ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL5.SDGS/2024/TP.2
Country: Global, Republic of Iraq, Lebanese Republic, State of Libya, Republic of Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Republic of Yemen
Publication Type: Information material
Cluster: 2030 Agenda and SDG Coordination
Focus Area: 2030 Agenda, Resilient development & conflict prevention
Initiatives: Supporting Least Developed Countries, Strengthening transboundary risk mitigation, Monitoring Sustainable Development Goal Data, Partnerships for Agenda 2030, Life Cycle
SDGs: Agenda 2030, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Keywords: Afghanistan, Burkina faso, Cameroon, Case studies, Congo, Development planning, Ethiopia, Government policy, Iraq, Lao people's democratic republic, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Peacebuilding, Post-conflict reconstruction, Somalia, South sudan, State of palestine, Sudan, Sustainable development, Syrian arab republic, Ukraine, Yemen
Meaningful voluntary national reviews of countries in conflict
February 2025
Countries in conflict face a complex set of challenges that may hamper their ability to undertake adequate follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including a meaningful voluntary national review (VNR). The present document offers insight into the distinctive VNR experiences of countries in conflict, highlighting practical approaches and lessons learned. Without being prescriptive, it provides a collection of bite-sized information and illustrative country cases to inspire national Sustainable Development Goal coordination teams in countries in conflict to alter their approach for a more meaningful VNR.
Information was collected through a desk review of the VNRs of 22 selected countries, including 9 from the Arab region. To elucidate nuances, lessons and recommendations not captured in the VNRs, detailed interviews were conducted with senior members of national VNR teams and United Nations country teams in 12 of the reviewed countries. Information is presented along the following six key VNR aspects: the timing and motives for undertaking a VNR; coordination structures; the link to national planning; contribution to peacebuilding; the evidence-base; and inclusion and participation.
Related content
2030 Agenda, Resilient development & conflict prevention
Countries in conflict face a complex set of challenges that may hamper their ability to undertake adequate follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including a meaningful voluntary national review (VNR). The present document offers insight into the distinctive VNR experiences of countries in conflict, highlighting practical approaches and lessons learned. Without being prescriptive, it provides a collection of bite-sized information and illustrative country cases to inspire national Sustainable Development Goal coordination teams in countries in conflict to alter their approach for a more meaningful VNR.
Information was collected through a desk review of the VNRs of 22 selected countries, including 9 from the Arab region. To elucidate nuances, lessons and recommendations not captured in the VNRs, detailed interviews were conducted with senior members of national VNR teams and United Nations country teams in 12 of the reviewed countries. Information is presented along the following six key VNR aspects: the timing and motives for undertaking a VNR; coordination structures; the link to national planning; contribution to peacebuilding; the evidence-base; and inclusion and participation.
