United Nations University (UNU)
1. Responding to the multiple crises, has the governing body of your organization taken any decisions or adopted any new strategies to enhance effective delivery of sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions and to reinforce the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and poverty eradication?
The United Nations University (UNU), guided by its intellectual responsibility to promote Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has undertaken several strategic initiatives aimed at reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and poverty eradication. UNU employs a multifaceted approach, focusing on research, policy work, and advocacy, with a specific emphasis on representing the interests of the Global South. This strategy addresses specific needs and challenges, aligning with the commitment to sustainable development. UNU's holistic research program is notable for not only addressing individual SDGs but also exploring the intricate interdependencies between them. This approach enriches research value, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable development.
Inclusive Vision and Strategic Planning
The vision of UNU's new Rector, Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, connecting the Global South to academic institutions and governance structures in the Global North, underscores a commitment to inclusivity. In his State of the University address in June 2023 to the UNU Council (governing board), Rector Marwala outlined his vision for the University and objectives for the forthcoming 2025-2029 UNU Strategic Plan, emphasising collaboration and expansion, particularly in the Global South, signifying a proactive approach to building strategic alliances. These alliances aim to enhance engagement with academic institutions and researchers, aligning with the overarching goal of sustainable development. The Rector also highlighted the substantive work done by UNU, including as the Secretariat for the Secretary-General’s High Level Advisory Board on Multilateralism (HLAB), which aims to identify concrete, actionable recommendations that support a radical shift in international cooperation for the resolution of shared global challenges, including poverty eradication, and the advancement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UNU Council took note of this address and expressed appreciation for the initiatives undertaken by the Rector in the first months of his role.
In August 2023, the Rector was invited to serve as a member of the UN Secretary-General’s newly established UN Scientific Advisory Board, to provide independent advice on breakthroughs in science and technology. This underscores UNU's commitment to leveraging research strengths in addressing critical global issues. This strategic move highlights an awareness of the evolving landscape and the imperative for innovative solutions.
2. In the past year, has your organization organized any intergovernmentally mandated conferences, forums or events that contributed to the achievement of the SDGs, or in the process of planning and organizing any such mandated events to be held next year?
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Event Name: |
Think7 Japan Summit |
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Event Dates: |
27–28 April 2023 |
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Event Location (City, Country): |
Tokyo, Japan |
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Relevant SDGs: |
Goal 1: No Poverty Goal 2: Zero Hunger Goal 5: Gender Equality Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Goal 13: Climate Action Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals |
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Description (max 150 words): please include a short summary of the event’s mandate and contributions to the SDGs, including its main outcome(s) |
Think7, the official gathering of G7-associated think tanks, focused on delivering policy recommendations related to crises, sustainable development, and enhancing G7-G20 coordination. UNU played a key role in developing and promoting recommendations, particularly through the role of the UNU Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS) in the T7 Task Force. This involved research and policy formulation addressing Wellbeing, Environmental Sustainability, and Just Transition. The policy recommendations targeted resilience, social protection, environmental sustainability, and wellbeing, while also addressing youth opportunities, educational support, and strengthening climate and sustainable development partnerships. At the T7 Japan Summit in Tokyo, UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala emphasized the need for fair decarbonisation to achieve balanced economic growth in developing nations. He highlighted the G7's crucial role in supporting climate financing for sustainable initiatives, advocating for a more inclusive approach to global economic and environmental challenges. |
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Website (if applicable) |
https://www.think7.org/ja/ |
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Event Name: |
UNU-CPR Migration Policy Roundtable |
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Event Dates: |
May 2022 – September 2023 |
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Event Location (City, Country): |
New York, USA |
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Relevant SDGs: |
Goal 1: No Poverty Goal 4: Quality Education Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals |
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Description (max 150 words): please include a short summary of the event’s mandate and contributions to the SDGs, including its main outcome(s) |
