May 2016: The implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should promote ownership at all levels and across all sectors, said participants at Europe’s Regional Consultation on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Consultation convened in advance of the 2016 session of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), one in a series of preparatory events to identify regional sustainable development priorities and generate recommendations to strengthen implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) organized the Consultation, which took place in Szentendre, Hungary, from 11-12 April 2016. The outcomes of the consultation will be shared with the European Commission (EC) for its consideration in establishing a framework for the EU’s implementation of the SDGs. In addition, the outcomes of regional preparatory meetings are expected to inform the HLPF debate.
Participants from Central and Eastern Europe stressed the importance of the principle of subsidiarity, and participatory processes in SDG implementation at all levels and across sectors. Participants agreed that the SDGs must be translated into national targets and localized in their entirety, stressing the universal nature of the SDGs and the importance of an integrated approach to achieve all Goals. They also highlighted the importance of capacity, knowledge and accountable, evidence-based and transparent policies and programmes. To ensure implementation, participants suggested scaling down and adapting policies to regional and national levels, demonstrating the SDGs’ role as a useful policy tool and promoting advocacy and mobilization on the Goals.
Eastern European governments underscored the role of multi-stakeholder preparation and guidance and monitoring as well as awareness raising, capacity building and participation for success, calling for new forms of institutional cooperation and high-level coordination. They also recommended gap analysis, and underscored the importance of an ongoing commitment to leave no one behind.
South Eastern States said assistance for EU accession should include capacity building on SDG implementation. They recommended: mainstreaming the SDGs into existing governance structures after a gap analysis; ensuring educational curricula refer to and support the SDGs; and promoting horizontal coordination within governments during implementation processes. They stressed capacity building as both an enabler and facilitator, recommending its use from the start of the implementation process.
The HLPF is mandated with ensuring effective implementation and monitoring, providing political leadership, advancing coherent policies informed by evidence, science and country experiences, and addressing new and emerging issues. It will meet from 11- 20 July 2016, with a Ministerial Segment from 18-20 July. The 2016 session will address the theme, ‘Ensuring no one is left behind,’ and is expected to result in a negotiated ministerial declaration. [REC Press Release] [Draft Programme] [HLPF Meeting Website] [HLPF Modalities] [IISD RS Sources]