A Quick Primer ahead of HLPF 2023
The 2018 Voluntary National Review (VNR) of Canada’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was presented at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in July 2018. The VNR highlights Canada’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the challenges that the country still faces.
The VNR report highlights that Canada has made significant progress towards achieving the SDGs but acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. The report notes that the Government of Canada has taken steps to ensure that the SDGs are integrated into its policies and programs, and that it has established a whole-of-government approach to implementing the 2030 Agenda. The report also highlights the importance of partnerships and collaboration, both domestically and internationally, to achieve the SDGs.
The VNR report identifies three priority areas for Canada’s implementation of the SDGs: advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, reducing poverty and inequality, and promoting clean growth and climate action. The report notes that these priorities are interconnected and that progress in one area can have a positive impact on the others.
On the first priority area, the VNR report notes that Canada has made progress towards achieving gender equality, but that more needs to be done to address persistent gender-based inequalities. The report highlights the importance of ending violence against women and girls, promoting women’s leadership and decision-making, and ensuring equal access to education and economic opportunities. The report also notes that Indigenous women and girls face additional barriers to achieving gender equality and that addressing these disparities is a priority for the Government of Canada.
On the second priority area, the VNR report notes that Canada has taken steps to reduce poverty and inequality, but that there are still significant challenges. The report highlights the importance of addressing income inequality, ensuring access to affordable housing, and providing support for Indigenous peoples and other marginalized groups. The report also notes that poverty and inequality can be addressed through sustainable economic growth and job creation.
On the third priority area, the VNR report notes that Canada is committed to promoting clean growth and climate action. The report highlights the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to a low-carbon economy, and promoting sustainable resource management. The report also notes that clean growth and climate action can contribute to economic growth and job creation.
Challenges to Implementation
The VNR report also identifies some of the challenges that Canada faces in implementing the SDGs.
One of the biggest challenges is the need for a more coordinated and integrated approach to sustainable development. The report notes that Canada has made progress in this area, but that more needs to be done to ensure that all levels of government, civil society, and the private sector are working together towards the SDGs.
Another challenge highlighted in the VNR report is the need to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. The report notes that Indigenous peoples experience higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and poor health outcomes than non-Indigenous Canadians. The report also acknowledges the need to address the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing impacts of residential schools.
The VNR report also notes the importance of data and monitoring in implementing the SDGs. The report highlights the need for better data collection and analysis to measure progress towards the SDGs and to ensure that no one is left behind. The report also notes the importance of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the SDGs.
The VNR report concludes by emphasizing the importance of partnerships and collaboration in achieving the SDGs. The report notes that the Government of Canada is committed to working with all stakeholders, including Indigenous peoples, civil society, the private sector, and international partners, to achieve the SDGs.
The report also notes that the SDGs are not just the responsibility of governments, but that everyone has a role to play in achieving a sustainable future for all.
Canada’s Engagement at the High Level Political Forum
In addition to the VNR report, Canada also participated in several side events at the HLPF. These events focused on a range of topics, including Indigenous peoples and the SDGs, gender equality and the SDGs, and sustainable finance. Canada also co-hosted an event on the role of local and regional governments in implementing the SDGs.
During the HLPF, Canada reaffirmed its commitment to the SDGs and its willingness to work with all partners to achieve them. The Canadian delegation emphasized the importance of leaving no one behind and of addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples and other marginalized groups. Canada also highlighted its commitment to advancing gender equality and promoting clean growth and climate action.
Overall, Canada’s 2018 VNR and its participation in the HLPF demonstrate the country’s commitment to the SDGs and its willingness to work with all partners to achieve them. While Canada has made progress towards the SDGs, the VNR report highlights the challenges that the country still faces, including the need for a more coordinated and integrated approach to sustainable development, the need to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples, and the need for better data and monitoring. By continuing to work collaboratively and taking a whole-of-government approach, Canada can make progress towards achieving the SDGs and building a sustainable future for all.
Probing for Insight – The Local Citizen’s Perspective
As Canada prepares for its next VNR in 2023, Canadians should ask their election officials a range of questions to better understand the country’s progress towards its 2030 Agenda and the steps being taken to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
New to the SDG space? Here are some potential questions to consider:
How is the government ensuring that the SDGs are being integrated into policies and programs at all levels of government?
What progress has Canada made towards achieving the SDGs since the last VNR in 2018, and what are the biggest challenges that the country still faces?
How is the government addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in achieving the SDGs, and what steps are being taken to ensure that Indigenous peoples are included in decision-making processes?
What is the government doing to ensure that all Canadians have access to affordable housing, education, and economic opportunities, and how are these efforts contributing to reducing poverty and inequality?
What progress has Canada made towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy, and what steps are being taken to promote clean growth and climate action?
How is the government ensuring that all Canadians, particularly those who are marginalized, are benefiting from the country’s progress towards the SDGs, and what steps are being taken to ensure that no one is left behind?
What role can Canadians play in contributing to Canada’s progress towards the SDGs, and how can they stay informed and engaged in this process?
By asking these and other questions, we can better understand Canada’s progress towards the SDGs and the steps being taken to achieve them and hold our elected officials accountable for making progress towards a sustainable future for all.
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