Ghana is set to present its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the 2025 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), which will be convened under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in July 2025.
This announcement was made in a press statement by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), signed by its Chairman, Professor George Gyan-Baffour.
The NDPC, in its statement, highlighted that Ghana’s decision to partake in the VNR process once again is a reflection of the country’s unwavering commitment to the SDGs and the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“In the letter informing the United Nations of its intention, the government expressed its desire to ‘highlight our successes, confront the challenges we face, and share the invaluable lessons we have learned along the way.”
Professor George Gyan-Baffour, Chairman of NDPC
This marks Ghana’s third VNR presentation, following previous submissions in 2019 and 2022. The process allows countries to voluntarily report on their progress towards the SDGs and offers them an opportunity to engage in peer learning. This is expected to enhance the understanding of what works and what does not when it comes to implementing sustainable development initiatives.
The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development is a critical platform that brings together member countries of the United Nations to share their experiences, progress, and challenges in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a particular focus on achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participating in this forum for the third time, Ghana demonstrates its continued dedication to the SDGs and its efforts to ensure sustainable growth and development in various sectors.
In keeping with the principles of inclusiveness and transparency, the NDPC emphasized that the 2025 VNR will involve the participation of a broad range of stakeholders. This includes government ministries, local governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, development partners, academia, and other relevant actors in Ghana.
The aim is to ensure that the review reflects the experiences and voices of all segments of Ghanaian society, including the marginalized and vulnerable groups who are often most affected by the country’s development challenges.
Furthermore, the inclusion of stakeholders in the VNR process is expected to galvanize action and foster partnerships towards meeting the SDGs, as well as contribute to the achievement of Africa’s continental development agenda.
Ghana’s commitment to such an inclusive approach is seen as essential for building momentum and support, both at home and abroad, for the country’s sustainable development initiatives.
Progress on Priority SDGs
In addition to presenting an overall assessment of progress toward all 17 SDGs, the 2025 VNR will focus on several priority areas that are of particular importance to Ghana.
The NDPC indicated that these focus areas will be those where the country has made significant strides or where urgent challenges remain.
These priority areas are expected to include goals related to poverty reduction, education, gender equality, health, and climate action, among others.
Ghana aims to underscore its ongoing commitment to tackling the most pressing development challenges while aligning its efforts with the broader continental agenda for growth and sustainable development.
“As the country prepares for its third VNR, it is poised to build on the valuable lessons and insights gained from its previous reviews, further strengthening its position as a leader in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
Professor George Gyan-Baffour, Chairman of NDPC
The 2019 and 2022 VNRs provided Ghana with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and successes in implementing the SDGs, and these experiences will inform the preparation for the 2025 review.
Ghana’s participation in the 2025 VNR is a significant step forward in its sustainable development journey. Engaging in an inclusive and transparent process that includes Voluntary Local Reviews and a focus on priority SDGs, the country is set to offer a comprehensive account of its progress and challenges, contributing to global efforts to build a more sustainable and equitable world.
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