FAO at the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development 2025: Good practices and challenges in the preparation of voluntary national reviews
04/04/2025 , Santiago
.jpg?sfvrsn=bc36a4b9_1 "FAO at the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development 2025: Good practices and challenges in the preparation of voluntary national reviews")
Natalia Galat, FAO Office of SDGs, delivered an statement at the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development 2025 session on ''Good practices and challenges in the preparation of voluntary national reviews".
An inclusive and integrated approach to the analysis of the progress towards the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals should be at the core of VNR preparations, reflecting a holistic view of sustainable development, rather than simply focusing on individual SDGs. The shift from an SDG-by-SDG review to an integrated analysis is essential for understanding the interconnectedness of challenges and identifying comprehensive solutions for transformation.
FAO’s support for VNRs focuses on several key areas that collectively contribute to a more impactful review process. First, FAO encourages and promotes evidence-based and science-driven reviews, ensuring that the data and findings derived from these processes inform policy-making. This evidence-based approach is vital to driving integrated assessments and actions that lead to meaningful and measurable change.
Furthermore, an integrated approach emphasizes agrifood systems transformation, recognizing that achieving sustainable agrifood systems is critical to addressing broader social, economic, and environmental challenges. By encouraging discussions around the interdependencies of these challenges, FAO supports Member Nations in identifying and addressing the root causes of unsustainable practices and policies.
In this context, we also promote the participation of a diverse set of stakeholders in the VNR preparation process, enhancing awareness of the key role agrifood systems play in achieving sustainable development.
To assist both countries and FAO country offices, the FAO has developed a suite of tools designed to support the preparation process for these reviews, which we encourage member states to utilize.
These resources include:
An eLearning course to empower learners with the essential knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda, including the VNRs and the HLPF.
A comprehensive Guidance Note, which highlights areas where engagement is needed, and provides a structured framework to help national authorities and their partners prepare for their VNRs.
More needs to be done in the years remaining before 2030. Connecting the VNRs with other global and regional reporting mechanisms is another way to enhance their effectiveness. Aligning VNRs with frameworks like Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) provides a more holistic view of progress, capturing both national and subnational achievements and challenges.
Finally, countries could report on cross-sector policies that drive systemic transformation, especially in key areas like agrifood systems, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. In addition, fostering partnerships and mobilizing innovative financing are crucial to driving sustainable development. Detailing efforts in building partnerships and leveraging financial resources will support systemic change, ensuring that VNRs contribute meaningfully to the long-term achievement of the SDGs for all.