Summary Voluntary National Review 2020 Finland Report on Sustainable Development sustainabledevelopment.un.org
69,018 words - PDF document - View PDF document
One Line
Finland's VNR showcases dedication to sustainable development but acknowledges challenges in policy coherence, renewable energy transition, and waste recycling.
Slides
Slide Presentation (13 slides)
Key Points
- Finland's Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights key changes, lessons learned, and progress made between 2016 and 2020.
- The government of Finland has demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to the 2030 Agenda, with the Prime Minister's Office taking responsibility for coordination.
- Finland has integrated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into national frameworks and strategies, with all line ministries involved in coordination efforts.
- Stakeholder participation and independent assessments by both government officials and civil society actors have been crucial in the review process.
- Challenges remain in achieving policy coherence, addressing trade-offs, and balancing economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.
- Finland actively promotes the SDGs in international forums and supports human rights, gender equality, climate action, and peaceful societies.
- Finnish municipalities play a crucial role in implementing the SDGs, with many incorporating sustainability goals into their strategies.
- Finland has made progress in various areas related to sustainable development, including water resources management, energy access, gender equality, and education.
Summaries
20 word summary
Finland's VNR highlights commitment to sustainable development, integrating SDGs. Challenges remain in policy coherence, renewable energy transition, and waste recycling.
102 word summary
Finland's VNR highlights its commitment to sustainable development and integration of the SDGs into national frameworks. The National Commission on Sustainable Development engages stakeholders, but policy coherence remains a challenge. Municipalities and the autonomous region of Aland have incorporated sustainability goals. Finland promotes the SDGs internationally, aligns foreign policy with the 2030 Agenda, and supports human rights and gender equality. Progress has been made in reducing poverty, improving social security, water resources management, energy access, economic growth, equality promotion, and global cooperation, but challenges persist in renewable energy transition and waste recycling. Finland aims to strengthen means of implementation and global partnerships.
165 word summary
Finland's Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes the government's commitment to sustainable development and its integration of the SDGs into national frameworks and strategies. The National Commission on Sustainable Development plays a vital role in implementing the SDGs and engaging stakeholders, although challenges persist in achieving policy coherence. Various stakeholders, including municipalities like Turku, Helsinki, and Espoo, and the autonomous region of Aland, have incorporated sustainability goals into their strategies. Finland actively promotes the SDGs internationally, aligns its foreign policy with the goals of the 2030 Agenda, and supports human rights and gender equality. The country has made progress in reducing poverty and improving social security, but more efforts are needed. Finland has also made strides in water resources management, energy access, economic growth, equality promotion, and global cooperation, though challenges remain in various areas such as renewable energy transition and waste recycling. Finland aims to strengthen means of implementation and global partnerships for sustainable development.
610 word summary
Finland's Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights the country's commitment and progress in promoting sustainable development. The government has demonstrated strong leadership and coordination, integrating the SDGs into national frameworks and strategies. The National Commission on Sustainable Development plays a crucial role in implementing the SDGs and promoting stakeholder participation. Challenges remain in achieving policy coherence and balancing economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.
Multiple stakeholders and bodies work together in Finland to implement the 2030 Agenda. The National Commission on Sustainable Development, the Development Policy Committee, and the Expert Panel on Sustainable Development monitor and assess progress. The Agenda 2030 Youth Group engages young people, while Society's Commitment to Sustainable Development involves organizations and individuals. Finnish municipalities, including Turku, Helsinki, and Espoo, have incorporated sustainability goals into their strategies. Aland, an autonomous region, has integrated the SDGs into its core strategies. Finland is committed to achieving the SDGs at all levels of society.
Turku, Finland is a pioneer in municipal environmental work and sustainable development. The city aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2029 and pioneer socially sustainable urban development. Turku participated in the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Finland has also incorporated the SDGs into national frameworks, government reports, and budget planning. The government aims to create a national roadmap to 2030, direct public funds towards sustainable development, and integrate the SDGs into ministries' strategies and programs. Education and research policies focus on addressing SDG challenges. Finland actively promotes the SDGs in international forums and supports human rights, gender equality, climate action, and peaceful societies.
