Overview

Norway’s second Voluntary National Review (VNR), submitted to the United Nations (UN) High-level Political Forum in 2021, presents a comprehensive and inclusive assessment of progress towards the 2030 Agenda, building on Norway’s first VNR submitted in 2016. It draws on contributions from government entities, civil society, academia and the private sector, and is grounded in evidence from statistics, evaluations, research and official reports. The review provides a detailed progress report on all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), based on two independent assessments conducted by line ministries and civil society, alongside an evaluation of SDG implementation at regional and municipal levels. It reflects Norway’s strong institutional commitment to sustainable development, embedded in national policies and reported annually to Parliament, and highlights recent advances in coordination, multi-level governance and stakeholder engagement, with peer support from Denmark and Indonesia during the preparatory process, in line with UN voluntary common reporting guidelines.

Conclusion

Norway has demonstrated strong commitment to global development, meeting key targets such as doubling ODA to low-income countries in 2019 and providing 0.20% of GNI to Least Developed Countries. Through initiatives like co-leading the Digital Public Goods Alliance, supporting duty-free access for LDCs, and maintaining high levels of development aid, Norway strengthens domestic resource mobilisation and promotes sustainable development worldwide. Challenges remain in inter-ministerial coordination, comprehensive SDG planning, and strengthening global debt architecture, while COVID-19 has temporarily affected progress. Continued investment, policy coherence, and inclusive partnerships with civil society and the private sector are essential to sustain Norway’s leadership in implementing the 2030 Agenda.

Recommendations

Improve inter-ministerial coordination and harmonise policies with SDGs: Ensure all government ministries align actions and laws with SDG goals to avoid policy gaps and inefficiencies.
Implement a comprehensive national SDG plan and involve Statistics Norway fully: Develop a clear roadmap for SDG implementation, with robust data collection and monitoring by Statistics Norway.
Strengthen global debt architecture and responsible lending practices: Support fair and transparent sovereign debt management to prevent crises and protect vulnerable countries.
Sustain ODA post-COVID-19 and increase investment in developing countries: Maintain 1% of GNI as ODA and boost funding to support recovery, education, health, and resource mobilisation in low-income countries.
Expand public-private-civil society partnerships for SDG implementation: Enhance collaboration between government, businesses, and civil society to accelerate progress on SDGs globally.

Social Networks

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Country Focal Point

Mr Paul Gulleik Larsen
Project Manager
Section for UN Policy
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Location

Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oslo, Norway

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Region

No Poverty

Score: 4
Justification	Norway’s approach to poverty reduction is justified by its universal welfare model, under which extreme poverty is virtually non-existent. In 2018, only 0.3% of the population lived on less than Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) USD 1.90 per day, reflecting the effectiveness of comprehensive social security, equal access to health care and education, and the National Insurance Scheme, which provides income protection in cases of sickness, unemployment, disability, old age and family-related needs. From an international perspective, income inequality and poverty levels in Norway remain low.
Challenges	Despite strong fundamentals, relative and multidimensional poverty has increased. The proportion of people living in low-income households rose from 8.1% in 2011 to 10.1% in 2021, while the share of children growing up in persistently low-income households increased from 7.7% in 2011 to 11.7% in 2019, affecting 115,000 children, over half of whom had immigrant backgrounds. In 2019, 24 %of people aged 16 and over could not afford an unexpected expense of Norwegian Krone (NOK) 18,000 (approx. USD 2,045), and 5% could not afford dental care. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated vulnerabilities, with unemployment rising to around 7% of the workforce in mid-March 2021, compared to 4.8% in 2016, and 9.2% unemployment among immigrants in Fourth Quarter (Q4) 2020.
Progress/ Solution	Norway has implemented targeted strategies to address these challenges, including the National Strategy to Reduce Child Poverty (2015–2017), followed by the Strategy for Children and Youth in Low-income Families (2020–2023), increased universal child benefits, and expanded grants for children’s participation in social and leisure activities. Policy initiatives such as the reinforced youth employment effort (2017), a nationwide labour market inclusion programme (2018), and the White Paper on counteracting inequality (2019) aim to strengthen labour market participation, particularly among vulnerable groups. Internationally, Norway has demonstrated leadership by maintaining Official Development Assistance at an annual average of 1.04% of Gross National Income (GNI) (2016–2020), peaking at 1.11 %in 2020, with ODA to least developed and low-income countries increasing from 48% to 56% over the same period.
Unsolved Challenges	Persistent low income, rising child poverty and unequal labour market attachment—especially among people with immigrant backgrounds—remain unresolved concerns. While material deprivation is low, social exclusion, psychological stress and health inequalities linked to economic hardship persist. Climate adaptation financing within ODA remains relatively limited, despite growing exposure of vulnerable groups to future shocks. Addressing these issues will require stronger labour market reintegration, child-sensitive and index-linked social protection, reduced regional disparities, and sustained commitments to spending at least 1% of GNI on development assistance to support both national and global poverty eradication efforts.

