Summary Voluntary National Review 2020 Finland Report on Sustainable Development sustainabledevelopment.un.org
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Finland's 2020 Voluntary National Review highlights progress made in implementing the 2030 Agenda, while acknowledging the remaining challenges in climate action and biodiversity conservation.
Slides
Slide Presentation (13 slides)
Key Points
- Finland's Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights the importance of ownership and engagement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- The Finnish government has taken a whole-of-government approach, involving all ministries in the implementation process.
- The report emphasizes the role of civil society, including NGOs, trade unions, and youth organizations, in contributing to sustainable development.
- Challenges remain in areas such as consumption and production patterns, climate action, and policy coherence.
- Finland has integrated the SDGs into national frameworks, with regular reporting to the Parliament and incorporation into policy planning, budgeting, and reporting cycles.
- The report highlights Finland's progress in areas such as gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability.
- Finland actively participates in international forums to advocate for human rights, peace, democracy, and the rule of law.
- Finland faces challenges in terms of poverty and social security, and further efforts are needed to address existing challenges.
Summaries
21 word summary
Finland's 2020 Voluntary National Review shows progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda, with challenges remaining in climate action and biodiversity conservation.
67 word summary
Finland's Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights progress made between 2016 and 2020. The government has taken a whole-of-government approach, involving all ministries. Important multistakeholder bodies have been established, and municipalities have conducted Voluntary Local Reviews. Finland aligns its foreign and security policy with the goals of the 2030 Agenda, but challenges remain in climate action and biodiversity conservation.
301 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 government has taken a whole-of-government approach, involving all ministries in the implementation process. The Finnish Parliament's Committee for the Future plays a crucial role in monitoring and promoting the 2030 Agenda. Finland has integrated the SDGs into national frameworks, with regular reporting to the Parliament and incorporation into policy planning, budgeting, and reporting cycles.
The report mentions important multistakeholder bodies such as the National Commission on Sustainable Development and the Expert Panel on Sustainable Development. Finland has a shared long-term vision for transforming society into a sustainable one by 2050. The Development and Sustainability Agenda for Aland serves as a roadmap for sustainable development. Municipalities like Espoo and Helsinki have conducted Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) to assess their progress towards the SDGs.
The City of Turku aims to become a carbon neutral city by 2029. Finland has also raised awareness about the 2030 Agenda through film screenings and exhibitions. The Ministry of Education and Culture provides global education training in schools.
Finland's foreign and security policy aligns with the goals of the 2030 Agenda, emphasizing climate change considerations and supporting human rights. The country actively participates in international forums to advocate for peace and democracy. Finland's education system emphasizes lifelong learning, digitalization, and sustainability.
Finland has made significant progress in reducing poverty and achieving various targets related to well-being, education, water, energy, work, and institutions. However, challenges remain in climate action, biodiversity conservation, and supporting other countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda.
Positive national changes have been implemented in areas such as daycare rights for children and benefits for the unemployed. Finland has successfully integrated the SDGs into decision-making processes, strategies, and policies.
442 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 government has taken a whole-of-government approach, involving all ministries in the implementation process. The Finnish Parliament's Committee for the Future plays a crucial role in monitoring and promoting the 2030 Agenda. Finland has integrated the SDGs into national frameworks, with regular reporting to the Parliament and incorporation into policy planning, budgeting, and reporting cycles.
The report mentions the National Commission on Sustainable Development, the Development Policy Committee, and the Expert Panel on Sustainable Development as important multistakeholder bodies. The Society's Commitment to Sustainable Development includes a shared long-term vision, policy principles, and objectives for transforming Finnish society into a sustainable society by 2050. The Development and Sustainability Agenda for Aland is highlighted as a roadmap for sustainable development. The report further mentions the role of municipalities in implementing the SDGs and cites Espoo and Helsinki as cities that have conducted Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) to assess their progress towards the SDGs.
The City of Turku in Finland supports the goal of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2029 and a leader in socially sustainable urban development. Finland has also undertaken initiatives to raise awareness about the 2030 Agenda, including screenings of a short film in movie theaters and exhibitions in public libraries and museums. The Ministry of Education and Culture provides training and materials for global education in schools.
Finland's foreign and security policy aligns with the goals of the 2030 Agenda, promoting democracy, human rights, and crisis management. Climate change is a key consideration in all policies, and Finland supports arms control and trade policies that promote sustainable development. The country actively participates in international forums to advocate for human rights, peace, democracy, and the rule of law. The country's education system emphasizes lifelong learning, flexible pathways, digitalization, and sustainability in curriculum content.
Finland has made significant progress in reducing poverty and providing comprehensive social security through its universal social security system. The country has achieved the targets related to poverty eradication, health and well-being, quality education, clean water, energy, decent work, economic growth, reduction of inequalities, and the functioning of institutions and the judicial system. However, challenges remain in areas such as climate action, biodiversity conservation, and supporting other countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda.
