Overview

Switzerland’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2022 presents a comprehensive assessment of national progress towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The review reflects a whole-of-government and multi-stakeholder approach, integrating federal, cantonal and communal contributions, as well as engagement with civil society, academia and the private sector. It builds on the 2018 baseline report and aligns with the Federal Council’s 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy (2021–2030). The VNR highlights achievements, identifies structural challenges, and evaluates policy coherence across economic, social and environmental dimensions, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing global uncertainties.

Recommendations

Strengthen Cross-Sectoral Coordination: Ensure all levels of government, the private sector, civil society, and academia work collaboratively to implement the SDGs with clear responsibilities and adequate resources.
Reduce Environmental Footprint: Limit per-capita resource consumption, cut greenhouse gas emissions, restore biodiversity, and transition to sustainable food and energy systems.
Embed SDGs in Policy and Budgets: Further integrate sustainability objectives into national strategies, sectoral policies, and budget planning while maintaining a systemic overview.
Enhance Data and Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Continue developing reliable statistical systems and promote national and international data partnerships to monitor and guide progress.
Leverage Digitalisation: Use digital tools to improve organisational efficiency, policy implementation, and societal engagement in sustainability initiatives.
Promote Equality and Social Cohesion: Continue efforts to ensure equal opportunities, gender equality, and inclusive prosperity for all members of society.
Sustain International Engagement: Strengthen the role of the 2030 Agenda in foreign policy and global partnerships to maximise Switzerland’s contribution to worldwide sustainable development.

Conclusion

Switzerland demonstrates strong institutional capacity, economic resilience and high living standards, with notable progress in areas such as innovation, social protection, governance and infrastructure. However, significant challenges remain, particularly in reducing its material and carbon footprint, halting biodiversity loss, achieving climate neutrality by 2050, and addressing inequalities between population groups. Environmental pressures, many of which are externalised through global supply chains, continue to exceed sustainable limits. The VNR underscores the need for accelerated structural transformation, enhanced policy coherence and sustained multi-level partnerships to ensure that Switzerland fully meets its commitments under the 2030 Agenda.

Social Networks

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Country Focal Point

ENGLISH

Mr Daniel Dubas
Delegate of the Federal Council for the 2030 Agenda
Head of Section, Member of the Board of Directors
Swiss Confederation
Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications DETEC
Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE | Sustainable Development Section

Mr Jacques Ducrest
Delegate of the Federal Council for the 2030 Agenda
Deputy Head Sectoral Foreign Policies Division
Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA
Directorate of Political Affairs

FRANCAIS

M. Daniel Dubas
Délégué du Conseil fédéral à l’Agenda 2030
Chef de section, membre de la direction
Département fédéral de l'environnement, des transports, de l'énergie et de la communication DETEC
Office fédéral du développement territorial ARE | Section Développement durable

M. Jacques Ducrest
Délégué du Conseil fédéral à l’Agenda 2030
Chef suppléant de la Division des Politiques extérieures sectorielles
Département fédéral des affaires étrangères DFAE
Direction politique

Location

CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland

Get Directions

Region

No Poverty

Score: 3
Justification	In 2020, 722,000 persons lived below the poverty line, representing 8.5% of the permanent resident population (+1.9 percentage points since 2014). Total social security expenditure reached 29.1% of GDP in 2019.
Challenges	The modest upward trend in poverty and long-term financing of social security remain concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic may have medium-term impacts.
Progress/ Solution	Reforms in pension provision, bridging benefits for older unemployed persons, and the National Platform Against Poverty 2019–24 strengthen poverty prevention. Switzerland also aligns Official Development Assistance (ODA) with poverty reduction goals.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite a strong social security system, unresolved issues persist. The poverty rate was 8.5% in 2020, affecting 722,000 persons, with a modest rise since 2014. Disparities remain significant: the risk of poverty was 19.6% among the population with a migration background compared to 11.3% among those without in 2019, with a growing difference since 2014. Long-term financing of social security is uncertain due to demographic ageing, while the medium- to long-term socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 may further increase vulnerability. Internationally, extreme poverty continues to rise in fragile regions, and insufficient disaggregated data limits effective measurement and policy responses.