Zero Hunger

Score: 5
Justification	Food security in Norway is strong, and hunger has been eradicated, with the entire population having access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food throughout the year. No significant malnutrition exists in the general population, supported by well-developed agricultural and maritime institutions that ensure equal access to knowledge, finance and technology. Norway safeguards food production through sustainable management of fisheries, grasslands and limited arable land, while genetic resources are preserved through the Nordic gene bank system and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which by 2021 stored 1,081,026 seed samples from 87 gene banks.
Challenges	Despite overall food security, dietary and structural challenges persist. Overweight and obesity are major concerns, with 15–20% of children classified as obese, and Norway having the highest obesity rates among Nordic countries. Around one-third of elderly people in hospitals and municipal care are malnourished or at risk. Climate change increasingly threatens agriculture, soil health and grazing land, including reindeer husbandry. Food self-sufficiency remains low at approximately 40%, while the grocery retail market is highly concentrated, with three chains controlling 98% of market share. Internationally, only 6% of Norwegian development aid in 2017 supported food security and agriculture.
Progress/ Solution	Norway has implemented multiple policy frameworks, including the Action Plan for Healthier and Better Diets (2017–2021), Action Plan on Sustainable Food Systems (2019–2023), National Strategy on Protection of Agricultural Land (revised 2021), and the Climate Action Plan for 2021–2030. The country has committed to the 4 per 1000 Initiative to increase soil carbon stocks and has agreements with farmers’ organisations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and food loss. Agricultural land conversion targets have been met in recent years, and food waste reduction and biogas production from food waste have increased.
Unsolved Challenges	Key unresolved issues include persistent obesity, malnutrition among older people, low national self-sufficiency, and vulnerability arising from retail market concentration. Climate adaptation needs in food production remain pressing, particularly soil protection and biodiversity conservation. Internationally, Norway faces the challenge of scaling up support for food security and agriculture, including doubling development aid in this area, increasing climate adaptation finance to 50% of climate funding, and ensuring long-term, predictable support for small-scale producers, both domestically and globally.

Good Health

Score: 4
Justification	Norway’s strong performance on health is underpinned by a universal health-care system with high-quality services and low financial barriers. Maternal mortality is very low, maternity care is safe and staffed by highly skilled personnel, and mortality among infants and children under five is below 3 per 1,000 live births. Life expectancy continues to rise and reached 85 years for women and 81.5 years for men in 2020. Deaths from communicable and water-borne diseases are rare, vaccination programmes are effective, and universal access to sexual and reproductive health services is largely ensured.
Challenges	Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain the main burden of disease, driven by declining physical activity, unhealthy diets, smoking and harmful alcohol use, all of which are closely linked to social inequality. Mental health problems are increasing, particularly among young people, and suicide remains a significant cause of premature death, especially among men. Social disparities persist, with individuals with only primary or lower secondary education living around five years less than those with higher education. Drug-related overdoses remain relatively high, dental care coverage is limited to certain groups, and air pollution continues to pose health risks in some urban areas.
Progress/ Solution	Norway has achieved its target of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by 25% by 2025, subsequently strengthening the ambition to a one-third reduction by 2030. Smoking rates have declined significantly, contributing to lower cardiovascular and cancer mortality, supported by one of the world’s strictest tobacco policies. Key policy measures include the National Action Plan for Better Nutrition (2017–2021), Strategy for Good Mental Health (2017–2022), Action Plan for Mental Health in Children and Youth (2019–2024), National Alcohol Strategy (2020–2025) and the Action Plan for Physical Activity (2020–2029). Globally, Norway has played a leading role during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing over USD 500 million to the ACT-Accelerator and providing substantial support to Gavi, CEPI, WHO and related global health initiatives.
Unsolved Challenges	Key unresolved issues include rising obesity, insufficient political follow-up on physical activity and diet targets, persistent social inequalities in health, and high rates of drug-related deaths compared to other countries. Access to sexual and reproductive health services remains unequal for some groups, including the Sámi population, undocumented migrants and sex workers. Emerging risks linked to climate change, environmental toxins and antibiotic resistance require closer monitoring. Internationally, while Norway has launched an NCD strategy, NCDs—particularly mental health—are not yet sufficiently prioritised in development policy, despite their growing threat to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Quality Education

