Overview
Italy submitted its Third Voluntary National Review (VNR) in 2026 to present the country's progress towards implementing the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The VNR outlines Italy's commitment to integrating sustainable development into national policymaking through the National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS), supported by the principles of Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD). The report emphasises whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches, strengthening coordination among national, regional and local authorities while promoting active participation by civil society, academia, the private sector and young people. It also highlights the growing role of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and Voluntary Regional Reviews (VRRs) in localising the SDGs and improving accountability. The VNR reports that Italy monitors SDG implementation through the National Statistical System, led by Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), using a comprehensive set of official indicators integrated with national planning. According to the statistical assessment, more than 50% of SDG measures improved in the latest year and more than 60% improved over the last decade, although progress remains uneven across Goals and regions. The report also highlights major policy priorities, including climate action, sustainable urban development, education for sustainable development, sustainable finance, biodiversity conservation and international partnerships to accelerate achievement of the SDGs.
Recommendations
- Strengthen measures to reduce regional socio-economic disparities, particularly in Southern Italy.
- Accelerate action in SDGs showing limited or deteriorating progress, especially health, gender equality and inequality reduction.
- Further integrate climate, energy and environmental strategies within the NSDS to improve policy coherence.
- Expand SDG localisation by increasing participation in Local and Regional Voluntary Reviews across all territories.
- Enhance learning recovery initiatives to address post-pandemic educational gaps.
- Increase support for MSMEs to improve sustainability reporting, ESG adoption and participation in sustainable finance initiatives.
- Continue strengthening the national statistical monitoring system and evidence-based policymaking to ensure effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Conclusion
Italy's 2026 VNR demonstrates continued national commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda through integrated governance, evidence-based policymaking and strengthened policy coherence. The NSDS provides the central framework for aligning sustainable development with national strategies, supported by robust statistical monitoring and increasing stakeholder engagement. Long-term progress is particularly evident in responsible consumption and production, marine conservation and terrestrial ecosystems, while sustainable urban development and education for sustainable development continue to receive significant policy attention. Despite these achievements, the VNR acknowledges that significant challenges remain. Regional inequalities, uneven SDG performance, incomplete post-pandemic educational recovery, and the need for stronger integration of climate, energy and sustainable development policies continue to require sustained action. Italy concludes that stronger partnerships, enhanced multi-level governance, improved policy coherence and continuous monitoring through the National Statistical System will be essential to accelerate progress and ensure that no one is left behind in achieving the SDGs.