UNU-CPR (UNU Centre for Policy Research) organised a series of migration policy roundtables, each directly aligned with the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development's overarching theme. These discussions contributed to reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and addressing poverty amidst multiple crises. The focus on migration's impact on achieving the SDGs, implementing the Global Compact on Migration, understanding refugee experiences, and exploring solutions for climate-related challenges were all in sync with the pursuit of sustainable and innovative solutions for eradicating poverty. Moreover, the emphasis on gender-responsive migration governance directly supports the forum's goal of protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly women, girls, and marginalised individuals. The outcomes and insights from these roundtables are valuable contributions to the larger dialogue on achieving the SDGs and overcoming contemporary crises. |
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Website (if applicable) |
https://unu.edu/publication/migration-and-decent-work-challenges-global-south |
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Event Name: |
Sustainable Urban Water for Human Health and Well-being |
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Event Dates: |
August 2023 |
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Event Location (City, Country): |
Online |
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Relevant SDGs: |
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation SDG 5: Gender Equality SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities SDG 13: Climate Action |
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Description (max 150 words): please include a short summary of the event’s mandate and contributions to the SDGs, including its main outcome(s) |
As part of World Water Week 2023, UNU-IAS hosted the event "Sustainable Urban Water for Human Health and Well-being." The session delved into the role of health-related, multisectoral water management in bolstering the economic and environmental resilience of societies. It aimed to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders to improve water-related health and well-being in urban areas.
The session engaged practitioners from public and private organisations, academia, and youth representatives, covering discussions on:
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Website (if applicable) |
https://unu.edu/ias/event/sustainable-urban-water-human-health-and-well-being |
3. In the past year, has your organization published or planned to publish any analytical work or guidance note or toolkits to guide and support the implementation of SDGs at national, regional and global levels? Please select up to three to highlight, especially those that address interlinkages among the SDGs.
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Resource Name |
Towards peace, decent work, and greater equality |
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Relevant SDGs (list all relevant goals) |
SDG 5: Gender equality SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals |
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Publishing entity/entities |
UNU World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) |
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Target audience |
UN and entities within the UN system; Policy makers/decision makers; Governmental organizations; Non-governmental organizations; |
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Description (max 150 words) |
Encapsulating the key messages from 30 distinct research projects and distilling evidence from several hundred of UNU-WIDER’s recent studies, this report offers readers the latest insights on a broad range of important topics including: building peace in conflict-affected situations, increasing aid effectiveness and the resilience of democracy, strengthening the social contract, advancing social protection policy, increasing fiscal space, addressing inequalities, and tackling the challenges of informality and the impediments to decent work for all. Several of these findings relate to country-level studies covering Global South countries in every major world region and narrow major gaps in our knowledge on critical issues in these contexts.
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Language(s) |
English |
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Website (if applicable) |
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Resource Name |
Monitoring and Evaluation of WFP's Country Strategic Plan in Kenya from 2019 to 2023 |
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Relevant SDGs (list all relevant goals) |
SDG 1: No poverty SDG 2: Zero hunger SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth SDG 10: Reduced inequalities |
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Publishing entity/entities |
UNU Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT) |
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Target audience |
UN and entities within the UN system; Policy makers/decision makers; Governmental organizations; Non-governmental organizations; Scholars/academics |
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Description (max 150 words) |
This project is designed to assess the impact of the World Food Programme's (WFP) aid for refugees and vulnerable populations affected by disasters in Kenya (2019-2023). In line with the 2030 Agenda, the multi-year initiative aims to evaluate the outcomes of WFP's humanitarian and development aid. Focused on refugees and vulnerable populations impacted by natural and human-caused disasters in Kenya, the project aligns with one of the strategic outcomes outlined in WFP's five-year Country Strategic Plan. This particular component seeks to ensure access to food and meet the nutritional needs of targeted groups throughout the year. Interventions include electronic vouchers, unconditional cash transfers through bank accounts, vocational youth training, technical support to local retailers, school feeding, malnutrition prevention and treatment, and relief activities. The project extends its assessment to the user experience, efficiency, and contributions to financial inclusion through technological innovations used for social transfers, such as mobile phones, mobile money systems, and electronic bank cards. |