Finland has implemented positive national changes in various areas, including daycare rights for children, removal of the “activity model” for the unemployed, raising benefits, and introducing minimum caregiver rates for care homes. Finland has made progress in integrating the SDGs into its decision-making processes, strategies, and policies.
638 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 report emphasizes the importance of ownership and engagement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The government has taken a whole-of-government approach, involving all ministries in the implementation process. The Finnish Parliament's Committee for the Future plays a crucial role in monitoring and promoting the 2030 Agenda. The report also discusses the role of civil society, including NGOs, trade unions, and youth organizations, in contributing to sustainable development. Finland has integrated the SDGs into national frameworks, with regular reporting to the Parliament and incorporation into policy planning, budgeting, and reporting cycles.
The Voluntary National Review 2020 Finland Report on Sustainable Development highlights the key bodies and initiatives involved in promoting sustainable development in Finland. The report mentions the National Commission on Sustainable Development, the Development Policy Committee, and the Expert Panel on Sustainable Development as important multistakeholder bodies. These bodies work together to enhance coherence between national and international implementation measures. The report also discusses the Society's Commitment to Sustainable Development, which includes a shared long-term vision, policy principles, and objectives for transforming Finnish society into a sustainable society by 2050. The Development and Sustainability Agenda for Aland, an autonomous region of Finland, is also highlighted as a roadmap for sustainable development. The report further mentions the role of municipalities in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and cites Espoo and Helsinki as cities that have conducted Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) to assess their progress towards the SDGs. The report emphasizes the importance of cities in achieving the SDGs and promoting sustainable development.
The City of Turku in Finland has made significant progress in implementing sustainable development initiatives. Their 'Turku 2029' City Strategy supports the goal of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2029 and a leader in socially sustainable urban development. Finland has also undertaken initiatives to raise awareness about the 2030 Agenda, including a short film screened in movie theaters, animations displayed on info screens, and exhibitions in public libraries and museums. The Ministry of Education and Culture, along with other government actors, provides training and materials for global education in schools. The Finnish government has incorporated the 2030 Agenda into national frameworks through implementation plans submitted to the Parliament. However, challenges remain in ensuring policy coherence and interlinkages between different sectors. The government is working to strengthen scientific support, integrate SDGs into ministries' strategies and programs, and incorporate the goals into research, innovation, and education policies.
Finland's foreign and security policy aligns with the goals of the 2030 Agenda, promoting democracy, human rights, and crisis management. Climate change is a key consideration in all policies, and Finland supports arms control and trade policies that promote sustainable development. The country actively participates in international forums to advocate for human rights, peace, democracy, and the rule of law. The country's education system emphasizes lifelong learning, flexible pathways, digitalization, and sustainability in curriculum content.
Finland has made significant progress in reducing poverty and providing comprehensive social security through its universal social security system. The country has achieved the targets related to poverty eradication, health and well-being, quality education, clean water, energy, decent work, economic growth, reduction of inequalities, and the functioning of institutions and the judicial system. However, challenges remain in areas such as climate action, biodiversity conservation, and supporting other countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda.
Finland has implemented positive national changes in various areas, including daycare rights for children, removal of the “activity model” for the unemployed, raising benefits, and introducing minimum caregiver rates for care homes. Finland has made progress in integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its decision-making processes, strategies, and policies. While some municipalities are still at the beginning stages of understanding the role
2246 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 report emphasizes the importance of ownership and engagement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The government has taken a whole-of-government approach, involving all ministries in the implementation process. The Finnish Parliament's Committee for the Future plays a crucial role in monitoring and promoting the 2030 Agenda. The report also discusses the role of civil society, including NGOs, trade unions, and youth organizations, in contributing to sustainable development. Finland has integrated the SDGs into national frameworks, with regular reporting to the Parliament and incorporation into policy planning, budgeting, and reporting cycles. The report highlights Finland's progress in areas such as gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability. Challenges remain in areas such as consumption and production patterns, climate action, and policy coherence. The report concludes by emphasizing the need for continued momentum and engagement in achieving the SDGs.
The Voluntary National Review 2020 Finland Report on Sustainable Development highlights the key bodies and initiatives involved in promoting sustainable development in Finland. The report mentions the National Commission on Sustainable Development, the Development Policy Committee, and the Expert Panel on Sustainable Development as important multistakeholder bodies. These bodies work together to enhance coherence between national and international implementation measures. The report also discusses the Society's Commitment to Sustainable Development, which includes a shared long-term vision, policy principles, and objectives for transforming Finnish society into a sustainable society by 2050. The Development and Sustainability Agenda for Åland, an autonomous region of Finland, is also highlighted as a roadmap for sustainable development. The report further mentions the role of municipalities in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and cites Espoo and Helsinki as cities that have conducted Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) to assess their progress towards the SDGs. The report emphasizes the importance of cities in achieving the SDGs and promoting sustainable development. Overall, the report showcases Finland's commitment to sustainable development and its efforts to align with the SDGs at various levels of governance.
