2026-07-04T14:51:05.012282Z - 2026-07-07T12:30:00Z
Reimagining Accountability Beyond GDP: Strengthening VNRs through a Human Rights-Based Approach
7 July 2026 | 8:00–9:30 AM (New York) | 2:00–3:30 PM (CET)
The Regional Civil Society Engagement Mechanism within UNECE (ECE-RCEM) invites you to join this online side event at HLPF 2026 exploring how Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) can become stronger accountability mechanisms by moving beyond GDP and adopting a human rights-based approach to sustainable development reporting.
As the international community reflects on progress towards the 2030 Agenda and begins shaping discussions beyond 2030, Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) remain one of the principal mechanisms for accountability and follow-up on sustainable development commitments. Yet many VNR processes continue to rely heavily on GDP and economic indicators, limiting their ability to capture inequalities, human rights challenges, civic space restrictions, and broader systemic risks.
The Regional Civil Society Engagement Mechanism within UNECE (ECE-RCEM) invites you to join this online side event at HLPF 2026 exploring how Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) can become stronger accountability mechanisms by moving beyond GDP and adopting a human rights-based approach to sustainable development reporting.
As the international community reflects on progress towards the 2030 Agenda and begins shaping discussions beyond 2030, Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) remain one of the principal mechanisms for accountability and follow-up on sustainable development commitments. Yet many VNR processes continue to rely heavily on GDP and economic indicators, limiting their ability to capture inequalities, human rights challenges, civic space restrictions, and broader systemic risks.
This side event will explore how VNRs can be strengthened through a human rights-based approach and more holistic accountability frameworks that move beyond GDP. The discussion will examine practical ways to better integrate human rights mechanisms, alternative indicators and data sources, and meaningful stakeholder participation into national SDG reporting processes.
Bringing together experts from the UN system, independent researchers, and civil society, the event will contribute to ongoing discussions on how accountability for sustainable development can evolve beyond 2030 to become more integrated, inclusive, and responsive to today’s global challenges.
Speakers
- Rilli Lappalainen, CEO, Bridge 47 (Moderator)
- Chiara Mariotti, Human Rights Officer, OHCHR
- Milica Matijevic, Independent Scientist (GSDR 2027) and Institute of Comparative Law, Serbia
- Joshua Cooper, CEO, Hawai’i Institute for Human Rights
- Marie L’Hostis, Advocacy Coordinator, Forus
Organized by: ECE-RCEM (Regional Civil Society Engagement Mechanism within UNECE)
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87946264230
Concept note and agenda: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DHvKN0d3tcT9g1PMr5YoHR0eHQhpDqGcxgaWCgopfNM/edit?usp=sharing