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Language(s) |
English |
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Website (if applicable) |
https://unu.edu/project/monitoring-and-evaluation-wfps-country-strategic-plan-kenya-2019-2023 |
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Resource Name |
Resource Nexus Analytics, Informatics, and Data (AID) Research Programme |
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Relevant SDGs (list all relevant goals) |
SDG 2: Zero hunger SDG 3: Good health and well-being SDG 4: Quality education SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy SDG 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure SDG 10: Reduced inequalities SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production SDG 13: Climate action SDG 15: Life on land |
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Publishing entity/entities |
UNU Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES) |
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Target audience |
Academics, policy makers, UN entities, governments, private sector, professionals and practitioners, and students |
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Description (max 150 words) |
The Resource Nexus AID programme of UNU-FLORES is focused on identifying, developing, and promoting data, information, computational techniques, and analytical tools that facilitate the sustainable management of water, soil, waste, energy, and geo-resources based on nexus thinking. |
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Language(s) |
English |
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Website (if applicable) |
https://flores.unu.edu/en/research/projects/resource-nexus-analytics-informatics-and-data-aid.html |
4. In connection with the 2023 SDG Summit, the United Nations development system announced 12 High-Impact Initiatives where transformative progress is possible despite challenging global circumstances. Please share if your organization is contributing to any of these High Impact Initiatives and how various actors are being rallied behind them to mobilize further leadership and investment to bring progress to scale.
Although UNU has not formally committed to these 12 High Impact Initiatives, as the UN’s academic arm and think thank institute, the University undertakes various research activities and initiatives that align with at least 11 of the 12 high-impact initiatives announced by the United Nations development system. Further, on UN Day, 24 October 2023, UNU and the UN’s other five training and research institutions (ITCILO, UNICRI, UNITAR, UNRISD and UNSSC)1 jointly renewed the call for accelerated action on the SDGs building on UN Member States’ reaffirmation in September of their commitment to effectively implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The following examples are illustrative but non-exhaustive of research projects by UNU that align with the High Impact Initiatives.
Digital Public Infrastructure (Scaling inclusive and open digital ecosystems for the SDGs)
UNU-Macau is part of EQUALS-EU, a consortium of 19 organizations from the EU and beyond, that focuses on scaling inclusive and open digital ecosystems for the SDGs. Presented as a best-practice example during the SDG Action Weekend on 16th September 2023, EQUALS-EU is dedicated to addressing the gender digital divide. The partnership aims to close this gap by 2030, in line with SDG 5, by empowering women through information and communication technologies. UNU Macau's is directly involved in fostering a global exchange of knowledge and best practices on gender digital inclusion. This effort highlights UNU’s role in international digital equality initiatives, emphasising the importance of diverse global perspectives in creating inclusive digital infrastructures. Through such collaborative efforts, EQUALS-EU is making significant strides in promoting gender equity in the digital realm, contributing to the broader objective of achieving sustainable development goals.
Energy Compacts (Scaling up ambition to deliver on SDG7)
UNU-FLORES’ project on "Extended Cost-Benefit Analysis for Sustainable Green Transformation Programmes of Small and Medium Enterprises in South Asian Developing Countries" focuses on enabling green transformation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Asia, particularly in India, amidst constrained resources. Key aspects of the project include assessing SME willingness to invest; identifying SME preferences for green programmes, facilitating the selection of impactful and feasible projects; recognising and addressing financial and other obstacles impeding SMEs' sustainability efforts, providing essential insights for policy formulation; assessing and prioritising green transformation projects using metrics like Net Present Value, guiding SMEs towards viable sustainability practices; and offering a robust framework for evaluating the feasibility and financing of green projects, aiding governments in policy development for sustainable economic growth. Beneficiaries of this project include SMEs, local communities, governments, policymakers, research institutions, and end consumers. By fostering sustainable economic growth, creating green jobs, and enhancing climate resilience, the project aligns local industries with global environmental goals and supports balanced socio-economic development. The outcomes of this project are anticipated to ripple through economies and societies, advancing sustainability, economic growth, and an improved quality of life.
