Overview

The 2022 Voluntary National Review (VNR) of the Kingdom of the Netherlands presents the country’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) both within the European Netherlands and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, including Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Since adopting the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda in 2015, the Netherlands has integrated the SDGs into national and international policies, while strengthening cooperation with the European Union, civil society, private sector and international organisations. The VNR highlights significant progress in areas such as climate action, digitalisation, sustainable tourism and institutional cooperation, while also recognising major challenges linked to climate change, biodiversity loss, inequality, poverty and the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report emphasises the importance of integrated policies, partnerships and resilience-building to ensure sustainable and inclusive development for all parts of the Kingdom.

Recommendations

Strengthen long-term investment in climate adaptation, coastal protection and disaster risk reduction, particularly for vulnerable island communities.
Expand economic diversification beyond tourism through innovation, digitalisation, agriculture and sustainable industries.
Improve social protection systems, poverty reduction measures and equal opportunities for vulnerable populations, including women, migrants and young people.
Increase investment in education, lifelong learning and advanced digital skills to strengthen resilience and future labour markets.
Strengthen institutional capacity, governance systems and implementation mechanisms for SDGs across all parts of the Kingdom.
Enhance regional and international cooperation to improve access to finance, technology transfer and capacity building for small island developing states.
Promote circular economy practices, sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation to ensure environmentally sustainable growth.

Conclusion

The Kingdom of the Netherlands has demonstrated strong commitment towards the implementation of the SDGs through climate policies, sustainable tourism initiatives, disaster preparedness strategies, digital transformation and international partnerships. Important measures such as the strengthened Climate Act target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, the establishment of resilience and sustainability programmes across the Caribbean islands, and the expansion of circular economy and biodiversity initiatives reflect positive progress. However, considerable challenges remain, particularly for the Caribbean countries, which continue to face vulnerabilities related to climate change, tourism dependence, poverty, inequality, limited institutional capacity and restricted access to development financing. The VNR concludes that achieving the SDGs by 2030 will require stronger partnerships, long-term investments in resilience and governance, enhanced social inclusion, and integrated approaches that balance economic, environmental and social priorities across the entire Kingdom.

Social Networks

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Country Focal Point

Ms Sandra Pellegrom
Focal Point Sustainable Development Goals
Multilateral Affairs Department
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Hague

Location

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Hague, Netherlands

Get Directions

Region

No Poverty

Score: 3
Justification	The Netherlands recognised poverty reduction as a major priority because, despite being a prosperous country, some groups continued to fall behind, particularly people with lower levels of education and those from non-Western migration backgrounds. The VNR highlighted that inequality and poverty were intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.
Challenges	Poverty and inequality remained persistent challenges. In Aruba, 8.3% of the population lived on less than the international poverty line of $21.70 per day in 2019. In Curaçao, 25.1% of households had incomes below the poverty line in 2011, while at least 36% of households were considered financially fragile and economically vulnerable in 2018. Sint Maarten had not yet established an official poverty line, making poverty measurement difficult. The COVID-19 pandemic further increased unemployment, financial insecurity and pressure on social protection systems.
Progress/ Solution	The Netherlands strengthened policies promoting equal opportunities and socioeconomic security. Aruba implemented the Social Crisis Plan in 2018 through collaboration between government and NGOs. Curaçao introduced the ‘Urgentieprogramma’, a neighbourhood-level anti-poverty action plan covering education, health, employment and the economy. Sint Maarten provided temporary financial assistance, food support and relief programmes during the pandemic with support from the Netherlands. Country Packages were also introduced to improve governance, economic resilience and social cohesion across the Caribbean countries.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite reforms, poverty reduction remained incomplete. High living costs, ageing populations, weak social protection systems and economic dependence on tourism continued to increase vulnerability. The Caribbean countries still lacked sufficient financial resources and institutional capacity to fully address poverty and inequality. Access to external development financing also remained limited because of the Kingdom’s constitutional structure.