The City of Turku in Finland has made significant progress in implementing sustainable development initiatives. Their 'Turku 2029' City Strategy supports the goal of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2029 and a leader in socially sustainable urban development. To assess their progress, the City of Turku conducted a Voluntary Local Review (VLR) on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. The review focused on the City Strategy, spearhead projects, and measures carried out by various divisions and corporate entities. The VLR strengthened internal cooperation and provided a framework for sustainable development communication. Finland has also undertaken initiatives to raise awareness about the 2030 Agenda, including a short film screened in movie theaters, animations displayed on info screens, and exhibitions in public libraries and museums. The Ministry of Education and Culture, along with other government actors, provides training and materials for global education in schools. The Finnish government has incorporated the 2030 Agenda into national frameworks through implementation plans submitted to the Parliament. However, challenges remain in ensuring policy coherence and interlinkages between different sectors. The government is working to strengthen scientific support, integrate SDGs into ministries' strategies and programs, and incorporate the goals into research, innovation, and education policies. Finland's development, foreign, security, and trade policies also align with the 2030 Agenda, with a focus on promoting gender equality, sustainable economies, education, climate resilience, and natural resources. Finland actively participates in international forums to advocate for human rights, peace, democracy, and the rule of law. The country's education system emphasizes lifelong learning, flexible pathways, digitalization, and sustainability in curriculum content. Finland is committed to promoting sustainable development both domestically and globally.
Finland's foreign and security policy aligns with the goals of the 2030 Agenda, promoting democracy, human rights, and crisis management. Climate change is a key consideration in all policies, and Finland supports arms control and trade policies that promote sustainable development. The country is committed to the Women, Peace and Security agenda, with a focus on women's meaningful participation in peace processes. Finland is the first country to prepare a National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security. The EU's trade policy integrates the objectives of the 2030 Agenda, including providing duty-free market access for least developed countries. Finland supports Aid for Trade initiatives to enhance trade-related development assistance. Finland also played a role in declaring 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health. In terms of the European Union, Finland urges ambitious promotion of the 2030 Agenda and emphasizes priorities such as climate neutrality, biodiversity, and social inclusion. The country also participates in the Nordic Council of Ministers' Generation 2030 program to implement the 2030 Agenda in the Nordic region. Finland has made efforts to concretize sustainable development through tools like the "sustainable development doughnut" and focuses on the nexus approach in sectors like water, food, energy, and forests. The country works towards leaving no one behind by ensuring universal social security and services, promoting equality, and supporting vulnerable groups. Measures have been taken to prevent discrimination and promote gender equality, employment, education, and social welfare. Finland's foreign policy promotes human rights, peace, justice, and strong institutions. The country supports indigenous peoples' rights and autonomy, particularly for the Sami people. Finland also implements targeted interventions in areas such as women's rights, sustainable economies, equal education, open governance, climate resilience, and reducing emissions through sustainable resource use.
Finland has made significant progress in reducing poverty and providing comprehensive social security through its universal social security system. The country has achieved the targets related to poverty eradication, health and well-being, quality education, clean water, energy, decent work, economic growth, reduction of inequalities, and the functioning of institutions and the judicial system. However, challenges remain in areas such as climate action, biodiversity conservation, and supporting other countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda. The at-risk-of-poverty rate has remained relatively stable, with slight declines in the oldest age groups. Finland's development policy focuses on eradicating extreme poverty, reducing inequalities, and promoting sustainable development. The country supports the construction of social security systems globally, with a focus on women, girls, people with disabilities, and decent work objectives. However, Finland is not on track to reach the target of reducing the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The reductions in social security benefits and high housing costs have contributed to an increase in poverty levels. Overall, Finland's progress towards the SDGs is stable or has stagnated in some areas, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address existing challenges.
Finland faces challenges in terms of poverty and social security. While basic pension security is sufficient to meet minimum consumption targets, social security only covers the minimum budget if supplemented by a student loan. Around 120,000 children are affected by poverty, which hinders their opportunities in life. Other groups at risk of poverty include single parents, immigrants, people with disabilities, and imprisoned inmates. Finland is not meeting its obligations in reducing global poverty, as it has cut development assistance by approximately 40%. On the topic of food security, Finland ensures access to safe and nutritious food all year round. However, the country faces challenges in improving the quality of nutrition and reducing obesity rates. Finland has implemented measures to reduce poverty and improve employment rates. In terms of health and well-being, Finland has made progress in reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promoting mental health. However, challenges remain in areas such as regional differences in healthcare access and services for vulnerable populations. Finland has achieved gender equality in many areas, but challenges persist in addressing violence against women and gender equality in the workforce. Finland has achieved universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Progress has been made in improving water quality, but further efforts are needed to achieve good water status in all bodies of water.