Score: 5
Justification	Norway’s education system is founded on the principle of free and equal access at all levels. Primary and secondary education are free and compulsory, with 98% of pupils continuing into upper secondary education in 2019, while 98% of five-year-olds attended kindergarten in the same year. Tertiary education is largely free of charge and of high quality, contributing to strong overall performance on SDG 4. In 2020, Norway embedded Education for Sustainable Development in the national curriculum as one of three cross-disciplinary themes.
Challenges	Completion of upper secondary education remains a key challenge. Of the cohort that started upper secondary education in 2013, only 78.1% completed within five or six years, although this represents an improvement of 6 percentage points compared to the 2006 cohort. Gender disparities persist, with boys consistently underperforming in reading and most subjects, and only 40% of men aged 25–34 attaining higher or higher vocational education in 2019, compared to 58% of women. In addition, 10% of the population has poor reading skills and 15% has weak numeracy, while 64% of students with physical disabilities do not complete their education.
Progress/ Solution	A series of reforms has been introduced between 2016 and 2021, including the Completion Reform in Upper Secondary Education (White Paper, 2020–2021), the Skills Reform (2019–2020), and the curriculum renewal (Fagfornyelsen) implemented in 2020. Measures to strengthen vocational education and secure apprenticeships have been prioritised, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Norwegian 15-year-olds perform slightly above the OECD average in reading and mathematics, and at the OECD average in science, demonstrating steady learning outcomes.
Unsolved Challenges	Persistent dropout rates, especially among boys and students in vocational tracks, remain unresolved. Shortages of qualified teachers and limited training in Education for Sustainable Development and Comprehensive Sexuality Education constrain effective implementation of the new curriculum. Inclusion of pupils with disabilities is insufficient, with only 30% continuing to upper secondary education alongside peers. Internationally, while Norway prioritises education in development policy, challenges remain in scaling up inclusive, non-profit, rights-based education support to meet growing global needs.

Gender Equality

Score: 4
Justification	Norway has a high level of gender equality, supported by strong legal frameworks, universal welfare services and extensive family-friendly policies. Women’s employment rates are nearly as high as men’s, parental leave is divided into three equal parts between mother, father and a shared period, and access to childcare is guaranteed with capped fees. Norway ranked 2nd out of 153 countries in the World Economic Forum Gender Gap Report 2020, reflecting long-term political commitment, effective anti-discrimination legislation and broad access to sexual and reproductive health services, including comprehensive sexuality education, contraception and safe abortion.
Challenges	Despite progress, gender-based violence remains a serious concern, including domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment, forced marriage and honour-related violence. Structural inequalities persist in the labour market, where women’s average wages were 87.5% of men’s wages in 2020, and part-time work and occupational segregation remain widespread. Women are significantly underrepresented in economic decision-making in the private sector: only 14% of CEOs of the 200 largest Norwegian companies were women in 2020. Minority and Sámi women face additional barriers, including unequal access to services and exposure to discrimination and online harassment.
Progress/ Solution	Norway has strengthened its equality framework through a series of national action plans, including the Escalation Plan to Fight Violence and Abuse (2017–2021), the Action Plan to Combat Negative Social Control, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (2017–2020), and the National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Rape (2019–2022). As of 2020, employers are legally required to make systematic efforts to promote gender equality and prevent discrimination. Fathers’ use of parental leave reached a historic high in 2020, and women’s participation in higher education has increased markedly, including in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Unsolved Challenges	Persistent economic inequality, gender segregation in the labour market and underrepresentation of women in private-sector leadership remain unresolved. Access to sexual and reproductive health services is uneven due to geographical distance, and changes to abortion regulations in 2019 have raised equity concerns. Violence against women has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, both in Norway and globally. Further challenges include limited integration of gender perspectives in climate policy, insufficient intersectional approaches, and the need for stronger follow-up on international commitments, including increased development assistance where gender equality is a principal objective.