Zero Hunger

Score: 3
Justification	42% of the resident population is overweight or clinically obese. Nitrogen surplus from agriculture was 89,600 tonnes in 2019 (–9.2% since 2000). Organic farming covered 17% of utilised agricultural area in 2020.
Challenges	Arable land decreased to 388,400 ha in 2018 (–11% since 1985). Further action is required on biodiversity, nitrogen surpluses and sustainable consumption.
Progress/ Solution	The 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) promotes sustainable food systems, reduction of food waste, and lower carbon footprints.
Unsolved Challenges	Transformation to fully sustainable food systems remains incomplete nationally and globally. Half of Switzerland’s food is imported, externalising environmental impacts abroad.

Good Health

Score: 4
Justification	Switzerland enjoys high life expectancy and quality healthcare. Years of potential life lost declined significantly since 2000.
Challenges	Rising healthcare costs and mental health impacts from COVID-19 remain concerns.
Progress/ Solution	Health2030 prioritises digitalisation, cost control and demographic adaptation. Amendments to the Health Insurance Act improved quality standards.
Unsolved Challenges	Long-term financial sustainability and adaptation to climate-related health risks require further attention.

Quality Education

Score: 4
Justification	Switzerland has a high-performing and permeable education system. 94% of Swiss-born youth and 77.3% of foreign-born youth obtained upper secondary diplomas in 2019.
Challenges	Socio-economic background continues to influence transitions between educational levels.
Progress/ Solution	The VET 2030 initiative strengthens labour-market alignment. Education for Sustainable Development is integrated into reporting.
Unsolved Challenges	Participation in lifelong learning remains lower among adults with only compulsory schooling.

Gender Equality

Score: 3
Justification	Gender equality is constitutionally guaranteed, yet disparities remain. The gender wage gap was 13.8% in 2020.
Challenges	Reconciliation of work and family life and wage equality require structural change.
Progress/ Solution	The Gender Equality Strategy 2030, amendments to the Equality Act, and increased female representation (42% in the National Council in 2019) mark progress.
Unsolved Challenges	Gender-based violence and unequal distribution of unpaid work persist.

Water & Sanitation

Score:4
Justification	Switzerland has universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation, with drinking water quality generally rated as very high. Around 80% of drinking water comes from groundwater, making its protection a national priority. However, agricultural pressures remain significant: the nitrogen surplus amounted to 89,600 tonnes in 2019, contributing to water pollution risks. Residues of plant protection products and nitrate concentrations continue to affect certain groundwater bodies
Challenges	Diffuse pollution from agriculture remains a key structural challenge, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus run-off into surface and groundwater. Climate change increases risks of drought, reduced water availability in summer, and rising water temperatures affecting ecosystems. Balancing agricultural productivity with stricter environmental requirements continues to create policy tensions.
Progress/ Solution	Switzerland has invested substantially in wastewater treatment infrastructure. Approximately 97% of the population is connected to wastewater treatment plants, and a nationwide upgrade programme is underway to remove micropollutants from wastewater. Amendments to water protection legislation and agricultural policy measures aim to reduce pesticide risks and nutrient losses. The 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) sets targets to reduce nutrient surpluses and improve water quality monitoring.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite strong infrastructure, nutrient surpluses remain above environmentally sustainable levels, and pesticide residues are still detected in some water bodies. Long-term groundwater protection requires further reductions in agricultural emissions. Climate-related water stress and ecosystem degradation necessitate accelerated adaptation measures and stronger integration between water, agricultural and climate policies.

