New York: Reviews of Sustainable Development Goal policies and progress have played a crucial role in involving young people, women, communities, and marginalized groups in the sustainable development policy-making and implementation processes. This significant message emerged from the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) Lab hosted by ECA, the Regional Commissions New York Office, along with other regional commissions such as ECE, ESCAP, ESCWA, and ECLAC.
According to African Press Organization, the annual VNR lab is part of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) held in New York, designed to highlight best practices and lessons from around the world. This year's lab concentrated on Harnessing SDG interlinkages through the VNR, gathering representatives, policymakers, and stakeholders from The Bahamas, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, and Uganda.
During the presentations, VNR representatives discussed how the review process engages stakeholders and civil society, enhances data collection and analysis, and connects with ongoing and planned national development plans. Special attention was given to the local level, where implementation and impact are most significant, through local reviews that link to the VNR.