Welcome to the United Nations
Watch video of panel where the VNR was presented
Volountary national review process
Norway's second voluntary national review (VNR) describe Norway's continuous efforts towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and provide an overview of the progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from 2016 until 2021.
The Ministry of Local Government and Modernisation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are responsible for the preparation of this VNR. The Office of the Prime Minister, all Ministries and several government agencies contribute to the review.
The Main focus of the VNR is local and regional commitment to achieve the SDGs. To gain insights on the work with sustainability in Norwegian municipalities and regions a partnership agreement with the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) was established.
Three key actors from the civil society are involved to coordinate feedback from a vast group of stakeholders. The Norwegian Forum for Development and Environment (ForUM) coordinates feedback on Norway's progress on all 17 SDGs from their network of 50 organizations working with development, environment, peace and human rights. UN Global Compact Norway and SDG Norway contribute with views and recommendations on the government implementation of the SDGs from the business and industry sector, and the education and academic sector.
The Governments of Indonesia and Denmark cooperated with Norway in the preparation of the VNR by reviewing the draft report and sharing their recommendations.
Policy and enabling environment
In January 2020, the Ministry of Local Government and Modernisation was appointed coordinating body for national implementation of the SDGs. This has increased cross-sectoral cooperation and a more holistic approach to sustainable development. The government will submit Norway’s first national Action Plan for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda to Parliament in 2021. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates Norway’s global efforts on SDG implementation.
Progress on SDGs
According to the SDG Index, Norway’s performance for goals 1 (no poverty), 3 (good health and well-being), 5 (gender equality), 7 (affordable and clean energy), 10 (reduced inequalities) and 17 (partnerships for the goals) in particular is high. On the SDG Index, Norway currently ranks as number 6. The key challenges for achieving the SDGs in Norway are related to unsustainable consumption patterns, climate gas emissions and the state of biodiversity. Gender-based violence and labour market disparities remain and show that persisting or rising inequalities between groups of society must be addressed.
Leaving no one behind
The Norwegian welfare society is key to ensure that no one is left behind, by securing opportunities for income, providing education and health services for everyone. A strong focus on equality and non-discrimination is also key to ensure that no one is left behind. Norway is at the forefront of developing legislation to ensure non-discrimination online. The LNOB principle is mainstreamed also throughout Norwegian foreign- and development policy.
SDGs in Norwegian municipalities and regions
The SDGs are relevant to all aspects of the local government activities. Since 2016 implementation has gained momentum in municipalities and in regional authorities. Their experience indicate that political commitment is vital for the direction and speed and that knowledge sharing and collaboration across levels of government foster success.
The context of COVID-19
Covid-19 measures have led to severe social and economic setbacks that cannot be ignored. Structural issues that were present in Norway before the COVID-19 pandemic have become more prominent. At the same time, the pandemic has also accelerated ongoing processes such as the digitalisation of society.
Governance for sustainable development
Human rights and gender equality are an integral part of Norwegian foreign and development policy. Norway seek to increase awareness about discriminatory practices and reduce inequalities and promote inclusion on a global scale. Norway provides financial and political support to a pluralistic civil society, which contributes significantly to the objective of leaving no one behind.
The 2030 agenda including the Sustainable Development Goals is the framework for Norwegian foreign- and development policy. The Norwegian Prime Minister is co-chair, together with The President of Ghana in the Sustainable Development Goals Advocacy Group. Norwegian development policy will contribute to getting the world back on track in achieving the SDGs, in a greener, fairer and more resilient manner. The Government’s long term commitment to allocate 1 % of GNI to development will continue.
