Since 2012, Forus has been at the forefront, mobilizing civil society and influencing policies at various levels to ensure the SDGs are met. Now, with more than half of SDG targets lagging, as a civil society network, we are intensifying our efforts to accelerate progress. Below you can find a snapshot of some upcoming initiatives that Forus members are carrying out at national, regional and global level. 

Forus is actively involved in the critical analysis of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) presented at the United Nations' High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). The VNR reports submitted by governments as part of the follow-up and review processes of the 2030 Agenda are designed to provide an overview of the status of SDGs implementation at the national level. These reports are meant to be prepared through inclusive and participatory processes, serve as a source of information on good practices, lessons learned and challenges in implementation, and provide a basis for peer learning and accountability at the global level. But civil society if often left out of the picture. Reason why several Forus members have prepared over the years alternative or shadow reports on the VNRs. 

For each of the past eight years, Forus members together with other civil society organizations have also reviewed the VNR reports as part of the Progressing National SDGs Implementation.  This comprehensive and independent assessment of the VNRs, due for publication in the coming months, scrutinizes national progress in aligning with the SDGs, enhancing transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of sustainable development initiatives worldwide.In addition to this, several Forus members are engaged in the drafting process of HLPF CSO statements coordinated by the UN Major Group. 

Forus, in collaboration with A4SD, recently organized a webinar on "Preparing for National VNR Processes". This informative session covered a global overview of the VNR process, shared the 2023 People Scorecards’ results, highlighted lessons learned from three case study countries, and provided details on upcoming 2030 Agenda events and processes from Miguel Santibáñez (ACCION, Chile), Arjun Bhattarai (NFN - NGO Federation of Nepal, Nepal), and Florence Syevuo (SDG Kenya Forum, Kenya). 

In 2024, Forus is supporting its members from Uganda to Nepal in advocating for the 2030 Agenda, with a special focus on leveraging this year’s VNR process. The 2024 VNR National Projects initiative  aims to bolster Forus National Members' advocacy for SDG implementation within their national context. Grounded in principles of national ownership, transparency, inclusivity, and accountability, this initiative aims to strenghten capacity and dialogue, shape policy agendas, engage the media and encourage participation, feedback, and narratives in both digital and physical spaces. 

But that’s not all. Forus encourages engagement in the VNR process through various upcoming webinars, discussions on media engagement, and the development of national projects with several of its members. 

Forus emphasizes the importance of reinvigorating political commitment and championing SDG implementation in the face of approaching deadlines. Through our #UNmute campaign in collaboration with other civil society organisations, we are calling on the UN to enlarge civil society space – rather than closing it – especially at international fora such as the HLPF, the Internet Governance Fora and the upcoming Summit of the Future. 

For more information on Forus' work and priorities related to the 2030 Agenda, please visit the Forus website. Additionnally, to check whether your country is presenting a VNR in 2024, consult the official list on the UN website.