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Watch video of panel where the VNR was presented
MAIN MESSAGES – SWEDEN’S VNR
Sweden’s Voluntary National Review 2021 builds on progress made on its implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda since 2017.
Sweden is well ahead in achieving the SDGs but some challenges remain
Sweden is in a favourable position in its implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Peaceful and democratic conditions, ambitious national targets for a sustainable transition, openness to collaboration with others at home and abroad, and a dynamic business climate have together created a strong foundation for sustainable development and welfare. Sweden ranks highly in many international comparisons on SDG implementation. However, consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are hampering progress and exacerbating existing challenges. Economic and social inequalities in Sweden are increasing. Young people are exposed to more mental health challenges, violence and bullying. Sweden also has challenges relating to sustainable consumption and production, and the transition towards a circular economy.
SDG delivery and accelerated actions require:
- Political commitment to policy coherence for sustainable development
In December 2020, the Swedish Riksdag (Parliament) approved a government bill with an overarching objective for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda: Sweden will implement the 2030 Agenda to achieve economically, socially and environmentally sustainable development through a coherent policy nationally and internationally. Implementation will be guided by the Agenda’s ‘leave no one behind’ principle.
- Delivery on leaving no one behind
Sweden is committed to delivering on the principle of leaving no one behind. This is a commitment to realising human rights, gender equality, addressing inequalities within and between countries, universal social protection, strengthening empowerment and participation, and the transition towards resource-efficient, resilient and climate neutral economies. Moreover, Sweden views promoting multidimensional poverty reduction, social dialogue and decent work as critical elements, as well as improving data to monitor progress on compliance with the principle.
- Child and youth perspectives
The perspectives, engagement and innovation of young people are of great importance to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Issues of importance to Swedish young people include the environment and climate, gender equality and preventing oppression and discrimination.
- A whole-of-society approach
Multiple actors in Sweden are involved in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Government agencies and municipalities are working together to implement the 2030 Agenda. The research community is contributing with cutting-edge research and innovation on sustainable development. Civil society is paving the way through its own efforts and by pushing decision-makers to act. The business community is at the forefront of integrating the 2030 Agenda into their business models and driving new innovations. Trade unions are pushing for social dialogue and decent working conditions.
- Going local
Municipalities and regions play an important role in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The SDGs are put in practice and innovations are developed and tested at the local level, which in turn contributes to implementation nationally and globally. In conjunction with Sweden’s VNR, the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions has conducted a voluntary regional review. Helsingborg, Malmö, Stockholm and Uppsala have also carried out voluntary local reviews for the first time.
- Going global
Sweden will remain a strong voice for the global implementation of the 2030 Agenda and be a trusted partner worldwide. Sweden will work to build back better and greener in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mitigating and adapting to climate change, and halting biodiversity loss and restoring ecosystems, are necessary to achieve all SDGs. Sweden has increased funding to tackle climate change and has stepped up efforts to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystems. Sweden will continue to focus on global health, including the fair distribution of vaccines. Sweden will always stand up for democracy, the rule of law and equality, including gender equality.
- Financing for development
Sweden is one of the most generous aid contributors globally and the Government is committed to allocating 1 percent of Sweden’s GNI to official development assistance (ODA). However, ODA is not enough. New forms of partnerships and innovative financing are needed, and domestic resource mobilisation must be strengthened. Debt vulnerabilities in low-income countries need to be addressed by engaging all official and private creditors. Financial flows need to shift by adopting green financial instruments and stopping investment in fossil fuels.