Clean Energy

Score: 4
Justification	Switzerland’s Energy Strategy 2050 aims to phase out nuclear energy and increase renewables. Renewable energies accounted for around 76% of domestic electricity production in 2020, primarily hydropower. However, Switzerland remains dependent on energy imports, particularly in winter months.
Challenges	Seasonal electricity gaps and reliance on imports create supply security risks. Decarbonising heating and transport remains slow.
Progress/ Solution	Short-term expansion targets for renewable electricity were achieved. Energy intensity has declined steadily since 2000. Policy instruments include feed-in remuneration schemes and energy efficiency standards for buildings and appliances.
Unsolved Challenges	Achieving climate neutrality by 2050 requires accelerated renewable deployment and storage capacity expansion.

Decent Work

Score: 4
Justification	Switzerland maintains a strong and competitive economy with high labour productivity and relatively low unemployment. The unemployment rate was 3.0% in 2019, rising to 3.1% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, economic performance is resource-intensive: Switzerland’s material footprint per capita remains significantly above the global average, and a large share of environmental impacts linked to Swiss consumption occurs abroad.
Challenges	Despite economic resilience, Switzerland’s economy continues to generate high greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption domestically and internationally. Productivity gains are not yet sufficiently decoupled from environmental pressure. Global supply chains also expose the economy to external shocks.
Progress/ Solution	Switzerland maintains a strong and competitive economy with high labour productivity and relatively low unemployment. The unemployment rate was 3.0% in 2019, rising to 3.1% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, economic performance is resource-intensive: Switzerland’s material footprint per capita remains significantly above the global average, and a large share of environmental impacts linked to Swiss consumption occurs abroad.
Unsolved Challenges	The structural shift towards a fully resource-efficient and climate-neutral economy remains gradual. Long-term sustainability requires stronger alignment between economic growth, circular economy strategies and climate targets, particularly to reduce the external environmental footprint associated with Swiss consumption and production patterns.

Industry & Infrastructure

Score: 5
Justification	Switzerland is one of the world’s leading innovation economies. Gross domestic expenditure on research and development amounted to 3.15% of GDP in 2019. The country maintains high-quality transport, energy and digital infrastructure, which underpins competitiveness and economic resilience.
Challenges	Digitalisation increases electricity consumption and demand for raw materials. Infrastructure expansion must align with climate and biodiversity objectives.
Progress/ Solution	The Digital Switzerland Strategy and the multi-stakeholder initiative SDGital2030 (launched in 2021) strengthen digital governance and sustainability monitoring. Switzerland continues to invest heavily in R&D and maintains strong public–private research collaboration.
Unsolved Challenges	Ensuring coherence between innovation policy, climate targets (net-zero 2050) and circular economy principles remains a structural policy challenge.

Inequality

Score: 3
Justification	While income inequality remains moderate by international comparison, disparities persist. In 2019, the at-risk-of-poverty rate was 19.6% among persons with a migration background compared with 11.3% among those without, with a widening gap since 2014.
Challenges	Differences in income, education and employment outcomes between population groups continue to grow.
Progress/ Solution	Switzerland’s social transfer system significantly reduces income inequality. Legal frameworks ensure equal opportunities and protection against discrimination.
Unsolved Challenges	Stronger labour market integration and targeted inclusion measures are required, particularly for migrants and vulnerable households.

Sustainable Cities

Score: 3
Justification	More than 75% of the population lives in urban areas, increasing pressure on housing, land and transport systems. Settlement and infrastructure areas have continued to expand.
Challenges	Land consumption per capita remains high. Housing prices and rental costs continue to rise in urban centres.
Progress/ Solution	The revised Spatial Planning Act aims to curb urban sprawl and promote inward development. Cantonal and communal SDG strategies align local development with the 2030 Agenda.
Unsolved Challenges	Balancing population growth, mobility demand and sustainable land use remains an ongoing concern.