Food Systems Transformation (Transforming food systems for a sustainable world without hunger)
The UNU Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA), through the CONCERT project, seeks to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from agriculture in West Africa while enhancing food security and resilience to climate change. It extends regional flux observation networks, projects GHG budgets using a specialised Earth System Model, and identifies land use strategies to increase soil carbon sequestration. This integrated observation and modeling effort, in collaboration with ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) policymakers, aims to develop sustainable agricultural practices suitable for the changing climate and increasing population demands in the region.
FutureGov (Building public sector capabilities for the future)
The UNU Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV) is the UNU institute responsible for supporting the UN Member States in building effective governance capabilities through strategic applications of digital technologies, aiming to contribute to inclusive social and economic development. On 13 November 2023, UNU-EGOV co-sponsored the 2023 Digital Nations Ministerial Meeting. This high-level event, organised under the Portuguese presidency, brought together leaders and experts from 10 digitally progressive countries to share insights on data and technology utilization for societal betterment. Centered on "Better Data. Better Society," the meeting underscored Digital Nations' commitment to leveraging data for a more sustainable and resilient society. Discussions delved into vital societal and economic issues like ethics, privacy, transparency, and accountability, examining data's role in addressing health, education, environment, and security challenges. UNU-EGOV’s co-sponsorship facilitated the exchange of international best practices in digital policy, focusing on cybersecurity and digital governance. A special seminar targeted at developing countries emphasised digital inclusion and innovation, highlighting the commitment to supporting global digital transformation efforts.
Global Accelerator (The Global Accelerator on jobs and social protection for just transitions)
UNU-IAS will participate in the Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2023, held from 13–17 November in Johor, Malaysia, and will feature a session titled "Engaging Youth in Green Jobs at Scale for a Just Transition." Scheduled for 15 November 2023, the session aims to enhance the capacity of youth in leading a just transition to green jobs. The event will facilitate knowledge exchange, showcase examples of green economy leadership, and provide a platform for discussions on involving youth in green economic activities and transitions. This initiative addresses the urgent need to integrate youth in green economic sectors, recognizing their role as catalysts for a sustainable, greener future, and is open to all Asia-Pacific Climate Week participants.
Local2030 Coalition (Pushing key transitions and achieving the SDGs by 2030)
UNU-EHS Transformative Urban Coalitions (TUC) project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, embodies the Local2030 Coalition's vision for pushing key transitions to achieve the SDGs by 2030. It addresses the significant contribution of cities to carbon emissions by fostering a shift towards socially inclusive zero-carbon cities. The TUC project operates Urban Labs in Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina to explore new coalition-building models and governance, integrating transformative research, communication, and capacity building. Its holistic approach envisions urban sustainability that involves reconfiguring social, technological, and political systems, with the ultimate goal of influencing global sustainability agendas. Partners in this endeavor include UNU-EHS, WRI, IIED, and IDOS, working together since the project's main phase began in January 2021
Nature Driving Economic Transformation (Leveraging the power of biodiversity and nature to drive equitable economic progress)
UNU-IAS dedicates itself to realising a sustainable future for people and the planet. UNU-IAS is responsible for advancing the International Satoyama Initiative (ISI) project. By promoting the sustainable management of socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS), UNU-IAS contributes to economic progress that is equitable and rooted in biodiversity. Through research, it enhances the understanding of how ecosystems contribute to livelihoods and economic development. Hosting the IPSI Secretariat, it builds global partnerships for knowledge sharing and capacity building, and influences policy by engaging with international bodies like the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Recent initiatives related to the ISI Project include but are not limited to a Policy Brief on Landscape Approaches to Ecosystem Restoration released in October 2023, providing vital insights into sustainable practices, and the publication "Ecosystem Restoration through Managing Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS)" from September 2023, offering comprehensive guidance on harnessing SEPLS for ecological recovery.