Water & Sanitation

Score:5
Justification	Norway provides universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, adequate sanitation and hygiene, with open defecation eliminated nationwide. Drinking water quality has improved over the last 20–30 years, largely due to the National Programme for Water Supply, and almost 100% of the population now receives treated water meeting high-quality standards. Most wastewater is treated, and the majority of the population is connected to municipal wastewater systems. Norway has also implemented integrated water management under the EU Water Framework Directive, protected key water-related ecosystems, prohibited new cultivation of bogs since June 2020, and established programmes for river restoration and transboundary water cooperation.
Challenges	Key challenges include an ageing pipeline network, with approximately 30% of water lost before reaching consumers, and insufficient adaptation of water and sanitation systems to climate change, including floods and rising sea levels. About 525,000 residents rely on private wells or small water plants without regulatory oversight. Sectoral coordination and inter-municipal cooperation remain limited, slowing integrated water management. 35% of lake and river bodies are degraded, with 12% heavily modified, while surveillance of chemical water quality remains weak. Norway also faces a negative global water footprint, contributing to ecotoxicity, eutrophication and overuse in other countries.
Progress/ Solution	Norway has made significant strides in protecting freshwater ecosystems, wetlands, peatlands and rivers, supported by strategies such as the Plan for the Restoration of Wetlands (2021–2025) and the Strategy for the Restoration of Watercourses (2021–2030). Prohibition of agricultural conversion of bogs since June 2020 has strengthened ecosystem protection. Investment in WASH humanitarian aid has reached 6.3 billion NOK in 2021, with an estimated 1,443,247 beneficiaries in crisis-affected countries through Norwegian Church Aid. The country is gradually improving transparency and public participation in water management and promoting integrated water management practices.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite progress, underinvestment in pipeline maintenance, slow restoration of degraded ecosystems, and insufficient monitoring threaten long-term water security. Current funding for global WASH initiatives remains low, at approximately 0.4% of Norway’s annual ODA. Implementation of integrated water management is slow and underfinanced, with strong sectoral division. Without stronger national and international action, Norway risks missing its 2025 and 2030 targets for ecosystem restoration and sustainable water use. There is a need for mandatory reporting on water efficiency, labelling of imported goods’ water footprint, and greater alignment of corporate and public practices with SDG 6.

Clean Energy

Score: 5
Justification	Norway provides universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services, with almost 100% of electricity production from renewable sources, mainly hydropower and increasing wind power. The renewable energy share of total final energy consumption is around 73% (EU Renewable Energy Directive definition). Energy intensity is low and has steadily improved over the last 30 years, with the Government aiming for a 30% improvement by 2030 compared with 2015. Norway has effectively phased out fossil fuels in the building sector and is progressively electrifying the transport sector, with over 50% of new cars electric and plans to sell only electric cars from 2025.
Challenges	Norway faces high per capita energy consumption and significant fossil fuel use offshore, where only 51% of total energy use is renewable. Oil and gas exploration increases emissions and diverts renewable energy for offshore electrification. Hydropower and wind development can negatively impact ecosystems (SDGs 14 and 15). Electrification of industry and transport may strain transmission capacity regionally. Energy efficiency targets are unmet, with no comprehensive national policy in place to achieve SDG 7.3. Existing building stock has substantial untapped efficiency potential, and Norway’s continued expansion of transport infrastructure increases energy demand.
Progress/ Solution	Norway has successfully electrified buildings, developed a largely renewable electricity sector, and invested heavily in clean energy globally via Norfund, with a portfolio of NOK 11.9 billion (USD 1.4 billion) in renewable energy by the end of 2019, reducing CO2 emissions by 4.6 million tonnes. Key policy initiatives include Meld. St. 25 (2015–2016) Power for Change, Meld. St. 28 (2019–2020) Land-based Wind Power, and the Norwegian Hydrogen Strategy (2020). CO2 taxation will rise to 200 EUR/tonne by 2030, incentivising reduced emissions. Norway also maintains universal access to modern energy domestically, with practically no energy poverty.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite strong renewable generation, total renewable energy use is limited by offshore fossil fuel production. Energy efficiency improvements are slow, and no strategy exists to double the energy efficiency improvement rate as required by SDG 7.3. Hydropower and wind expansion risks harming biodiversity and ecosystem services. Norway continues issuing oil and gas licences, delaying fossil fuel phase-out. Development aid for basic access to energy has decreased, and energy-intensive sectors lack mandatory efficiency measures. A comprehensive policy is needed to prioritise sustainable energy production, optimise existing energy use, and safeguard ecosystems while meeting climate and biodiversity commitments.