Finland aligns its foreign and security policy with the goals of the 2030 Agenda. The country prioritizes democracy, human rights, and good governance, particularly in international crisis management and peace processes. Finland supports women and youth participation, arms control, climate change mitigation, and inclusive economic growth. The country actively promotes non-discrimination, peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian mine action. Finland recognizes the rights of the Sami people as an indigenous group and takes measures to protect their language, culture, and traditional livelihoods.
Finland has made progress in reducing poverty and providing social security. The country has a universal social security system but faces challenges in income equality and the specific needs of certain groups. Finland's development policy focuses on eradicating extreme poverty and reducing inequalities, but more efforts are needed. The country has taken steps to address poverty through increased benefits and employment rates. Finland ensures food security but faces concerns about dietary quality and obesity rates. The country has implemented measures to improve environmental sustainability in agriculture. Finland has a good healthcare system but challenges in mental health services and regional differences. The country promotes gender equality, education access, and clean water and sanitation for all. However, challenges remain in development cooperation funding and addressing violence against women.
Finland has made progress in water resources management, energy access, economic growth, equality promotion, and global cooperation. Challenges remain in achieving targets for seas and waters, reducing water pollution, transitioning to renewable energy, reducing energy consumption, and promoting resource efficiency. Finland has implemented legislation to promote equality but faces challenges in increasing inequality and strengthening international taxation systems. The country has implemented strategies for sustainable urban development, sustainable consumption and production, housing adequacy, and circular economy promotion. Challenges remain in achieving comprehensive sustainable cities, reducing homelessness, and improving waste recycling. Finland has made efforts to protect biodiversity, promote inclusive institutions, and peace. Challenges include halting biodiversity loss, social polarization, and hate speech targeting marginalized groups. Finland aims to strengthen means of implementation and revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development.
649 word summary
Finland's Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights the country's commitment and progress in promoting sustainable development. The government has demonstrated strong leadership and coordination, with various stakeholders involved in the review process. Finland has integrated the SDGs into national frameworks and strategies, engaging all line ministries and the private sector. The National Commission on Sustainable Development plays a crucial role in implementing the SDGs and promoting stakeholder participation. Challenges remain in achieving policy coherence and balancing economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.
The implementation of the 2030 Agenda involves multiple stakeholders and bodies working together in Finland. The National Commission on Sustainable Development, the Development Policy Committee, and the Expert Panel on Sustainable Development play important roles in monitoring and assessing progress. The Agenda 2030 Youth Group engages young people in sustainable development processes, while Society's Commitment to Sustainable Development involves organizations and individuals making operational commitments. Finnish municipalities, including Turku, Helsinki, and Espoo, have incorporated sustainability goals into their strategies. Aland, an autonomous region, has integrated the SDGs into its core strategies. Finland is committed to achieving the SDGs at all levels of society.
Turku, Finland is a pioneer in municipal environmental work and sustainable development. The city aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2029 and pioneer socially sustainable urban development. Turku participated in the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, engaging in a participatory process to assess progress. Finland has also incorporated the SDGs into national frameworks, government reports, and budget planning. The government aims to create a national roadmap to 2030, direct public funds towards sustainable development, and integrate the SDGs into ministries' strategies and programs. Education and research policies focus on addressing SDG challenges. Finland actively promotes the SDGs in international forums and supports human rights, gender equality, climate action, and peaceful societies.
Finland aligns its foreign and security policy with the goals of the 2030 Agenda. The country prioritizes democracy, human rights, and good governance, particularly in international crisis management and peace processes. Finland supports women and youth participation, arms control, climate change mitigation, and inclusive economic growth. The country actively promotes non-discrimination, peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian mine action. Finland recognizes the rights of the Sami people as an indigenous group and takes measures to protect their language, culture, and traditional livelihoods.
