What we do

In light of the need for independent CSO monitoring and advocacy in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, a new 2030 watch initiative, based on the experiences and analyses of the Civil Society Reflection Group on Global development Perspectives, was proposed to enhance concerted action in the 2030 process.

The new initiative will concentrate on inequalities, sustainable production and consumption, means of implementation and systemic issues, the resolution of which are necessary (though not sufficient) conditions for implementing the 2030 Agenda.

It will not only focus on policy incoherence, but analyze and assess the extent to which policies are framed by the ambitious principles of the Agenda, particularly the human rights framework, and the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. In addition it will articulate and advocate for missing principles and policies and the provision of “maximum available resources” in accordance with the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Given their abilities and weight in international decision making, rich country governments will be at the center of our monitoring and advocacy efforts.

The United Nations has a central role to play in implementing the 2030 Agenda. This requires adequate and predictable financial contributions from public sources. The initiative will assess funding patterns and their implications, especially with regard to the growing influence of the corporate sector and corporate philanthropy.

The initiative will further analyze “multi-stakeholder partnerships” that are being promoted as mechanisms for implementation of the 2030 Agenda despite their immanent risk of further weakening or bypassing public institutions and privileging corporate actors.

The initiative aims to develop different kinds of outputs, including

  •  Periodic spotlight reports assessing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the structural obstacles in its realization with a particular focus on the rich and powerful;
  •  Briefing papers and studies analyzing the impact of current policies on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and outlining policy alternatives;
  •  Indicators/Indices for (i) measuring the role of the rich and powerful in the 2030 Agenda and reporting on these; (ii) measuring issues beyond the SDGs (structural questions, framework conditions; left out issues, e.g., arms trade etc.);
  •  A continually updated website with reports, briefings, blogs, statistics, links to social media etc.

Additionally, the initiative aims to provide spaces for joint analysis, reflection and strategy development in order to enhance the policy advocacy role of (global) civil society, for instance through workshops, strategy and networking meetings. This can lead to joint activities, advocacy and campaigning of like-minded civil society groups and networks at national, regional and global level.

For more on our work, please see this document (pdf, 400 KB).

For more on the partners working within the Reflection Group, click here.