Responsible Consumption

Score: 3
Justification	Switzerland’s material footprint per capita is high by global standards. Approximately 2.8 million tonnes of food waste occur annually, equivalent to around 330 kg per person per year. A significant share of environmental impacts linked to Swiss consumption occurs abroad.
Challenges	Resource consumption and waste generation remain high. Environmental pressures are largely externalised through imports.
Progress/ Solution	The Action Plan Against Food Waste aims to halve food waste by 2030. Circular economy initiatives and sustainable public procurement policies are being strengthened.
Unsolved Challenges	Absolute decoupling of economic growth from natural resource use has not yet been achieved.

Climate Action

Score:3
Justification	Greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 19% between 1990 and 2020. However, emission reductions are insufficient to meet long-term climate neutrality goals
Challenges	The revision of the CO₂ Act was rejected in June 2021, delaying strengthened mitigation measures. Emissions from transport and buildings remain substantial.
Progress/ Solution	The Long-Term Climate Strategy (2021) sets the target of net-zero emissions by 2050. Adaptation measures are integrated across federal policies.
Unsolved Challenges	Accelerated sectoral decarbonisation and climate finance mobilisation are required.

Life Below Water

Score: 4
Justification	Although Switzerland is landlocked, it significantly influences marine ecosystems through global supply chains, imports and financial flows. A substantial share of the environmental footprint linked to Swiss consumption occurs abroad, including impacts on oceans. Switzerland is also an important global financial centre, and capital flows can indirectly affect marine biodiversity and fisheries worldwide.
Challenges	Globally, marine ecosystems continue to deteriorate due to overfishing, pollution and climate change. Despite international commitments, biodiversity loss in oceans has not been halted. Switzerland’s indirect environmental footprint through imports of seafood and other marine-related products remains difficult to measure precisely.
Progress/ Solution	Switzerland actively supports international ocean governance and marine biodiversity protection through multilateral agreements. It contributes to negotiations under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and supports sustainable fisheries standards in global trade. Through development cooperation, Switzerland promotes sustainable management of marine resources in partner countries.
Unsolved Challenges	Reducing marine impacts embedded in imported goods and financial investments remains complex. Stronger coherence between trade, finance and environmental policies is required to minimise Switzerland’s indirect contribution to marine degradation.

Life on Land

Score:3
Justification	In Switzerland, around one-third of species and nearly half of habitats are endangered, according to national biodiversity assessments. Biodiversity loss continues due to land use change, infrastructure expansion and agricultural intensification. Ecosystem fragmentation remains a significant concern.
Challenges	Habitat fragmentation, settlement expansion and transport infrastructure continue to reduce ecological connectivity. Climate change intensifies pressure on alpine and forest ecosystems. Intensive agriculture contributes to nutrient surpluses and biodiversity decline.
Progress/ Solution	The Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (2017–2023) sets out concrete restoration and conservation measures. Ecological infrastructure is being strengthened, and protected areas have expanded. Efforts are underway to improve habitat connectivity and restore degraded ecosystems.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite policy frameworks, biodiversity decline has not yet been halted. Many ecosystem services remain under pressure, and further measures are needed to achieve long-term conservation targets and restore threatened species populations.

Peace & Justice

Score:4
Justification	Switzerland benefits from strong democratic institutions, rule of law and low corruption levels. Institutional stability provides a solid foundation for implementing the 2030 Agenda. Public trust in governance structures remains comparatively high.
Challenges	Ensuring policy coherence across all SDGs, particularly between domestic objectives and international economic activities, remains complex. Global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic test institutional resilience.
Progress/ Solution	In 2018, the Federal Council mandated strengthened implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and governance structures were reinforced. The federal 2030 Agenda Steering Committee coordinates interdepartmental action. Transparency, participatory consultation processes and anti-corruption frameworks continue to function effectively.
Unsolved Challenges	Continuous adaptation of governance mechanisms is required to address emerging global risks, digital transformation and evolving geopolitical challenges, while maintaining accountability and citizen trust.

