In preparation for the 2026 cycle of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), the VNR Task Group of Major Groups and other Stakeholders (MGoS), in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), convened a three-part webinar series on 10, 11 and 12 February 2026.
The objective of the series was to support stakeholders in navigating the Voluntary National Review (VNR) process by providing clear guidance on entry points for engagement, coordination mechanisms, and effective advocacy strategies at both national and global levels.
To ensure broad accessibility, the sessions were delivered in English, French and Portuguese, enabling participation from diverse regions and stakeholder constituencies.
What the Webinars Covered
The VNRs are a cornerstone of the 2030 Agenda follow-up and review framework. They offer governments the opportunity to present progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provide space for stakeholders to contribute independent perspectives.
Throughout the three sessions, participants explored:
- How stakeholders can meaningfully contribute to national VNR processes
- Practical approaches for engaging with governments before, during, and after the review
- Methods to ensure inclusion of marginalized and underrepresented groups
- Opportunities to connect national engagement with advocacy at the HLPF
- Ways to collaborate through MGoS coordination structures to enhance collective impact
The discussions brought together civil society representatives, youth constituencies, women’s groups, Indigenous Peoples, trade unions, experts, and other actors committed to strengthening accountability and participatory SDG implementation.
Recordings and Materials
To ensure that the knowledge shared reaches an even wider audience, recordings and presentation materials from all sessions are available online. These resources allow stakeholders who could not attend live to benefit from the guidance provided and to integrate the insights into their ongoing advocacy and coordination efforts.
Access the materials below:
- English Session Recording – View Presentation Slides
- French Session Recording – View Presentation Slides
- Portuguese Session Recording – View Presentation Slides
We encourage networks and organizations to circulate these materials within their communities and use them as practical tools for engagement throughout the 2026 VNR cycle.
Call for Inputs – 2026 VNR Countries
If your organization or network is working on SDG implementation in one of the 36 countries presenting a VNR in 2026, your perspectives are essential. We invite you to complete the stakeholder input form at your earliest convenience.
The form will remain open until April 2026 (exact deadline to be confirmed).
Through this initiative, MGoS and UN DESA continue to advance transparency, inclusive participation, and meaningful stakeholder engagement in the monitoring and implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
