Supporting Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) Options for Informed Reviews (102401)

With the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2018 round-the-corner, countries are preparing the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) to provide details of national actions to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Review of the VNRs presented during 2016 and 2017 indicate that there are several challenges in the process and details presented through the VNRs. According to UNDESA, no uniform way pf reporting on SDG-specific implementation in the VNRs exist and counties chose numerous different methods depending on their national circumstance. With the option for member states of the United Nations to present their VNRs at least twice before 2030 and with in-depth discussions related to implementation of specific SDGs also slated two times before 2030, it is important for countries to prepare better VNRs, using the guidelines provided by the Secretary General. Considering the current challenges to the VNRs, both in process and detail, such as options to nationalize the SDGs, dealing with data and statistics, coordination and ownership, finances and foresight, it is time to provide some additional guidance to countries in dealing with the VNRs.