Finland has made progress in reducing poverty and providing social security. The country has a universal social security system but faces challenges in income equality and the specific needs of certain groups. Finland's development policy focuses on eradicating extreme poverty and reducing inequalities, but more efforts are needed. The country has taken steps to address poverty through increased benefits and employment rates. Finland ensures food security but faces concerns about dietary quality and obesity rates. The country has implemented measures to improve environmental sustainability in agriculture. Finland has a good healthcare system but challenges in mental health services and regional differences. The country promotes gender equality, education access, and clean water and sanitation for all. However, challenges remain in development cooperation funding and addressing violence against women.
Finland has made progress in water resources management, energy access, economic growth, equality promotion, and global cooperation. Challenges remain in achieving targets for seas and waters, reducing water pollution, transitioning to renewable energy, reducing energy consumption, and promoting resource efficiency. Finland has implemented legislation to promote equality but faces challenges in increasing inequality and strengthening international taxation systems. The country has implemented strategies for sustainable urban development, sustainable consumption and production, housing adequacy, and circular economy promotion. Challenges remain in achieving comprehensive sustainable cities, reducing homelessness, and improving waste recycling. Finland has made efforts to protect biodiversity, promote inclusive institutions, and peace. Challenges include halting biodiversity loss, social polarization, and hate speech targeting marginalized groups. Finland aims to strengthen means of implementation and revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development
2215 word summary
Finland's Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights key changes, lessons learned, and progress made between 2016 and 2020. The review process involved stakeholder participation and independent assessments by both government officials and civil society actors. The government has demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to the 2030 Agenda, with the Prime Minister's Office taking responsibility for coordination. The VNR report includes chapters written by various stakeholders, including civil society, cities, business organizations, and regional authorities. The government and parliament have established mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation on the 2030 Agenda. Finland has integrated the SDGs into national frameworks and strategies, with all line ministries involved in coordination efforts. The country has also focused on creating ownership of the SDGs, including a whole-of-government approach and engagement with the private sector. Finland's National Commission on Sustainable Development plays a crucial role in promoting stakeholder participation and implementing the SDGs. Challenges remain in achieving policy coherence, addressing trade-offs, and balancing economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The VNR report also highlights Finland's progress on specific SDGs and means of implementation, as well as challenges encountered. Overall, Finland is committed to accelerating action and finding transformative pathways to sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda.
The implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Finland involves various stakeholders and bodies working together to promote sustainable development. The National Commission on Sustainable Development and the Development Policy Committee play important roles in monitoring and assessing the implementation of the agenda in Finland. The Expert Panel on Sustainable Development provides a scientific voice in sustainability issues and works closely with the National Commission and the Committee. The Agenda 2030 Youth Group engages young people in sustainable development policy processes and promotes awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among youth. Society's Commitment to Sustainable Development is a key instrument for implementing the agenda, with organizations and individuals making operational commitments to contribute to the SDGs. Finnish municipalities also play a crucial role in implementing the SDGs, with many incorporating sustainability goals into their strategies. The cities of Helsinki, Espoo, and Turku have prepared Voluntary Local Reviews to assess their progress in implementing the SDGs. Aland, an autonomous region of Finland, has integrated the SDGs into its core strategies. Overall, Finland is committed to achieving the SDGs and promoting sustainable development at all levels of society.
Turku, Finland has been a pioneer in municipal environmental work and sustainable development. The city's current strategy, "Turku 2029," aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2029 and pioneer socially sustainable urban and regional development. In July 2019, Turku Mayor Minna Arve decided that the city would participate in the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The VLR involved a participatory process, reviewing the city's operations in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and applicable targets. Turku sees the VLR as a step towards achieving the SDGs and implementing the 2030 Agenda at the national level. Efforts to raise awareness of the 2030 Agenda have been made through initiatives such as short films, exhibitions, and social media campaigns. Finland has also incorporated the SDGs into national frameworks, including government reports and budget planning. The government aims to create a national roadmap to 2030, direct public funds towards sustainable development, strengthen scientific support and monitoring, and integrate the SDGs into ministries' strategies and programs. Education at all levels in Finland incorporates sustainable development, and research and innovation policies focus on addressing SDG challenges. Development, foreign and security, and trade policies also prioritize the integration of the 2030 Agenda. Finland actively promotes the SDGs in international forums and supports human rights, gender equality, climate action, and peaceful societies.
