The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) has synthesized notable experiences and trends in national SDG implementation by the 36 countries that presented their voluntary national reviews (VNRs) at the 2024 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) – the first session of the Forum to follow the 2023 SDG Summit, which marked the midpoint of implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs. The report seeks to support the 2025 VNR presenters.
The ‘2024 Voluntary National Reviews Synthesis Report’ notes that the 2024 VNRs reflect areas of progress and ongoing challenges in implementing the 2030 Agenda, highlighting “national policies and measures that support economic recovery and resilience, environmental sustainability, social inclusion and governance reform.” Many least developed countries (LDCs), small island developing States (SIDS), and countries in conflict or post-conflict situations share common obstacles and persistent vulnerabilities, the report flags.
Among the achievements reported in the 2024 VNRs, the report highlights:
- Efforts to bolster economic, social, and environmental resilience;
- Improvements in macroeconomic stability and employment levels, driven by fiscal policies and efforts to diversify economies;
- A shift towards more sustainable economic models, with an emphasis on circular economies, green innovation, and digital transformation; and
- A growing recognition of the role of technology and innovation in achieving the SDGs.
The synthesis report further notes progress reported in the areas of social inclusion, institutional reforms and governance improvements, and national statistical systems.
Key concerns reported by the 2024 presenters include poverty and food insecurity due to ongoing conflicts, climate impacts, and economic instability. Financing and debt were highlighted as persistent challenges for developing countries presenting their VNRs in 2024.
While “progress towards the SDGs is lagging at the halfway point to 2030,” the synthesis report acknowledges the VNR process as “a central means for countries to measure and evaluate their successes and challenges at the national level.”
In a foreword to the synthesis report, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua underscores that “[t]he process of conducting a VNR can help to support and enhance national monitoring mechanisms, provide continuous real-time data and feedback, and facilitate timely adjustments to policies aimed at achieving the SDGs.” He emphasizes VNRs’ role in illustrating good practices in governance, institutional capacity building, stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis, and means of implementation that engage both local and national actors while leaving no one behind.
The Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development coordinated the production of the report. It was published in November, ahead of the first global workshop for 2025 VNRs, which convened in early December. [Publication: 2024 Voluntary National Reviews Synthesis Report] [HLPF 2025]