To hold governments accountable for their SDG commitments. 

To promote transparency and participation in the SDG process. 

To give voice to marginalized and vulnerable groups who are often underrepresented in government reporting. 

To provide constructive feedback to governments on how to improve their SDG implementation efforts. 

Define the scope of your shadow report: What SDGs or SDG targets do you want to focus on? Is it related to a particular government program or policy? Set a clear purpose: What is the goal of your report? Are you aiming to highlight gaps in policy, assess the impact of government actions, or propose recommendations for improvement?  

Develop a framework for your report: Identify the SDGs or SDG targets that you are focusing on, and the key indicators that you will use to measure progress towards those targets. 

Assemble a Team: Form a dedicated team: Identify individuals within your CSO with relevant expertise, research skills, and a commitment to the project. Define roles and responsibilities: Clearly assign roles, such as researcher, writer, editor, and coordinator, to ensure a well-organized effort. 

Review official reports: Examine government reports, statements, and data related to the subject matter. Compare this information with the goals and objectives outlined in international agreements.  

Conduct field research: Gather data through surveys, interviews, or case studies to provide real-world context and evidence. 

Engage with affected communities: Include the voices and experiences of the communities impacted by government policies. This adds depth and authenticity to your report. 

Assess the data: Examine the collected information to identify gaps, successes, and challenges in government actions.  

Evaluate progress: Measure government performance against international standards or targets. 

Propose solutions: Based on your analysis, develop clear and actionable recommendations for government policymakers to improve policy and program implementation. 

Structure the report: Organize the document into sections, including an executive summary, introduction, methodology, findings, and recommendations.  

Use evidence: Support your findings and recommendations with data, case studies, and testimonies.  

Maintain clarity: Write in a clear and concise manner to ensure the report is accessible to a wide audience.  

Have the report reviewed by experts within your CSO to ensure accuracy and quality.  

Review and edit for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. 

Plan your dissemination strategy: Decide how, when, and where you'll release the shadow report. Consider press conferences, social media, or collaboration with other CSOs.  

Advocate for change: Use the report to engage with policymakers, government officials, and the public. Present your findings, engage in dialogue, and push for policy improvements. 

Continue to monitor progress: Keep track of government actions in response to your report. 

Update the report as necessary: If there are positive developments or unaddressed issues, prepare updated versions of the shadow report. 

Assess the impact of your report: Determine how your shadow report influenced policy changes, public awareness, or government actions.  

Share success stories: Communicate the outcomes of your advocacy and the changes that resulted from your efforts. 

Specific and Evidence-Based: Base your report on specific data and evidence; avoid unsubstantiated claims. 

Balanced and Objective: Maintain a balanced and objective approach, highlighting both government progress and areas that require attention. 

Constructive: Offer constructive recommendations for government improvement in SDG implementation. 

Clear and Concise: Write the report in a clear and concise style, ensuring understandability for all audiences. 

Well-Organized and Navigable: Create a well-structured report that makes information easily accessible. 

This revised version maintains the original content while enhancing clarity and conciseness. It provides a comprehensive guide for CSOs on creating shadow reports to support their advocacy and accountability efforts. 

CSO Reporting Guidelines on Sustainable Development: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/18445CSOreporting_paper_revisions_4May.pdf  

HLPF User Guide: https://action4sd.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/HLPF.UserGuide.pdf  

FORUS Guide to CSO Shadow Reports: https://www.forus-international.org/en/pdf-detail/75763-guidelines-for-cso-shadow-reports-monitoring-the-implementation-of-agenda-2030-at-national-level   

MGOs Guide to Parallel Reports: https://www.mgos.org/parallel-reports/ 

SDG Accountability Guide to Spotlight Reporting: https://www.sdgaccountability.org/working-with-informal-processes/spotlightreporting/