Finland's foreign and security policy aligns with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The country promotes democracy, human rights, and good governance through its participation in international crisis management. Finland prioritizes the participation of women and youth in peace processes and supports the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. It also focuses on arms control, climate change mitigation, and trade policies that promote inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. Finland is committed to the principles of leaving no one behind and has implemented measures to prevent exclusion and promote equality. It has made progress in strengthening the rights and status of women and girls, improving access to equal education, promoting open governance, and enhancing climate resilience. Finland's foreign policy is based on a human rights-based approach, and it actively supports peacekeeping operations and humanitarian mine action. The country also provides aid for trade to developing countries to promote their integration into the global trading system. Finland recognizes the rights of the Sami people as an indigenous group and has measures in place to protect their language, culture, and traditional livelihoods. Despite progress, there is still work to be done in promoting and protecting the rights of the Sami people.
Finland has made progress in reducing poverty and providing comprehensive social security to its population. The country has a universal social security system that ensures no one lives in extreme poverty. However, there have been no significant changes in the at-risk-of-poverty rate, and the number of people in default has been growing. Finland faces challenges in maintaining income equality, preventing intergenerational transmission of poverty, and addressing the specific needs of single-parent families and immigrant groups. The government has implemented measures to raise the level of benefits for people on basic social security and low-income earners. In terms of global responsibility, Finland's development policy focuses on eradicating extreme poverty, reducing inequalities, and promoting sustainable development. However, Finland is not on track to achieve the target of reducing the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The country has experienced reductions in social security benefits and an increase in the cost of rental housing, contributing to higher poverty rates. Overall, Finland's progress in addressing poverty is stable or has stagnated, and more efforts are needed to reach the target of ending poverty in all its forms.
Finland faces challenges in terms of poverty, with around 120,000 children affected, and groups such as single parents, immigrants, and people with disabilities also at risk. The country has not met its obligations to reduce global poverty and has cut development assistance. However, Finland has taken some action to reduce poverty by increasing individual benefits and improving employment rates. In terms of food security, Finland ensures access to safe and nutritious food year-round, although there are concerns about dietary quality and obesity rates. The country has implemented measures to improve environmental sustainability in agriculture. Finland has a good healthcare system, but challenges include mental health issues and regional differences in access to services. The country has made progress in reducing maternal mortality and improving child health. Finland is committed to promoting gender equality and has made advancements in areas such as violence against women and sexual and reproductive health. The country has achieved universal access to education and is focused on improving lifelong learning opportunities. Finland has also achieved the targets for gender equality and access to water and sanitation. However, there are challenges in development cooperation funding and addressing violence against women. Finland must continue to work towards reducing poverty, improving dietary quality, addressing mental health issues, promoting gender equality, and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.
Finland has made progress in various areas related to sustainable development. In terms of water resources management, there has been positive progress in water-use efficiency and implementing measures to protect water-related ecosystems. Finland has also been active in international cooperation, particularly in transboundary waters and development projects in countries like Ethiopia and Nepal. However, challenges remain in achieving targets for the status of seas and waters, reducing water pollution from certain industries, and addressing the aging water and sewage networks. Finland has achieved universal access to energy and increased the share of renewable energy. However, there is a need to reduce overall energy consumption, transition away from fossil fuels, and reform energy subsidies. Finland's economic growth is stable, but innovation funding has declined. Efforts are being made to promote sustainable business growth and resource efficiency through the circular economy. Finland has implemented legislation to promote equality and prevent discrimination, but there are still challenges in addressing increasing inequalities and discrimination faced by certain groups. Finland supports global efforts to enhance regulation and monitoring of financial markets, advocate for non-discrimination, and promote responsible migration policies. However, there is a need for further action to address inequality and strengthen international taxation systems. Despite the challenges, Finland has taken steps to improve various aspects of sustainable development and continues to work towards achieving its goals.
