to the HLPF for Major Groups and Other Stakeholders and NGOs, please see here.

Please use the registration below to let us know you are coming (or to watch online) and to submit advance questions for the panelists.