Zero Hunger

Score: 3
Justification	The Netherlands considered sustainable food systems and circular agriculture essential to achieving SDG 2. The government linked food security with climate resilience, biodiversity protection and sustainable production systems. Caribbean islands also identified food insecurity as a concern because of their heavy dependence on imported food and climate-related vulnerabilities.
Challenges	The Caribbean islands faced serious structural challenges related to food security due to limited domestic food production, climate change and dependence on imports. Drought, rising temperatures and environmental degradation threatened agricultural productivity. Small island geography and limited natural resources further restricted agricultural expansion.
Progress/ Solution	The Netherlands integrated circular agriculture into its 2050 Circular Economy Programme, aiming to halve the use of primary raw materials by 2030. Curaçao promoted integrated water management and encouraged local food production adapted to the island’s dry climate. Aruba’s circular economy strategy focused on optimising natural resource use and improving environmental sustainability. Sustainable tourism policies also promoted biodiversity conservation and environmental protection to support food systems and livelihoods.
Unsolved Challenges	Food production on the islands remained extremely low, and climate change continued to threaten agricultural sustainability and food availability. Limited institutional capacity, inadequate financing mechanisms and dependence on imported food remained major obstacles to achieving long-term food security.

Good Health

Score: 4
Justification	Food production on the islands remained extremely low, and climate change continued to threaten agricultural sustainability and food availability. Limited institutional capacity, inadequate financing mechanisms and dependence on imported food remained major obstacles to achieving long-term food security.
Challenges	Healthcare systems experienced severe pressure during the pandemic. Aruba’s single hospital had only six intensive care beds, which proved inadequate during the crisis. Curaçao recorded around 30,000 COVID-19 infections and 206 deaths by 19 January 2022 in a population of around 160,000. Delayed treatment for non-COVID patients and increasing demand for mental health services were major concerns. The pandemic also worsened social problems such as domestic violence and school drop-out rates.
Progress/ Solution	Aruba launched its vaccination campaign in February 2021, and by January 2022, 72% of the population had been vaccinated. Curaçao expanded hospital care, introduced vaccination programmes including access for undocumented migrants, and organised emergency aid with NGOs. Sint Maarten activated its Emergency Operations Center and implemented the Sint Maarten Stimulus and Relief Plan to protect businesses and employees. The Netherlands also supported international vaccine access through the WHO COVAX initiative and ACT-A.
Unsolved Challenges	Healthcare systems in the Caribbean countries remained financially and institutionally vulnerable. Ageing populations, increasing healthcare costs, mental health pressures and limited healthcare infrastructure continued to challenge long-term wellbeing. Climate change was also expected to place additional pressure on public health systems in the future.

Quality Education

Score: 4
Justification	The Netherlands identified education as a key factor for equal opportunities, resilience and long-term sustainable development. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the severe impact of disruptions on education, especially for young people. The government therefore prioritised investment in education and equal opportunities to strengthen resilience in the long term.
Challenges	Educational inequality remained a concern, particularly for people with lower levels of education and vulnerable social groups. In Curaçao, the pandemic contributed to increased school drop-out rates. Many Caribbean islands also faced limitations in digital skills, educational infrastructure and institutional capacity. In addition, many students studied abroad but did not return, contributing to skills shortages on the islands.
Progress/ Solution	The Netherlands introduced the Equal Opportunities Alliance to improve equal access to education. Sint Maarten reviewed its education system to improve quality and labour market relevance. Aruba launched SDG Young Voices to increase awareness of sustainable development among young people, while Curaçao established a National SDG Youth Programme focused on Ambassadorship, Advocacy and Action. The University of Curaçao also expanded remote and classroom-based learning opportunities across the islands.
Unsolved Challenges	Educational systems across the Caribbean islands continued to face challenges linked to limited financial resources, digital inclusion and shortages of skilled professionals. Lifelong learning and digital literacy still required further investment to ensure inclusive and future-ready education systems.

