VICTORIA, Seychelles — Seychelles has begun work on its 2025 Voluntary National Review of the Sustainable Development Goals, the second such review since the inaugural 2020 exercise. The SDGs, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, encompass 17 goals, 169 targets, and 232 indicators, focusing on key pillars of People, Planet, and Prosperity to promote sustainable and inclusive development. The SDGs have been integrated into the National Development Strategy for 2024-2028, which was launched in April 2024.
The theme for the 2025 Voluntary National Reviews, as communicated by the UN, is ‘Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind’. The 2025 High-Level Political Forum will take a closer look at progress on Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 14 (Life Below Water), and Goal 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
The initial research and drafting of the VNR began in the latter half of 2024, with the National Planning Department leading the process. Consultations commenced in 2025 and have been wide-ranging and inclusive, involving public and private sectors, civil society, academia, and vulnerable groups. The process is being facilitated by the National Planning Department, the UN Resident Coordinators Office for Seychelles and Mauritius, and the Citizens Engagement Platform of Seychelles. The Main Messages document will be submitted to UNDESA by late April, with the final VNR report scheduled for submission in mid-June, followed by its presentation at the High-Level Political Forum in July.