Partnerships

Score: 4
Justification	Switzerland applies a multi-level and multi-stakeholder governance approach. In the SDGital2030 initiative (2021), more than 500 federal employees, 14 cantons, 26 communes, and 53 organisations participated, demonstrating broad institutional engagement.
Challenges	Sustaining coordinated engagement across federal, cantonal, municipal and civil society actors requires ongoing institutional effort. Data harmonisation and integrated reporting remain demanding tasks.
Progress/ Solution	The digital baseline assessment strengthened coordination, monitoring and data transparency. Switzerland remains an important provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA) and supports international SDG implementation through development cooperation and humanitarian aid.
Unsolved Challenges	Global crises, geopolitical instability and financing constraints may affect long-term SDG funding and partnership commitments. Ensuring stable and predictable development cooperation financing remains essential for achieving the 2030 Agenda.

SDGs World Progress: Achieved

SDG9

SDGs World Progress: On-Track

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

Country Challenges

Sustainable Consumption and Production: High per-capita resource use exceeds global ecosystem limits; requires more efficient use of materials and energy.
Climate Change and Energy: Greenhouse gas emissions remain high; urgent need to reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.
Biodiversity Loss: Natural habitats are under pressure; ecosystems need preservation and restoration to maintain ecological balance.
Equal Opportunities and Social Cohesion: Inequalities persist in society; achieving real gender equality and inclusive opportunities remains a priority.
Sustainable Food Systems: Food consumption patterns and production need transformation to ensure environmental sustainability.
Policy Coordination: Decentralised government structure requires stronger collaboration across cantons, communes, and sectors.
Global Shocks: COVID-19 and the Ukraine war have disrupted supply chains, energy, and food security, slowing SDG progress.
Integration of SDGs into Policy: SDGs must be embedded systematically into all policies, budgets, and sectoral strategies for coherent implementation.
Data and Monitoring: Need for reliable, timely data and evidence-based decision-making to track progress and minimise negative impacts.
International Cooperation: Global challenges like inequality, conflicts, and environmental pressures require strong multilateral engagement.

Country Lessons Learned

Early Reporting Builds Momentum: Submitting VNRs early (as Switzerland did in 2016) establishes a transparent baseline and encourages systematic progress tracking.
Institutional Coherence is Crucial: Creating dedicated organisational structures ensures cross-sectoral coordination and reduces policy fragmentation.
Targeted National Strategies Amplify Impact: Developing a national strategy with priority areas (e.g., climate, social cohesion) helps focus resources and actions where they are most needed.
Multi-Stakeholder Engagement Strengthens Implementation: Involvement of local governments, private sector, academia, and civil society fosters innovation and shared responsibility.
Digital Tools Support Evidence-Based Policy: Using bespoke digital solutions for structured data collection allows for better monitoring, understanding of SDG interactions, and informed decision-making.
Continuous Review Encourages Adaptation: Regular VNRs provide opportunities to adjust policies based on lessons learned and emerging challenges, such as pandemics or geopolitical crises.

Country Contribution

2016: Switzerland was among the first countries to submit a VNR to the United Nations, outlining initial measures to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
2018: The first comprehensive VNR provided detailed information on Switzerland’s progress and plans towards achieving the 17 SDGs, marking a structured approach to national reporting.
2018–2020: Federal-level measures focused on consolidating achievements in education, healthcare, and rule-of-law institutions, ensuring a solid foundation for further SDG implementation.
2018: The Federal Council introduced a new organisational structure to enhance policy coherence and transversal efforts across government departments for sustainable development.
2021: Adoption of the 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy (2030 SDS), which prioritises:
- Sustainable consumption and production
- Climate, energy, and biodiversity
- Equal opportunities and social cohesion
2022: Switzerland continues to engage cantons, cities, communes, business sectors, scientific institutions, and civil society through multi-actor initiatives to advance the 2030 Agenda.

Switzerland