Gender Equality

Score: 3
Justification	The Kingdom of the Netherlands recognised gender equality and inclusion as important components of the commitment to “Leave No One Behind”. Ensuring equal participation and protection from discrimination remained central to sustainable development efforts.
Challenges	Gender inequality persisted across the Caribbean countries. In Curaçao, only 21% of parliamentarians were women in 2021. The pandemic also disproportionately affected women through employment losses and social vulnerabilities. Curaçao still had no official recognition of same-sex marriage despite a court ruling stating that refusal to marry same-sex couples constituted discrimination. Delays in incorporating international human rights agreements into national legislation remained another challenge because of limited financial and human resources.
Progress/ Solution	Governments and institutions increasingly promoted inclusive participation and awareness. Aruba strengthened youth and social participation initiatives, while Curaçao created stakeholder platforms involving civil society, academia and youth organisations. The Netherlands appointed a National Antidiscrimination and Antiracism Coordinator in 2021 to advise the government on tackling discrimination more effectively.
Unsolved Challenges	Structural inequalities and discrimination continued to affect women and minority groups. Limited institutional capacity and financial pressures slowed the implementation of reforms promoting gender equality and human rights protection. Social inclusion and equal participation therefore remained ongoing challenges throughout the Kingdom.

Water & Sanitation

Score: 4
Justification	The Netherlands recognised water management and climate adaptation as critical priorities because of the Kingdom’s vulnerability to climate change, rising sea levels and drought. Sustainable management of water resources was also linked to circular economy goals and food security.
Challenges	Climate change increased risks related to water security across the Caribbean islands. Aruba experienced rising seawater temperatures and algal growth, negatively affecting water quality, fisheries and coral reefs. Curaçao faced drought, rough seas and climate-related water management challenges. Coastal infrastructure and populations concentrated in low-lying areas remained highly vulnerable to sea-level rise and flooding.
Progress/ Solution	The Netherlands implemented climate adaptation measures including coastal management and the Room for the River programme. Curaçao developed integrated water management initiatives and expanded climate resilience planning through its Directorate of Risk Management and Disaster Policy. Aruba also aligned its disaster management system with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the SDGs.
Unsolved Challenges	Water-related vulnerabilities linked to climate change, drought and rising sea levels continued to threaten livelihoods and ecosystems. Small island geography, limited resources and insufficient financing constrained long-term investments in sustainable water management and climate resilience.

Clean Energy

Score: 3
Justification	The Kingdom of the Netherlands identified clean energy transition as essential for climate mitigation, resilience and sustainable development. The transition towards renewable and sustainable energy systems was closely linked to climate neutrality goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 2050.
Challenges	The Caribbean islands faced major energy challenges because utility infrastructure was often located in low-lying coastal areas vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters. Small island economies also struggled with limited capacity, high energy costs and dependence on imported fuels. The Netherlands recognised greenhouse gas reduction as one of its greatest challenges.
Progress/ Solution	The Netherlands strengthened its Climate Act target to reduce carbon emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and aimed for approximately 60% fewer emissions by 2030. Sint Maarten launched a public-private partnership to create a stable, sustainable and renewable energy supply while reducing its ecological footprint. Aruba and Curaçao also worked towards responsible energy transitions as part of their climate adaptation and resilience strategies.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite progress, transitioning fully to renewable energy remained difficult because of financial limitations, infrastructure vulnerability and dependence on imported energy sources. Small island states continued to face obstacles related to capacity, investment and climate resilience.