Finland has made progress in water resources management and protection, with improvements in water-use efficiency and integrated water resources management. However, there is room for improvement in water recycling and protecting water-related ecosystems. Finland has been active in international cooperation, particularly in transboundary waters and development projects in Ethiopia and Nepal. Challenges include reducing water pollution from certain industries and achieving targets for the status of seas and waters. Finland has achieved universal access to energy and increased the share of renewable energy. However, per capita energy consumption remains high, and there is a need to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation. Finland promotes entrepreneurship, sustainable business growth, and resource efficiency through the circular economy. In terms of economic growth, Finland's innovation funding has declined, but efforts are being made to increase investments in research and development. Finland aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 and supports sustainable industrial sectors. Finland has made progress in promoting equality and preventing discrimination through legislation and inclusive practices. However, there are challenges with increasing inequalities, discrimination against minority groups, and access to healthcare and social services. Finland supports non-discrimination efforts globally and has implemented measures to enhance migration policy and asylum processes. Despite progress, there are still issues with inequality and social inclusion in Finland, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Finland has implemented positive national changes in various areas, including daycare rights for children, removal of the "activity model" for the unemployed, raising benefits, and introducing minimum caregiver rates for care homes. The government has also focused on mental health, substance abuse, family leave, violence prevention, and gender budgeting. Finland used its presidency of the Council of the EU to promote country-by-country reporting and prepared a new national action plan on taxation and development. However, Finland needs to increase social security, improve cooperation between authorities and civil society organizations, develop health and social services, strengthen gender awareness, and use trade and tax policies to reinforce fairness. In terms of sustainable cities, Finland has adequate housing and convenient access to public transport. It has well-functioning legislation on cultural and natural heritage, low per capita environmental impact, and a high share of open space for public use. Finland aims for polycentric regional development by increasing density in urban areas and developing peri-urban and rural areas. Finland has implemented strategies for sustainable consumption and production, but faces challenges in reducing raw material consumption and waste recycling. The country aims to be carbon neutral by 2035 and supports green economy actions globally. Finland is committed to climate change adaptation, sustainable fisheries, marine protection, and improving the health of oceans. It has made progress in reducing marine pollution and increasing marine protected areas. However, Finland needs to address eutrophication, reduce deforestation, halt biodiversity loss, and implement legislation on invasive species. The country actively participates in international conventions and provides financial support for biodiversity protection.
Finland has made efforts to safeguard biodiversity through programs such as the National Forest Strategy and the METSO program. 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. Finland has implemented measures to protect endangered species and establish conservation areas, but funding cuts have hindered nature conservation work. The country aims to improve funding for nature conservation and promote active nature management. In terms of peaceful and inclusive societies, Finland has seen a decrease in homicide rates but an increase in sexual assaults against children. The country has a strong judicial system and is committed to combating corruption. Finland promotes democracy and human rights both domestically and internationally. In terms of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Finland has been a top performer but further action is needed in areas such as food security, responsible consumption, and international cooperation. The country aims to increase official development assistance (ODA) and strengthen partnerships for sustainable development. Finland's citizen panel on sustainable development highlights concerns about declining literacy among young people and emphasizes the need for low-emission mobility and biodiversity conservation. Cities and municipalities in Finland use indicators to measure progress and make informed decisions.
Finland has made progress in integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its decision-making processes, strategies, and policies. While some municipalities are still at the beginning stages of understanding the role of SDGs, indicators have proven useful in facilitating understanding. The MayorsIndicators tool allows local authorities to measure their progress with about 140 SDG indicators and compare it with other authorities. Examples of indicators include the share of young people outside the education system, gender balance in the labor market, and greenhouse gas emissions per capita. Finland promotes knowledge-based decision-making and awareness of SDGs by offering the tool to municipalities that have made a commitment to sustainable development. The country aims to increase its official development assistance (ODA) to 0.7% of GNI and supports taxation capacity building in Africa and corporate fiscal responsibility. Finland also emphasizes the importance of innovations and partnerships in achieving the SDGs and supports the UN's innovation efforts. The government's analysis, assessment, and research activities align with the 2030 Agenda and contribute to research needs related to sustainability. Finland recognizes the need for transformation in six key systems and actions in four levers to achieve sustainable development. These include sustainable and just economies, food and nutrition, energy, urban and peri-urban areas, global environmental commons, and well-being and capabilities. The country is committed to reaching the SDGs by 2030 and will continue implementation efforts based on its government program and national implementation plan.