Decent Work

Score: 4
Justification	Norway’s economy is among the strongest globally, with one of the highest GDP per capita and productivity levels in the world. In 2019, 76.5% of those aged 20–66 were employed. The business sector shows strong innovation performance, with 65,600 new companies established in 2019, a 40% increase since 2011. Greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP have halved since 1990, reflecting sustainable growth. Norway also maintains a relatively low NEET rate and has joined Alliance 8.7 to end forced labour, modern slavery, and trafficking.
Challenges	Norway faces long-term pressures from population ageing, with the old-age dependency ratio set to rise significantly in coming decades. Certain groups—people with disabilities, immigrants, and youth without completed education—have lower employment rates. Vulnerable workers, especially immigrants, are at risk of exploitation due to low unionisation and limited labour market coverage. The COVID-19 pandemic increased unemployment, exacerbating these risks. Nationally, there is a lack of policy coherence across SDG 8 targets, and trade agreements sometimes prioritise economic interests over human and labour rights. In 2020, 28 work-related deaths were reported, highlighting ongoing workplace safety issues.
Progress/ Solution	Norway has promoted entrepreneurship and innovation, safeguarded workers’ rights, and proposed strong due diligence legislation for companies to disclose human rights, labour, and environmental impacts. Norway supports the ILO Centenary Declaration (2019) and international decent work initiatives. Aid programmes combat modern slavery and support sustainable destinations. Labour protection frameworks, collective bargaining rights, and strong legislation ensure safe workplaces. Norway’s development aid focuses on gender equality, economic empowerment of youth, and protection of vulnerable workers.
Unsolved Challenges	Norway still has gaps in protecting vulnerable workers, particularly immigrant labour, from exploitation and sexual abuse. Digital sexual exploitation of children and youth remains unaddressed in global policy. Enforcement of labour standards is limited by resource constraints in government agencies. Gender-responsive corporate due diligence is not fully implemented, and environmental sustainability standards in trade agreements require strengthening. Skills gaps and employment disparities persist among marginalised groups, and policy coherence across SDG 8 targets is insufficient to fully achieve inclusive, safe, and sustainable economic growth.

Industry & Infrastructure

Score: 4
Justification	Norway has a well-developed infrastructure and high investment in communications networks. Nearly 100% of the population has 4G coverage, and the first 5G network opened in March 2020. Public research and development (R&D) expenditures increased to 2.06% of GDP in 2018, supporting innovation and the green transition. Norway has also made sustainable industrial practices and digitalisation central to business and public policy, strengthening competitiveness and environmental performance.
Challenges	Norwegian industries still need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with oil and gas, industry, and transport being the main sources. Long-term transport plans (Nasjonal Transportplan 2018–2029, 2022–2033) lack sufficient focus on sustainability and modal shifts from road to rail or sea. Freight transport could increase rail capacity by 40% without new tracks, but investments are limited. Norway relies heavily on importing medical specialists, vaccines, and critical equipment, which poses sustainability risks. Internationally, Norway does not fully support technology transfer regulations in WTO e-commerce negotiations, limiting digital development in low-income countries.
Progress/ Solution	Norway has developed reliable electronic services, broadband, and mobile networks, and promotes sustainable R&D. Public funds support industrial innovation, clean technology, and the transition to a low-emission society. Investments in 5G, partnerships with the World Bank for ICT in Africa (2019), and the Digital Public Goods Alliance strengthen global digital access. Grant schemes facilitate private-sector engagement in sustainable projects. Norway promotes sustainable bioeconomy strategies (2016) and long-term research plans (2018–2028) to support innovation.
Unsolved Challenges	Sustainable transport, including a shift from road to rail and sea freight, remains insufficiently addressed. Industry adaptation to climate-friendly operations is incomplete, and R&D funding still prioritises domestic benefit over knowledge transfer to developing countries. Domestic dependency on imported medical specialists and essential equipment persists. Internationally, innovation support is sometimes tied to commercial promotion of Norwegian companies rather than global development. Norway needs stronger frameworks for sustainable industrial transformation, medical self-sufficiency, and fair technology transfer to developing countries.

