2. Developing a Nordic VSR: process and milestones
Preparation of the Nordic VSR started with a number of digital meetings during spring 2023 followed by a formal kick-off meeting in August 2023 (see step 1 in Figure 3). An editorial group was formed, consisting of representatives from the LRGAs of Finland (Kuntaliitto), Iceland (Samband), Norway (KS) and Sweden (SALAR), as well as researchers from Nordregio. A representative of the Danish Association KL joined the editorial team at a slightly later stage in the process. The Åland islands, the Faroe Islands and Greenland were also invited but, due to limited resources, only Åland decided to follow the editorial process. Between the formal kick-off meeting in August 2023 and the publication of the Nordic VSR in mid-2024, the editorial group met every second week to discuss the ongoing work while at the same time individually gathering information. Figure 3 provides an overview of the key steps taken to develop the Nordic VSR.
Figure 3: How the Nordic VSR was developed
The Nordic VSR is based on three main sources of information:
- Nordic surveys on the localisation of the SDGs (see step 2 in Figure 3 and Appendix 1 and 2)
- Interviews with LRGA representatives in the five Nordic countries and Åland (step 3); and
- The Nordic Toolbox (step 4).
Nordic surveys on the localisation of the SDGs:
The editorial team jointly developed a questionnaire addressed to local authorities in Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, asking about – among other things - the status of 2030 Agenda-related work, integration into steering documents, and key challenges and success factors. The LRGAs in the four participating countries then invited their member municipalities to answer the survey in their respective national languages. In some countries, regional authorities were also invited to participate. The response period differed across the countries in order to accommodate the local contexts (e.g. election periods). Moreover, the response period was extended in some countries to increase the number of responses. In other words, although based on a common questionnaire, the survey was conducted separately in each Nordic country. Figure 4 provides an overview of the survey dates, as well as the number and rate of responses. In Denmark, KL conducts an annual survey
The editorial team jointly developed a questionnaire addressed to local authorities in Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, asking about – among other things - the status of 2030 Agenda-related work, integration into steering documents, and key challenges and success factors. The LRGAs in the four participating countries then invited their member municipalities to answer the survey in their respective national languages. In some countries, regional authorities were also invited to participate. The response period differed across the countries in order to accommodate the local contexts (e.g. election periods). Moreover, the response period was extended in some countries to increase the number of responses. In other words, although based on a common questionnaire, the survey was conducted separately in each Nordic country. Figure 4 provides an overview of the survey dates, as well as the number and rate of responses. In Denmark, KL conducts an annual survey
Note that 2022 represents an exception, as no survey was conducted in Denmark in that year.
The survey and its results can be viewed here.
Figure 4: The Nordic survey and Danish survey: Response period and respondents per country
Response period | Number of respondents | Response rate (% of all municipalities) | ||
Danish survey | Denmark | 5 July–29 September 2023 | 81 municipalities | 83% |
Nordic survey | Finland | 6 June–15 August 2023 (extended 31 August – 17 September 2023) | 83 municipalities | 27% |
Iceland | 15 March–10 April 2023 | 61 municipalities | 95% | |
Norway | 6-20 December 2023 | 98 municipalities | 28% | |
Sweden | 21 August–29 September 2023 | 226 municipalities | 78% |
Interviews with LRGA representatives in the five Nordic countries and Åland:
In addition to the survey, Nordregio conducted structured interviews with representatives from the Nordic LRGAs. This required extensive internal preparation efforts by the LRGAs to gather and analyse information on their respective enabling environments. The aim was to understand the national policies and institutional context impacting localisation of the SDGs in each country, as well as key success factors and challenges. Topics included national-level support for SDG localisation (financing and coordination mechanisms), the role of LRGAs in providing peer learning and capacity-building, and how best to advocate for localisation. The interviews were held in January 2024.
In addition to the survey, Nordregio conducted structured interviews with representatives from the Nordic LRGAs. This required extensive internal preparation efforts by the LRGAs to gather and analyse information on their respective enabling environments. The aim was to understand the national policies and institutional context impacting localisation of the SDGs in each country, as well as key success factors and challenges. Topics included national-level support for SDG localisation (financing and coordination mechanisms), the role of LRGAs in providing peer learning and capacity-building, and how best to advocate for localisation. The interviews were held in January 2024.
Nordic Toolbox
The Nordic VSR includes numerous examples and tools that have been used by the Nordic municipalities in their 2030 Agenda-related work. These good practices were collected via a digital platform. Initially, Nordic LRGAs added local examples to the platform while encouraging local and regional governments (LRGs) to contribute directly to the platform with their own best practices. In addition, Nordregio invited LRGs who had previously participated in 2030 Agenda projects and webinars to share their best tools and methods. Finally, the platform was promoted during the Nordic VSR webinar in April 2024 (step 7), at Baerekraft Fredag (a series of peer learning webinars for Norwegian municipalities about their SDG work, organised by KS), and at a Swedish 2030 Agenda webinar for municipalities in April 2024.
The Nordic VSR includes numerous examples and tools that have been used by the Nordic municipalities in their 2030 Agenda-related work. These good practices were collected via a digital platform. Initially, Nordic LRGAs added local examples to the platform while encouraging local and regional governments (LRGs) to contribute directly to the platform with their own best practices. In addition, Nordregio invited LRGs who had previously participated in 2030 Agenda projects and webinars to share their best tools and methods. Finally, the platform was promoted during the Nordic VSR webinar in April 2024 (step 7), at Baerekraft Fredag (a series of peer learning webinars for Norwegian municipalities about their SDG work, organised by KS), and at a Swedish 2030 Agenda webinar for municipalities in April 2024.
The toolbox examples were reviewed to ensure coherence, taking into account thematic relevance and the potential for replication or adaptation by other municipalities (both in the Nordic Region and across the world). In addition, emphasis was placed on initiatives promoting diversity and stakeholder involvement. Geographical coverage was also a priority in terms of ensuring a balanced representation of different Nordic municipalities and countries.
The data and information from these three sources were analysed in step 5 of the VSR process, with key findings described in the first draft VSR.
Various stakeholder groups were involved in the VSR process. In particular, the editorial team made efforts to involve youth and civil society associations. Representatives of the Nordic Youth Network for Sustainable Development and the Nordic Civil Society Network were invited to supply subchapters to the Nordic VSR (step 6). These subchapters
See the subchapters contained in Chapter 5 of this report.
A broader group of stakeholders was invited to discuss the first draft of the VSR during a Zoom webinar
The recording of the webinar is available here.
Based on feedback obtained from the webinar participants and the Nordic LRGAs, the Nordic VSR was revised and finalised (step 8), then launched together with the Nordic Toolbox during the July 2024 UN HLPF on Sustainable Development (step 9).