Independent monitoring and review of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its structural obstacles and challenges are key factors for the success of the SDGs. It is for this reason, a global alliance of civil society organizations and networks comprising of Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND), Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN), Social Watch, Third World Network (TWN), Global Policy Forum (GPF) with the support of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has agreed to produce an annual Spotlight Report assessing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the structural obstacles in its realization. The report puts a spotlight on the fulfillment of the 17 goals, with a particular focus on inequalities, responsibility of the rich and powerful, means of implementation and systemic issues.

What are currently the main obstacles to achieving the SDGs? Are there transnational spill over effects that influence or even undermine the implementation of the goals? Are the current policy approaches, as they are reflected, inter alia, in the 2030 Agenda, an adequate response to the challenges and obstacles (or are they not fully adequate)? What has to be done? Which specific policy changes (including at international level) are necessary?

At this event, co-organized by UN-NGLS and FES, some of the key findings and recommendations of the global Spotlight Report will be presented and discussed from various perspectives.

Panelists: Roberto Bissio (Social Watch), Gita Sen (DAWN), Areli Sandoval (Equipo Pueblo), Sandra Vermuyten (Public Service International)
Discussants: Richard Kozul-Wright (UNCTAD) / Representative of the Permanent Mission of Ecuador (tbc)
Moderation: Hamish Jenkins (UN-NGLS)
Opening Remarks: Hubert René Schillinger (FES)

NB: valid UN accreditation is needed to attend the event. Please notify the organizers at least 2 working days before the event should you need accreditation to access the Palais des Nations by emailing jjacobsen [AT] fes-geneva.org