Finland has implemented positive national changes in various areas, including daycare rights for children, removal of the "activity model" for the unemployed, increased benefits, and the introduction of a minimum required carer per client rate for care homes. The government has also focused on mental health, substance abuse and addiction, family leave practices, democracy, violence against women prevention, transgender legislation, gender budgeting, digital skills support, and education. Finland used its presidency of the Council of the EU to promote public country-by-country reporting and prepared a new national action plan on taxation and development. Challenges for Finland include increasing basic social security, reinforcing cooperation between authorities and civil society organizations, improving health and social services and employment services, strengthening gender awareness, and using trade, tax, and development policy to reinforce multilateral systems' fairness. Finland aims to ensure sustainable urban development through legislative, policy, and practical measures. They have made efforts to reduce homelessness, improve housing adequacy, increase public transport accessibility, and promote sustainable construction. However, challenges remain in achieving comprehensive sustainable cities and human settlements. Finland has a national strategy on sustainable consumption and production but struggles with high raw material consumption and waste recycling. They aim to be carbon neutral by 2035 and have taken steps to promote sustainable procurement and corporate responsibility. Finland recognizes the need for climate change adaptation and mitigation measures but faces challenges in reducing emissions and achieving a sustainable level of material use. They are committed to supporting global climate finance and capacity building in developing countries. Finland actively works towards a clean and healthy Baltic Sea, but struggles with marine pollution and eutrophication. Efforts have been made to reduce nutrient loading and protect marine habitats through innovative methods and marine protected areas. Finland supports sustainable forest management and biodiversity protection but needs additional investments to achieve objectives. They participate in international conventions and provide financial support for biodiversity protection projects.
Finland has implemented several strategies and programs to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable land use. However, the country is facing challenges in halting the loss of biodiversity, with around 48% of habitat types being threatened. Factors such as forestry, drainage, and climate change contribute to this threat. The government has made efforts to protect endangered species and establish new conservation areas, but funding cuts have hindered conservation work. Finland has also focused on building inclusive institutions and promoting peaceful societies, with a strong commitment to human rights and low levels of corruption and violence. However, social polarization has increased, and hate speech targeting marginalized groups is on the rise. Finland aims to strengthen its means of implementation and revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development. While the country has performed well in certain areas, such as subjective well-being and renewable energy use, there is still room for improvement in areas like carbon neutrality, education, and development cooperation funding. A national citizen panel on sustainable development has highlighted concerns about declining literacy among young people and the need to address biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions, and social inequalities. Cities and municipalities in Finland also use indicators to measure progress and make informed decisions.
The integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into decision-making processes and policies varies among cities and municipalities in Finland. Forerunner cities like Helsinki, Espoo, and Turku have made progress in incorporating the SDGs into their strategies, while some municipalities are just beginning to understand the role of the SDGs in their local context. The Government of Finland supports knowledge-based decision-making and awareness of the SDGs by providing the MayorsIndicators tool to municipalities. This tool allows local authorities to measure their progress with SDG indicators and compare it with other authorities in Finland, Sweden, and the UK. Examples of indicators across SDGs include the share of young people outside the education system, gender balance in the labor market, and greenhouse gas emissions per capita. Finland is committed to promoting innovations and partnerships to achieve the SDGs globally. The government has implemented various programs and initiatives to support sustainable development, including tax reforms, investment in innovations and technologies, and funding for research projects. Finland aims to increase its official development assistance (ODA) to 0.7% of GNI in the long term and directs its development cooperation towards supporting developing countries, especially LDCs and SIDS, in their efforts related to climate change. The Finnish government recognizes the need for strong political will, ambitious targets, appropriate tools, measures, and sufficient resources to successfully implement the 2030 Agenda. Finland will continue its efforts towards sustainable development, with a focus on carbon neutrality, long-term planning, and inclusive policies.