Decent Work

Score: 3
Justification	Economic resilience and sustainable growth were identified as priorities across the Kingdom, particularly after the severe economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sustainable tourism, economic diversification and employment generation were viewed as essential for long-term resilience and prosperity.
Challenges	The Caribbean economies suffered significant economic contractions because of their dependence on tourism. In Aruba, tourist arrivals declined by 68% in 2020 and GDP fell by an estimated 23% compared with 2019. Across many Caribbean islands, economies contracted by at least 10% in 2020. Rising unemployment, business closures and limited economic diversification further weakened resilience.
Progress/ Solution	Countries introduced economic recovery and diversification plans. Aruba developed its Destination Development Plan in 2017 to promote sustainable tourism. Curaçao explored growth in creative industries, IT, agriculture and maritime sectors. Sint Maarten’s economic recovery plan focused on innovation, MSMEs and youth entrepreneurship, including Qredits microfinancing loans of up to $25,000 for SMEs. Country Packages also supported governance reforms and economic resilience.
Unsolved Challenges	The islands remained highly dependent on tourism and vulnerable to future external shocks such as pandemics and climate disasters. Limited institutional capacity, small domestic markets and insufficient financing continued to restrict sustainable economic diversification and long-term job creation.

Industry & Infrastructure

Score: 4
Justification	Innovation, digitalisation and resilient infrastructure were considered crucial for improving economic resilience, public services and disaster preparedness across the Kingdom. Digital transformation was especially important for small island states with limited resources.
Challenges	The islands faced structural limitations due to their small size, lack of economies of scale and limited financial resources. Digitalisation was expensive, while infrastructure remained vulnerable to hurricanes, flooding and climate change. There were also shortages of advanced digital skills and technical expertise.
Progress/ Solution	Curaçao established the Smart Nation Curaçao Platform to implement long-term digital transformation and smart city initiatives. Sint Maarten launched the Digital Government Transformation Project with World Bank support to improve public services and digital resilience. Aruba implemented its eGovernment Road Map 2020–2025 and introduced a Digital ID strategy. The islands also invested in disaster management infrastructure and regional cooperation systems following recent hurricanes.
Unsolved Challenges	Further investment was still needed in digital inclusion, cybersecurity, infrastructure resilience and advanced technical skills. Financial constraints and limited institutional capacity continued to slow infrastructure modernisation and innovation efforts across the Caribbean countries.

Inequality

Score: 3
Justification	Reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive societies were major priorities for the Kingdom of the Netherlands under the principle of “Leave No One Behind”. The VNR recognised that prosperity and opportunities were not equally shared among all groups.
Challenges	Persistent inequalities affected people with lower levels of education, migrants and vulnerable social groups. Discrimination remained a continuing problem in the Netherlands. In Curaçao, implementation of human rights agreements was often delayed because of limited financial and human resources. The COVID-19 pandemic also worsened inequalities, especially among youth, women and immigrants.
Progress/ Solution	The Netherlands appointed a National Antidiscrimination and Antiracism Coordinator in 2021 to strengthen anti-discrimination measures. Sint Maarten developed its National Vision through inclusive national dialogues aimed at improving quality of life and reaching those “farthest behind first”. Aruba and Curaçao also expanded stakeholder engagement and social protection initiatives to improve inclusion and equality.
Unsolved Challenges	Inequalities linked to education, migration background, income and social exclusion remained unresolved. The Caribbean countries continued to struggle with limited social protection systems, high living costs and financial pressures, while vulnerable groups remained disproportionately exposed to poverty and economic insecurity.

Sustainable Cities

Score: 3
Justification	The Netherlands identified sustainable and resilient communities as essential because climate change, urbanisation and natural disasters increasingly threatened infrastructure, housing and livelihoods. Particular attention was given to the vulnerability of coastal and island communities.
Challenges	The Caribbean islands faced serious risks from hurricanes, sea-level rise, flooding and coastal degradation. In September 2017, Sint Maarten was devastated by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, which together caused an estimated US$2.7 billion in damage. At least 40% of Aruba’s population was considered directly exposed and potentially displaced by sea-level rise and flooding scenarios. Coastal ecosystems and infrastructure had also deteriorated because of tourism growth, overconsumption and uncontrolled coastal construction.
Progress/ Solution	Sint Maarten developed a National Disaster Risk Management Strategy, including a Disaster Management Office, early warning systems and disaster financing mechanisms. Aruba aligned its disaster management system with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and expanded protected coastal areas. Curaçao adopted the National Ordinance on Disaster Management on 1 October 2021 to improve risk prevention, preparedness and crisis management.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite reforms, the islands remained highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters because populations and infrastructure were concentrated in coastal zones. Limited institutional capacity, financial resources and long-term investment continued to hinder resilience-building and sustainable urban development.

