The cycle of reviewing reviews: The key to progress InsightsEssays: Civil Society in Japan

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Posted on August 14, 2025

The cycle of reviewing reviews: The key to progress

Note: The source Japanese text was originally posted on June 26, 2025.

 

July 2025 will see the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) take place in New York.

This international forum brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including ministerial-level representatives from various countries, government officials, international organizations, researchers, and civil society organizations. Discussions will focus on the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the forum, each country will report on its own progress and challenges related to the SDGs through a “Voluntary National Review (VNR).” This year, Japan is scheduled to present its VNR for the first time in four years.

In preparation for this, the Japanese government released the “Voluntary National Review 2025 Report on the implementation of 2030 Agenda JAPAN.” The report, also translated in English, is an extensive document, spanning over 200 pages.

The process of creating this report involved gathering input from stakeholders and soliciting public comments. The report includes an overview of the assessments and initiatives from various stakeholders. It even contains some critical feedback on the Japanese government, highlighting the importance of an open and transparent process. This kind of collaborative effort is highly significant for civil society.

 

Civil Society’s Reviews and Proposals

The Japan Civil Society Network on SDGs (aka SDGs Japan) has evaluated Japan’s progress toward the SDGs from a citizen’s perspective. It has put forward recommendations to help realize the principle of “leaving no one behind.” These recommendations have been compiled into the “SDGs Japan Spotlight Report 2025 (in Japanese)*.”

*Note: For English readers, SDGs Japan released “Comments from the SDGs Japan regarding the Government of Japan’s Voluntary National Review (VNR).”

In addition, during the public comment period, SDGs Japan released a guide to encourage citizens to submit their opinions. The practice of citizens scrutinizing government documents and actively participating in the creation process is a vital component of a healthy democracy.

At the forum in July, all eyes will be on how the Japanese government’s review is received internationally. I truly believe that this cyclical process of citizens reviewing the government’s review is the key to embodying the spirit of the SDGs.

 

Original text by Eiji Ueda (JNPOC’s Deputy Managing Director) originally posted on June 26, 2025.

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