Civil society in the Eastern Partnership countries continues to implement, monitor, and advocate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) despite the ongoing military, democracy, and climate crises in the region. It is important to shine a spotlight on these efforts and to emphasize the critical need to take action for the Goals on local, national, and international levels.
With independent reports, civil society has a tool with which it can assess the challenges and progress in implementing the SDGs and call on governments to take action. 2024 is a special opportunity for civil society to raise its voice for the SDGs in the region. Three countries in particular – Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia – are due to submit their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) to the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in 2024.
We therefore invite civil society from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine to initiate a process of civil society monitoring on the 2030 Agenda.
Why might this training series be useful for you?
- Consolidate the efforts of civil society actors in achieving the SDGs and create civic coalitions
- Understand tools for monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the SDGs
- Learn how to communicate the results to governments and the global community
The online training series took place from December 2023 to February 2024, accompanied by individual meetings and consultations. Now you can watch some of the training recorded.
Agenda
12 December
Workshop – Preparing for the VNR Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is set to submit its next VNR in 2024. Throughout the workshop, we discussed strategies to unite the resources of civil society and develop a framework for drafting an independent report assessing the implementation of the SDGs in Azerbaijan.
14 December
Workshop – Preparing for the VNR Georgia
Georgia is set to submit its next VNR in 2024. Throughout the workshop, we discussed strategies to unite the resources of civil society and develop a framework for drafting an independent report assessing the implementation of the SDGs in Georgia.
15 December
Workshop – Preparing for the VNR Armenia
Armenia is set to submit its next VNR in 2024. Throughout the workshop, we discussed strategies to unite the resources of civil society and develop a framework for drafting an independent report assessing the implementation of the SDGs in Armenia.
2024
18 January
Workshop – How to Organize a Side Event
During the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development as well as the High-Level Political Forum, civil society has the opportunity to organize official side events as well as events outside the official program. During the workshop, we shared information on how to apply, how to prepare, who to invite, and for what purposes the event can be useful.
25 January
Workshop – Opportunities to Advocate for Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine
There are also possibilities for civil society in Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine to advocate for the implementation of the SDGs at national and international levels. Throughout the workshop, we learned about SDG coalitions, independent reporting, advocacy tools, and opportunities.
30 January
Online Discussion: Learning from Previous Experiences
Discussion with international experts who have previously authored independent civil society reports. Gain insights into the challenges, opportunities, and accomplishments encountered while actively contributing to the SDG reports across various levels.
1 February
Workshop – Major Groups and Other Stakeholders
The Major Group and Other Stakeholders (MGoS) is officially recognized by the UN stakeholder engagement mechanism that mobilizes civil society to actively participate in the sustainable development processes. During the workshop, we discussed how this mechanism can help in regional and global advocacy for the SDGs and how to get involved.
8 February
Workshop – How to be Engaged in Regional & Global Forums
Each year there are at least two events where the active participation of civil society is crucial – the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development and the High-level Political Forum. During the webinar, we discussed what is needed for a meaningful engagement, how to find information and register, and what is useful to learn beforehand.