Responsible Consumption

Score: 3
Justification	The Netherlands considered circular production and consumption essential for reducing environmental pressure, limiting waste and supporting climate goals. Circularity was also linked to sustainable tourism and long-term economic resilience.
Challenges	The Caribbean islands experienced increasing environmental degradation caused by overconsumption, tourism growth and uncontrolled coastal infrastructure development. Small island economies also faced difficulties in achieving circular transitions because of limited economies of scale, insufficient financing and restricted institutional capacity.
Progress/ Solution	The Netherlands adopted the ambition of achieving a fully circular economy by 2050 and reducing the use of primary raw materials by 50% by 2030. Aruba integrated circularity into tourism and sustainability policies, while Curaçao promoted sustainability-focused tourism planning supported by environmental and social impact assessments. Circular practices were increasingly linked to climate adaptation and economic innovation.
Unsolved Challenges	The integration of sustainable, circular and climate-proof practices into tourism and production systems remained incomplete. Financial constraints, limited technical capacity and short-term economic pressures continued to slow the transition towards fully sustainable consumption and production models.

Climate Action

Score: 4
Justification	Climate change was recognised as one of the greatest threats facing both the European and Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. The Netherlands emphasised that climate adaptation and mitigation were urgent priorities because rising temperatures, hurricanes and sea-level rise threatened lives, biodiversity and economic stability.
Challenges	The Caribbean islands were increasingly exposed to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, droughts and coastal erosion. Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused severe destruction in Sint Maarten in 2017. Climate change also threatened tourism-dependent economies, ecosystems and public health. Limited financial resources and institutional capacity made climate adaptation more difficult for the islands.
Progress/ Solution	The Netherlands strengthened its Climate Act target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Aruba expanded protected natural areas and adopted climate adaptation measures. Bonaire established a climate roundtable to develop adaptation strategies with stakeholders. Curaçao introduced disaster risk reduction policies and regional climate cooperation initiatives, while Sint Maarten developed disaster preparedness and early warning systems.
Unsolved Challenges	Climate change continued to pose an existential threat to the Caribbean islands because of their geographic vulnerability and limited adaptive capacity. Long-term climate resilience required major investments in infrastructure, governance and disaster preparedness, which remained financially challenging.

Life Below Water

Score: 3
Justification	Marine ecosystems and biodiversity were considered vital for sustainable tourism, fisheries and climate resilience across the Caribbean islands. Protecting oceans and coastal ecosystems was therefore closely linked to economic sustainability and environmental wellbeing.
Challenges	Marine ecosystems suffered from climate change, ocean acidification, rising sea temperatures, overconsumption and coastal construction. Coral reefs and coastal biodiversity were increasingly threatened across the islands. Sargassum seaweed influxes also created environmental and economic difficulties for Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
Progress/ Solution	Aruba enlarged its national park to include additional coastal wetlands and established Aruba Parke Marino, the island’s first Marine Protected Area. Curaçao strengthened partnerships with UNESCO and international organisations to promote sustainable tourism and marine protection. Regional cooperation through the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanic Commission and the Ocean Decade also supported marine research and climate resilience initiatives.
Unsolved Challenges	Marine and coastal ecosystems remained highly vulnerable to climate change and tourism pressures. Limited financial resources, insufficient institutional capacity and the need for stronger regional cooperation continued to hinder long-term marine conservation efforts.