Power of Data (Unlocking the data dividend for the SDGs)
The UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) is harnessing disruptive digital technologies like AI, big data, and cloud computing to bolster SDG 6. It focuses on developing web-enabled applications and tools for water management, such as a historical flood mapping tool using Landsat data, leveraging Google Earth Engine resources. Future enhancements include integrating RADAR data for improved spatial resolution, developing a flood risk analysis tool (FRAM), and a Surface Water Change Detection (SWCD) tool. These innovations aim to advance water security assessments and support planning and risk mitigation. UNU-INWEH collaborates with global partners to co-develop and disseminate these tools, thereby unlocking data's potential to drive progress toward sustainable water resource management.
Spotlight Initiative (To eliminate violence against women and girls)
The UNU International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) project Advancing Gender Equality in Health, (July 2022 to June 2024), aligns well with the Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls. This project delves into the gender-health nexus, aiming to drive gender-responsive changes within global health systems and beyond. Recognising that health outcomes are influenced by gender across various social and structural determinants, UNU-IIGH's work seeks to promote an inclusive, decolonial approach that calls for significant systemic changes rather than mere equality within current frameworks. By compiling evidence in the Health Research Policy and Systems journal, engaging with researchers, and conducting workshops, UNU-IIGH identifies what strategies effectively achieve gender equality and health equity. This initiative is crucial for informing multisectoral policies and programs that can transform gender norms and improve health outcomes in the Global South.
Transforming4Trade (Paradigm shift to boost economic development)
UNU-WIDER backs the SA-TIED (Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development) programme which embodies the "Transforming4Trade" High-Impact Initiative by fostering a paradigm shift to boost economic development in Southern Africa. This program supports policymaking for inclusive growth by leveraging a partnership with the National Treasury of South Africa, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and other regional bodies to fill knowledge gaps essential for economic transformation. By providing researchers with access to extensive anonymized tax data, SA-TIED aims to deliver innovative solutions to economic and development challenges. A critical element of the initiative is the promotion of networking and dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and civil society, enhancing the translation of research into practical policy actions. Some of the recent initiatives connected with SA-TIED include a research paper on South Africa economic reforms presented at a Conference in October 2023, a working paper on gender wage gap in South Africa released in October 2023, and a workshop on the Workstream 5: Food, Energy, and Water in a Context of Climate Change held in November 2023.
Transforming Education (learning to build a better future for all)
The Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) project, overseen by UNU-IAS, contributes to accelerating local and regional sustainable solutions through education, re-orients higher education towards sustainability, and conducts capacity-building activities. The project operates through two key initiatives: the Regional Centres of Expertise for Education on Sustainable Development (RCE Initiative) and the Promotion of Sustainability in Postgraduate Education and Research Network (ProSPER.Net), facilitating policy-relevant research and contributing to international debates on sustainability. Through these actions, the project supports the achievement of multiple SDGs, including quality education, responsible consumption and production, and climate action. It also advances gender mainstreaming, ensuring equal educational and work opportunities and influencing global policy-making processes to reorient education towards sustainable development. In partnership with UNU-IAS, ProSPER.net recently hosted a Forum focused on the ramifications of the COVID-19 crisis on the provision of inclusive and equitable quality education (Oct. 2023).
5. In addition to the above, has your organization been part of any other initiatives or multi-stakeholder partnerships that enhance effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions and reinforce the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially in the areas of SDG1 (no poverty), SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG13 (climate action), SDG16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), SDG17 (partnerships for the goals), which will go under in-depth review at the HLPF in 2024, or related to the Secretary-General’s proposals in Our Common Agenda?
