On July 15th, 2020 Austria presented its first Voluntary National Review (#VNR) on SDG implementation as a part of the High-Level Political Forum. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Austrian delegation was not able to travel to New York to present the report in-person at the United Nations Headquarters. Despite this, the VNR was conducted virtually and vital Austrian stakeholders were invited to watch the presentation at the Austrian Federal Chancellery.
Representatives of the inter-ministerial coordination group (IMAG), NGOs, youth representations and the BKMC were all present for the presentation of the VNR. BKMC CEO Monika Froehler attended on behalf of the BKMC and shared her support and congratulations for the great achievement.
Over the past year, Austria conducted an intensive, multi-stakeholder consultation process for the SDGs and presented many of the outcomes of this process in the final VNR report. The BKMC hosted and facilitated some of these multi-stakeholder events in 2019, including best-practice events spotlighting international examples and a high-level retreat and breakout session at European Forum Alpbach. The international SDG ranking of the Bertelsmannstiftung and SDSN served as a reference point during the preparation and delivery of 14 recommendations by the BKMC for the Austrian government to improve SDG implementation.
Highlights from the 14 recommendations:
- Focusing the next decade on achieving the SDGs
- Recognizing the climate emergency and driving climate commitments
- Strengthening initiatives to close the gender pay gap
- Raising awareness for the SDGs across society, in particular in schools
- Strengthening the exchange with Parliament on the SDGs
The VNR presentation (below) elaborated on the outcomes of the reporting process and focused particularly on three primary themes: Climate Action and Climate Change, Digitalization, and Youth, Women and Leaving no One Behind. The Federal Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz, various ministers, as well as youth representatives, and representatives of the private sector and civil society organizations featured in the presentation.
Austrian Minister Karoline Edtstadler presented the #VNR on behalf of Austria. After the presentation, the Chair opened the floor for questions. These questions were answered by Minister Edtstadtler, Minister for the EU and Constitution.
Read the full report : Here
Access the Ban Ki-moon Centre SDG Resource Hub here.
Check out pictures from the event here.