Life on Land

Score: 3
Justification	The Netherlands identified biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration as major priorities because environmental degradation and climate change threatened terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable tourism and long-term resilience. Biodiversity conservation was also considered essential for achieving sustainable development across the Caribbean islands.
Challenges	The Caribbean islands experienced severe environmental degradation caused by climate change, tourism growth, overconsumption and uncontrolled coastal construction. Terrestrial and coastal ecosystems had significantly deteriorated over recent decades. Droughts, rising temperatures and biodiversity loss also threatened ecosystems and livelihoods.
Progress/ Solution	Aruba expanded its national park, which already covered almost 18% of the island, by adding coastal wetland areas important for biodiversity conservation. Aruba also established four Marine Protected Areas under Aruba Parke Marino. Curaçao strengthened partnerships with UNESCO and international organisations to support sustainable tourism and ecosystem protection. Bonaire initiated a climate roundtable to develop environmental adaptation measures together with stakeholders.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite conservation initiatives, biodiversity and ecosystems remained under pressure from climate change, tourism expansion and limited institutional capacity. Long-term ecosystem restoration required greater financial investment, stronger governance and improved regional cooperation.

Peace & Justice

Score: 4
Justification	The Netherlands recognised strong institutions, rule of law and inclusive governance as essential foundations for sustainable development. Strengthening democratic institutions and public administration was particularly important for the Caribbean countries, which faced governance and capacity constraints.
Challenges	The Caribbean countries struggled with limited institutional capacity, underfunded public bodies and difficulties implementing international agreements. Delays in incorporating human rights conventions into national legislation were caused by shortages of financial and human resources. Disaster management and crisis response systems also required significant strengthening after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
Progress/ Solution	The Netherlands agreed Country Packages with Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten to strengthen public finances, governance and institutional resilience. Curaçao adopted the National Ordinance on Disaster Management on 1 October 2021. Sint Maarten developed a National Disaster Risk Management Strategy and planned the establishment of a dedicated Disaster Management Office. In 2021, the Netherlands also appointed a National Antidiscrimination and Antiracism Coordinator to strengthen equality and institutional accountability.
Unsolved Challenges	Institutional weaknesses, financial limitations and limited human resources continued to hinder effective governance and implementation of SDG-related reforms. The Caribbean countries still lacked sufficient resources to respond adequately to crises and fully implement sustainable development measures.

Partnerships

Score: 4
Justification	The Netherlands viewed partnerships as essential for implementing the SDGs because sustainable development challenges were interconnected and required cooperation across governments, international organisations, civil society and the private sector. Small island states particularly depended on regional and international partnerships because of limited capacity and resources.
Challenges	The Caribbean countries faced serious constraints in terms of financial resources, institutional capacity and access to development financing. Because of their small size, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten lacked sufficient capacity and funds to participate fully in all international partnerships and SDG initiatives. Maintaining international networks and complying with agreements also placed heavy burdens on the civil service.
Progress/ Solution	The Netherlands strengthened partnerships through the Country Packages and cooperation with regional and international organisations. Aruba, UNDP and the Kingdom of the Netherlands established a Centre of Excellence for the Sustainable Development of SIDS in Aruba. The six Caribbean islands also participated in the EU-funded RESEMBID programme launched on 1 January 2019 for a duration of 58 months. Curaçao and Aruba cooperated with UNESCO and regional climate organisations, while Sint Maarten joined the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF).
Unsolved Challenges	Access to external development financing remained limited because of the constitutional structure of the Kingdom. The Caribbean countries still depended heavily on external support for finance, technology transfer, institutional strengthening and climate resilience. Sustaining partnerships and scaling up cooperation therefore remained critical challenges for achieving the SDGs by 2030.

SDGs World Progress: On-Track

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

Country Challenges

Climate change remains one of the greatest threats to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, particularly for the Caribbean islands that are highly vulnerable to hurricanes, sea-level rise, droughts and coastal erosion.
In September 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused an estimated US$2.7 billion in damage in Sint Maarten, severely affecting infrastructure, livelihoods and economic recovery.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed structural vulnerabilities in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, especially due to their heavy economic dependence on tourism and imports.
Aruba experienced a 68% decline in tourist arrivals in 2020, while GDP declined by an estimated 23% compared with 2019. Many Caribbean Island economies contracted by at least 10% in 2020.
Poverty and inequality remained serious concerns. In Aruba, 8.3% of the population lived below the international poverty line of US$21.70 per day in 2019. In Curaçao, 25.1% of households lived below the poverty line in 2011, while at least 36% of households were financially fragile in 2018.
Small island geography, limited institutional capacity and insufficient public funding restricted implementation of SDGs and climate adaptation initiatives.
Biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and uncontrolled coastal development continued to threaten marine and terrestrial ecosystems across the Caribbean islands.

