Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Geneva: Switzerland focuses on effectiveness and local implementation of the SDGs
Bern, 22.04.2026 — How can the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development be effectively advanced through innovative approaches? This was the focus of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regional Forum on Sustainable Development on 21 and 22 April 2026. “Implementing the goals requires the cooperation of all state and non-state actors,” said Markus Reubi, Federal Council delegate for the 2030 Agenda and head of the Swiss delegation.
The focus of this year's forum was on access to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) and affordable and clean energy (SDG 7). Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17) play a central role in accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNECE member states discussed how, in an environment characterised by geopolitical tensions and limited resources, concrete, innovative solutions can be found to effectively implement the goals.
Switzerland's cantons, cities and communes also make an important contribution to implementation at local level. For instance, the cities of Geneva, Bern and Basel, as well as the canton of Aargau, have produced their own reports – known as Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) – for the first time. The localisation of the 2030 Agenda and, consequently, sustainable development in urban areas have been a particular focus of this year’s forum. Switzerland also welcomes this year’s focus on SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation). It is promoting cooperation in the run-up to this year's UN Water Conference and, through the Geneva Water Hub, has an internationally recognised platform that specifically strengthens dialogue and global water governance.
The Swiss delegation to the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development comprised, in addition to the FDFA State Secretariat, several specialist agencies, including the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, the Federal Office for Housing and the Federal Office for Spatial Development. The Swiss Bankers Association, the Agenda 2030 platform and young people were also involved in a specialist capacity.
An important guiding framework for sustainability policy
The Federal Council views the 2030 Agenda as an important guiding framework for its sustainability policy. Based on the Federal Council's decision at the end of 2018, the national 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy (2030 SDS) of June 2021, and the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27, Switzerland is committed to an effective implementation of the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda and to sharing experiences at the international level.
The Regional Forum on Sustainable Development serves as preparation for the High-level Political Forum in July at the UN in New York. A bilateral exchange on country reporting between the SDG Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federal Council delegate also took place on the fringes of the forum.