An International Workshop on Peer Learning on Voluntary National Reviews and National Sustainable Development Goals Implementation Pathways is being held on 24 to 25 March 2026 in New Delhi. The workshop is co-organised by NITI Aayog, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) under the framework of the Indo German Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development.

The event has brought together policymakers, practitioners and experts from various countries, along with representatives from States and Union Territories and officials from key Central Ministries, to explore how stronger governance systems can accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the inaugural session, Mr Suman K. Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the importance of localisation of SDGs and strengthening governance systems to translate global commitments into improved development outcomes. He noted that India’s experience demonstrates how embedding SDGs into state and local planning processes can foster ownership and accelerate progress across sectors.

During the special address, Dr Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany to India and Bhutan, underscored the continued relevance of the SDGs as a universal framework for measuring development progress. Mr Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, emphasised the evolving role of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) as instruments for strengthening institutions, identifying implementation gaps and enabling policy course correction, particularly through enhanced alignment of planning, financing and data systems.

Dr Saurabh Garg, Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), highlighted the critical role of robust data and indicator frameworks in monitoring SDG progress and enabling evidence based decision making across national, state and district levels.

The workshop featured four substantive thematic sessions covering key dimensions of SDG implementation. In the first session, sharing India’s experience on SDG implementation, Mr Rajib Kumar Sen, Programme Director (SDGs), NITI Aayog, underlined that the VNR process serves as a platform for continuous dialogue, stakeholder engagement and translating insights into coordinated action across ministries and states.

Other sessions explored regional perspectives, global progress and critical issues of SDG implementation. Discussions on Asia and the Pacific focused on region-specific priorities, including strengthening institutional mechanisms, advancing subnational strategies and promoting cross-sectoral collaboration. Deliberations also enabled strategic reflection on progress achieved so far and explored the evolution of the global SDG architecture beyond 2030.

In-depth discussions were further carried out through parallel thematic roundtables on key issues such as Leaving No One Behind and gender equality, institutional coordination and local government integration and strengthening data ecosystems to support evidence-based planning.

The workshop is expected to provide actionable insights for countries and stakeholders to sustain momentum, strengthen accountability and foster partnerships, ensuring that the ambitious vision of the 2030 Agenda translates into meaningful results for communities worldwide. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides countries with a shared blueprint for achieving peace, prosperity and environmental sustainability, guided by the 17 SDGs.

 

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