Foreword: A concerted effort for progress
In this report, experts from civil society pinpoint the shortfalls and show what our country must do to satisfy the SDGs. The report published by the Federal Council itself clearly shows how haltingly the 17 SDGs and their targets are being implemented. Switzerland’s official Voluntary National Review, which is presented to the United Nations, shares our analysis in many respects, but without proposing any measures or specific strategies to remedy the deficits.
The scientific community, senior figures in business and politics, and civil society must join together in focusing our action on the 2030 Agenda. We must leave no one behind. By ensuring that everyone is involved and heard, we will find ways to resolve conflicting objectives. By making a concerted effort we will achieve the coherence and solidarity to progress with the necessary transformation.
The Swiss government has recognised civil society as the primary driver of sustainable development. Our platform sees this both as an acknowledgement of the pioneering work that has been done, and a responsibility for the eight years that remain. Alongside our member organisations we will continue to seek solutions. We want to join actors together, bringing them onside and motivating them so that we can successfully execute the ‘joint plan to improve the world’, in the words of former foreign minister and president of the Swiss Confederation Didier Burkhalter.
The spillover effects impacts on the rest of the world. We must reduce Switzerland’s ecological footprint. One of the world’s leading financial centres, the Swiss financial sector must immediately restructure its investments, away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energies, away from practices that violate human rights and harm the environment and towards companies that protect them.
Our efforts are being held back by current events, wars and pandemics, but we have no choice but to carry on. Reducing poverty and inequality, decelerating climate change and preserving the diversity of plants and animals are the needs that drive us, so that the generations to come can enjoy the best possible life.
