The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Division for Sustainable Development is organizing an Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on 25-26 March to address how to ensure effective participation and contribution of MGoS in the process of voluntary national reviews (VNRs) at the national level. In particular, the EGM will provide an opportunity to discuss strategies and approaches for operationalizing the participation of national SDG implementation committees, partnering up with governments and providing expertise when requested. One of the lessons learned from the HLPF 2016 is that stakeholders could benefit from greater coordination with governments during the lead up to the HLPF. The increasing interest in the HLPF by volunteering countries highlights the importance of partnerships with local stakeholders to promote implementation, follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The EGM will also present an opportunity for representatives of MGoS to formulate plans for cooperation around national review processes. Immediately following the EGM, the Governments of Germany and Colombia will hold a 'Partners for Review' networking meeting, from 27-28 March.  

dates: 25-28 March 2017  
location: Bogota, Distrito Especial, Colombia  
contact: Isabella Cunha, DSD  
www: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/12910MGoS%20EGM%20in%20Colombia%20-%20Program_01.03.pdf
 https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/index.php?page=view&type=13&nr=2215&menu=2993