SDG Progress and Reporting in Times of Polycrisis: The Role of Civil Society in Ensuring Consistency

The protracted crisis framed by the direct and indirect effects of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine on food prices, inflation, and increase in poverty levels will reduce progress on more than 30 percent of the SDGs, with countries in the Global South being most affected. At the same time, the year 2023, as a midpoint toward the 2030 Agenda, presents an opportunity to reassess and reinvigorate efforts to achieve the SDGs. As countries navigate these challenges and prepare to present their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), it is crucial to maintain consistency in both the progress toward the SDGs and the reporting process, and to ensure that stakeholders are meaningfully engaged in these efforts.

The session will feature a conversation between government officials, researchers, and other stakeholders to explore the role that civil society’s capacity may play in driving and monitoring the SDG agenda through challenging times.