Inequality

Score: 4
Justification	Norway maintains relatively low income inequality compared to most countries. Since 1992, the income growth of the bottom 40% of the population has closely tracked the median. Taxes and transfers have ensured stable redistribution, contributing to a high standard of living and social mobility. Universal access to health, education, and welfare services underpins equal opportunities. Norway also ranks highly in gender equality and social rights, supported by legislation such as the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act of 2018.
Challenges	Despite progress, inequalities have increased since the 1980s. Child poverty is concerning, with 11.7% living below the national poverty line. Social inequalities persist in health, education attainment, and employment opportunities, especially in low-unionised sectors where real earnings have stagnated over the last 10 years. COVID-19 has intensified inequalities, increasing the risk of long-term unemployment, low income, and reduced opportunities for youth. Racism, discrimination, and access gaps for disabled persons remain ongoing issues.
Progress/ Solution	Norway has strengthened macroeconomic management, active labour policies, and coordinated wage formation, achieving a high employment rate and low unemployment. Income redistribution is supported through taxes and transfers, illustrated by post-fiscal Gini reductions between 2015–2018. The Government has introduced action plans on equality and anti-discrimination, including low-threshold sexual harassment services in 2020, and plans for 2021 on LGBTIQ equality, universal design, and gender equality in education and work. Globally, Norway has doubled support for universal primary education and increased funding for the Tax for Development programme, enhancing tax capacity in developing countries.
Unsolved Challenges	Persistent social and economic inequalities remain within Norway, particularly for children, minority groups, and disabled persons. Education-based social mobility is weaker than economic mobility, and the pandemic has widened gaps. Long-term challenges include ensuring equitable access to healthcare, maintaining high unionisation and coordinated wages, and addressing global inequality drivers such as tax havens and financial secrecy. Norway must continue to strengthen universal services, fight discrimination, and lead international initiatives for fair taxation and decent work.

Sustainable Cities

Score:3
Justification	Norway provides almost universal access to adequate housing, with over 80% of the population owning their homes. Homelessness is very low and decreasing. Traffic fatalities and serious accidents are also rare and declining. Cities and communities offer high living standards, with access to waste management, transport, green spaces, and basic services. Ambient air quality has improved, and public spaces are widely accessible. Norway has well-functioning management systems for cultural and natural heritage.
Challenges	Climate change, land-use changes, and urban densification threaten infrastructure, green areas, and natural and cultural heritage. Increasing risks of flooding, landslides, and heatwaves affect communities. Housing affordability, accessibility for low-income groups, the elderly, and disabled persons remains a challenge, particularly in larger cities. Some urban areas face multiple socio-economic problems, and air quality is still an issue in certain municipalities. Divided sectoral responsibilities and insufficient municipal funding limit holistic urban planning and SDG alignment.
Progress/ Solution	Norway has implemented comprehensive urban growth agreements, urban regeneration programmes, and reward schemes for public transport. Over 50% of private cars purchased in 2020 were electric. Digital tools have increased public participation in urban planning. Policies such as the National Strategy for Social Housing 2021–2024, the National Action Plan for Outdoor Life, and White Papers on cultural environment policy (2019–2020) support sustainable development. Investments in communications infrastructure and eco-friendly urban projects, such as Oslo’s cycle paths and Hurdal’s urban eco-village, have been successful.
Unsolved Challenges	Investment in sustainable transport and public transit is insufficient. Green space access is not guaranteed for all, and urban planning often overlooks disabled people. Urban social and economic inequalities persist, exacerbated by expensive or inadequate housing. Municipalities lack full awareness of global implications of local actions, and only about 5% of development aid is directed towards urban areas. The Planning and Building Act requires new implementation tools, and enforcement of universal design is incomplete, with sanctions for non-compliance not yet specified.

