Switzerland and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda

The traditional light spectacle at the Federal Palace in Bern was held under the motto “Planet Hope”. Both on this occasion and in a research publication, CDE shed light on Switzerland’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda – and pointed out the challenges.

The lightshow “Rendez-vous Bundesplatz” in Bern is one of the city’s annual highlights. In 2020, the show’s motto was “Planet Hope” and it showcased the goals of the UN’s 2030 Agenda. Numerous side events were planned to illuminate the topic from a scientific perspective. But only a few took place due to COVID-19. Among them was the kick-off event organized by CDE in collaboration with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), which explored the question: “Are global social inequalities bringing down sustainable development?”

This led to a critical discussion about unsustainable development and implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Switzerland. For example, appearing in Bern’s local newspaper “Berner Zeitung”, CDE Director Sabin Bieri described the links between poverty and the current growth imperative, concluding: “From my perspective, fighting poverty also demands reducing extreme wealth concentration.”

Because the topics of sustainability remain as relevant as ever, the light show is scheduled to be held again in 2021.

National 2030 Agendas: The case of Switzerland

Public events were not the only setting in which a general lack of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals was highlighted. It was also emphasized in scientific debates. Researchers attributed the dearth of progress, above all, to insufficient understanding and addressing of interactions between the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda.

Against this backdrop, a study led by CDE sought to improve methodological conceptualization of the 2030 Agenda’s implementation at the national level. Taking the case of Switzerland, CDE scientists tested and enhanced existing approaches for assessing interactions among the 2030 Agenda’s targets and for analysing the systemic relevance of priority targets. Building on the insights, a resulting CDE publication outlined an eight-step proposal for creating knowledge to support national-level 2030 Agenda implementation.

Go to publication