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Initiative/Partnership Name |
UNU Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS) - Thematic Network on Climate-Migration-Health (CliMigHealth) |
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Partners (please list all partners) |
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Relevant SDGs (list all relevant goals) |
SDG3: Good Health and Well-Being SDG 4: Quality Education SDG13: Climate Action SDG17: Partnership for the Goals
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Member States benefiting from it |
Mainly focused on the States in the Global South |
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Description (max 150 words) |
CliMigHealth is an international, transdisciplinary network, that integrates diverse expertise and better represents the Global South, through strengthening research, educational, and knowledge translation capacity. The network is a pioneering effort to address the multifaceted risks of climate change- migration and health nexus. Through rigorous research, collaborative platforms, and effective communication strategies, the network aims to catalyze global knowledge for climate-resilient development. The network aims to play a pivotal role in helping bridge the gaps in research, education, and public awareness by supporting projects and experts that illustrate the complexity of this nexus, and demonstrate why this nexus matters to everyone, and how each sector can get prepared to deal with it highlighting the work of the network and its members to a wider audience to promote collaboration between members into tangible outputs. |
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Website |
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Initiative/Partnership Name |
UNU-Wider Phase II of the Domestic Revenue Mobilization programme |
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Partners (please list all partners) |
Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) |
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Relevant SDGs (list all relevant goals) |
SDG1: No Poverty SDG5: Gender Equality SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG10: Reduced Inequalities SDG13: Climate Action SDG16: Peace, justice and Strong Institutions |
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Member States benefiting from it |
Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mozambique, Peru, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Zambia |
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Description (max 150 words) |
Domestic Revenue Mobilization (DRM) Phase II builds on the achievements and learnings from DRM Phase I (implemented between 1 January 2020 – 31 December 2023). Phase II will focus on generating high-quality, policy-relevant research and making new data available for research and policy. Furthermore, Phase II will place emphasis on increasing the programme’s visibility in policy and research communities, as well as increasing its relevance in addressing the challenges of raising domestic revenue to finance public spending sustainably and combat poverty and inequality in developing countries. The research undertaken in DRM Phase II is organised along three thematic focus areas: i) The empirics of tax and social protection, ii) Environmental taxation and just energy transition, and iii) Tax and governance. The activities of DRM Phase II will be implemented from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027. |
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Website |
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Initiative/Partnership Name |
UNU-CPR - High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism
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Partners (please list all partners) |
Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG), Global Challenges Foundation (GCF), United Nations Foundation, Global Challenges Foundation (GCF) |
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Relevant SDGs (list all relevant goals) |
SDG3, SDG 10, SDG12, SD13, SDG 16, SDG 17, |
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Member States benefiting from it |
All Member States |
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Description (max 150 words) |
The UN Secretary-General's Our Common Agenda calls for a review of the governance of global public goods and commons. To advance this, a High-Level Advisory Board (HLAB) was formed, tasked with crafting a report to identify governance improvements, considering equity in global decision-making. The Board is to consider proposals from the Our Common Agenda for a networked, inclusive, and effective multilateralism. UNU-CPR, as the Secretariat for the HLAB, supported this effort by conducting research, drafting the report with recommendations for the upcoming Summit of the Future, and providing administrative assistance. Additionally, UNU-CPR facilitates HLAB's engagement with UN actors, organizes events, and coordinates expert contributions, working towards the Summit in September 2024. |
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Website |
6. In the Political Declaration adopted at the 2023 SDG Summit, Member States committed to using the review of the high-level political forum at the 78th session of the General Assembly to further strengthen the follow-up and review of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, harnessing data to track progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and targets, strengthening analysis of the interlinkages across the Goals and targets, including policy implications of their synergies and trade-offs. Please provide your organization’s recommendations, if any, in this regard.
UNU envisions potential strategies for advancing the implementation and review of the 2030 Agenda:
Collaborative Platforms: Exploring enhancements of collaborative platforms that facilitate shared learning and collective action among Member States. This can promote the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and collaborative initiatives, fostering a more unified and impactful approach to SDGs implementation.
Data and Emerging Technologies: Emphasising the significance of utilising data and emerging technologies for informed decision-making. This integration of innovative, data-driven solutions aims to enhance monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes, ensuring a more accurate and real-time assessment of progress towards the SDGs.
Capacity Building: Prioritising capacity building initiatives to equip stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge for more effective SDGs implementation. This includes targeted training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and skill development workshops to empower individuals and organisations involved in the implementation process.
Policy Harmonisation: Advocating for policy harmonisation across sectors and levels of governance to ensure coherent implementation of the 2030 Agenda. This involves aligning policies at national, regional, and international levels to address potential conflicts, synergies, and trade-offs among various SDGs and targets.