Responsible Consumption

Score :3
Justification	Norway is committed to sustainable consumption and production, participating in the 10-Year Framework of Programmes (10 YFP) and presenting a national strategy on circular economy in 2021. Despite strong environmental policies, material consumption per capita remains 44 tonnes per year, above the European and global averages. The Government has also set a target to halve food waste by 2030, covering the entire food value chain. Legislation and administrative frameworks support recycling, green public procurement, responsible business practices, and integration of sustainability into education.
Challenges	Norway faces high per capita resource consumption and a low circularity rate of 2.4%, among the lowest in Europe. Waste generation continues to grow, with municipal waste averaging 776 kg per person in 2019, well above the European mean of 502 kg. Voluntary commitments, such as reducing food waste, may no longer be sufficient to meet targets. Consumer information on chemical safety is limited since the removal of erdetfarlig.no in 2019. Norway also lacks policies to promote product repair, reuse, leasing, and second-hand markets, which contributes to early replacement of products.
Progress/ Solution	From 2015–2019, food waste per inhabitant fell by 12%, and recycling of metals, glass, brown paper, plastics, and cans has improved. Hazardous waste is collected and treated separately, with increasing material recovery. The Government proposed a new act in April 2021 requiring enterprises to ensure transparency and due diligence in human rights and working conditions. Policies supporting sustainable procurement, environmentally sound R&D, and OECD/UNGP guidelines have strengthened corporate responsibility.
Unsolved Challenges	Norway still relies heavily on linear consumption patterns, and legally binding measures to reduce food waste are needed. Circularity remains minimal, with resources still underutilised. Overshoot Day was 12 April 2021, indicating unsustainable national consumption requiring 3.2 Earths if global standards matched Norway. A holistic strategy to address imported emissions, consumption-based indicators, repair rights, extended product lifetimes, and sustainable public procurement is lacking. Transitioning from voluntary to binding measures and aligning taxation with circular economy objectives remains a critical gap.

Climate Action

Score:4
Justification	Norway is relatively resilient to climate-related hazards and natural disasters, with a strong capacity to adapt. In February 2020, Norway submitted an enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, strengthening its 2030 emission reduction target from 40% to 50–55% compared to 1990 levels. Norway aims to become a low-emission society by 2050, achieving 90–95% emission reductions in all sectors. More than 80% of greenhouse gas emissions are covered by economic measures such as green taxes and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
Challenges	Despite strong policies, Norway’s domestic emissions have only decreased 2.4% since 1990. Climate change already impacts Norwegian society through increased storms, heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides. Coordinating climate policy across sectors remains difficult, particularly given Norway’s role as a major oil and gas producer and exporter. A just transition is required to safeguard jobs, pensions, and the welfare state while reducing emissions. Norway also faces challenges in mobilising sufficient climate finance for adaptation and mitigation in developing countries.
Progress/ Solution	Preliminary figures show that total Norwegian greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 were 50 million tonnes CO2 equivalents, the lowest since 1993 and 12% below the peak in 2007. Norway has implemented a comprehensive set of measures covering almost all emissions, including standards, agreements, grants, and the Pollution Control Act. The 2021 White Paper outlines the Action Plan for Transforming Norwegian Society, focusing on non-ETS emissions and exceeding the EU-assigned target of 40% reductions through domestic measures. Tools such as Klimatilpasning.no provide knowledge and guidance for climate adaptation. Norway contributed NOK 6.3 billion in climate funding for developing countries in 2019.
Unsolved Challenges	Norway still needs a coherent, holistic strategy to meet 2030 targets and achieve a low-emission society by 2050. Current policies rely partly on emissions trading rather than real domestic reductions. Oil and gas exploration continues, and subsidies incentivising fossil fuel expansion remain. There is a need for annual climate budgets, child-friendly SDG action plans, stronger natural carbon capture measures, and increased investment in renewable energy and public transport, particularly rail. Norway also lacks sufficient measures to reduce food system emissions and globally account for consumption-based impacts.