Country Lessons Learned

Integrated approaches linking climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, economic resilience and social inclusion are essential for sustainable development.
Small island states can strengthen resilience through regional cooperation, South-South cooperation and partnerships with international organisations.
Sustainable tourism can support economic growth while simultaneously promoting biodiversity conservation, circularity and climate action when supported by coherent policies.
Digitalisation can improve public services, economic diversification and governance efficiency even in countries with limited resources.
Disaster preparedness systems should include early warning mechanisms, institutional coordination and disaster financing strategies to improve resilience to future crises.
Inclusive policymaking through national dialogues, stakeholder participation and youth engagement strengthens implementation of the SDGs and promotes social cohesion.
Climate adaptation and environmental protection should be integrated into economic planning and infrastructure development, particularly in coastal and tourism-dependent economies.

Country Contribution

The Netherlands strengthened its Climate Act target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, with an ambition of around 60% reduction by 2030.
Aruba launched the Destination Development Plan in 2017 to promote innovative and sustainable tourism for the benefit of society.
Aruba expanded its national park, which covers almost 18% of the island, and established Aruba Parke Marino as the island’s first Marine Protected Area.
Aruba’s Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort became the Caribbean’s first carbon-neutral certified hotel and received the UN Global Climate Action Award in 2020 under the Climate Neutral Now category.
Since April 2020, the Netherlands has provided liquidity support to Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten to reduce the socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 and strengthen public finances and economic resilience.
Curaçao adopted the National Ordinance on Disaster Management on 1 October 2021 to improve disaster prevention, risk management and crisis preparedness.
Aruba, UNDP and the Kingdom of the Netherlands established a Centre of Excellence for the Sustainable Development of SIDS in Aruba to support innovation and resilience in small island developing states.
The six Caribbean islands participated in the EU-funded RESEMBID programme launched on 1 January 2019 for a duration of 58 months to strengthen resilience, sustainable energy and marine biodiversity.
Aruba introduced an innovation and digital transformation strategy in 2018, followed by the eGovernment Road Map 2020–2025 and Digital ID strategy.

Netherlands

Overview

Social Networks

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Country Focal Point

Location

Region

No Poverty

Zero Hunger

Good Health

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Water & Sanitation

Clean Energy

Decent Work

Industry & Infrastructure

Inequality

Sustainable Cities

Responsible Consumption

Climate Action

Life Below Water

Life on Land

Peace & Justice

Partnerships

SDGs World Progress: On-Track

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

Country Challenges

Country Lessons Learned

Country Contribution

You May Also Be Interested In

European Union

The European Union’s (EU) 2023 Voluntary National Review (VNR) marks a historic milestone as the first…

Saudi Arabia

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a global framework to…

Netherlands

Overview

Social Networks

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Country Focal Point

Location

Region

No Poverty

Zero Hunger

Good Health

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Water & Sanitation

Clean Energy

Decent Work

Industry & Infrastructure

Inequality

Sustainable Cities

Responsible Consumption

Climate Action

Life Below Water

Life on Land

Peace & Justice

Partnerships

SDGs World Progress: On-Track

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

Country Challenges

Country Lessons Learned

Country Contribution

You May Also Be Interested In

European Union

The European Union’s (EU) 2023 Voluntary National Review (VNR) marks a historic milestone as the first…

Canada

Canada’s 2023 Voluntary National Review (VNR), titled A Continued Journey for Implementing the 2030 Agenda…

Saudi Arabia

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a global framework to…