Life Below Water

Score 3
Justification	Norway has established comprehensive measures to manage and protect marine ecosystems, including integrated ocean management plans for the Barents Sea, Norwegian Sea, and North Sea. Coastal waters are monitored, with ecological quality reported as good and pollution levels stable or declining. In 2020, 44% of Norwegian fisheries’ jurisdiction was subject to effective area-based management measures, and nine new marine protected areas (MPAs) were created. Norway also supports Small Island Developing States through capacity-building initiatives under UNCLOS and the Blue Justice Initiative (2018–2019).
Challenges	Significant gaps remain in marine conservation. MPAs currently cover 3.7% within 12 nm and only 0.5% in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), far below the 2020 target of 10%. Protection is often insufficient, with no-fishing zones virtually absent and coral reefs largely unprotected. Bycatch, eutrophication, alien species, and impacts from aquaculture, industry, and agriculture remain pressing. Data on marine litter and microplastics is limited, and harmful subsidies in petroleum and forestry sectors continue to threaten coastal and marine ecosystems. Deep-sea mining in fjords and the ice-edge zone adds further risk.
Progress/ Solution	Norway has implemented national measures to reduce marine litter and microplastics, including a six-year development aid fund established in 2018 and a national competence centre. Integrated management plans were updated in 2020, harmonising goals for ecological and chemical status. The Government has invested in research, monitoring, and digital technologies for fisheries control. Norway ratified the Nagoya Protocol and supports international initiatives like the UN Decade on Ocean Science, the Ocean Decade Alliance, and the High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (2018).
Unsolved Challenges	Norway needs stronger, ecosystem-based marine protection strategies and legal instruments to designate MPAs outside 12 nm in the EEZ. Restoration of degraded marine and coastal habitats is limited, and subsidies harmful to the marine environment persist. Deep-sea mining continues, while protection of seabirds, coral reefs, and biologically important areas remains inadequate. Integration of biodiversity and ecosystem values into sectoral management and local decision-making is insufficient, and the overall target of protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030 requires urgent action.

Life on Land

Score :3
Justification	Norway has made significant progress in protecting terrestrial ecosystems, with 17.5% of its mainland legally protected in 2020, up from 17% in 2016. Forests cover 37% of the land area, nearly 100% of which is certified under global forest management standards. Mountain ecosystems are also partially protected, with 34% under protection, and national strategies exist for freshwater ecosystems, agriculture, and wild reindeer. Comprehensive legislation, including the Nature Diversity Act, Forestry Act, and Water Resources Act, underpins these efforts.
Challenges	Despite these measures, land-use change, climate change, invasive alien species, and pollution remain major threats. Of 21,000 assessed species, 2,355 are under threat of extinction, and 66 of 211 assessed habitat types are considered threatened. Ecosystem protection is uneven and often unrepresentative, and the SDG restoration targets are not on track. Subsidies in forestry and other sectors continue to incentivise practices harmful to biodiversity. Norway also failed to meet any of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets by 2020.
Progress/ Solution	Norway has established integrated ecosystem management plans for all 390 protected watercourses, and nearly all forests are certified. The National Biodiversity Action Plan (2016) and associated action plans for threatened species, protected areas, and alien organisms provide strategic guidance. Norway has maintained international commitments, including financing through the Climate and Forest Initiative to combat tropical deforestation and supporting BIOFIN to integrate biodiversity into national development planning in developing countries.
Unsolved Challenges	Norway still lacks sufficient and representative protection of terrestrial ecosystems to meet the proposed 30% UN target. Restoration of degraded ecosystems is incomplete, and integration of biodiversity into infrastructure planning remains weak. Legal frameworks need strengthening, and funding for municipal environmental expertise is insufficient. Short-term political considerations continue to override science-based species management. Norway must also ensure indigenous peoples and environmental defenders are central to development aid and achieve a tropical deforestation-free status by 2025.

Peace & Justice

Score:4
Justification	Norway is a comparatively peaceful society with a very low homicide rate of approximately 0.6 per 100,000 inhabitants per year. The legal system is robust, with the Constitution safeguarding fundamental freedoms, rule of law, and equality before the law. Norway consistently ranks high on democracy and transparency indexes, and legislation ensures birth registration, legal identity, and access to information. Civil society is active, and cooperation between governmental and non-governmental actors is strong, underpinning an accountable and inclusive society.
Challenges	Intimate partner homicides accounted for 25% of all homicides in 2018, highlighting a persistent domestic violence issue. Violence and abuse against children, although relatively low, are likely underreported in digital spaces. COVID-19 has contributed to increased child abuse and violence against women. Human rights concerns remain, including the treatment of refugees, psychiatric patients, and stateless persons, with Norway lacking a legal definition or residence permit procedure for stateless individuals. Norway also faces threats from organised crime, human trafficking, and illicit financial flows, with around 9,000 victims of human trafficking in 2018. Internationally, involvement in the arms industry and military operations has affected Norway’s peace reputation.
Progress/ Solution	Significant legislative and policy measures have been implemented from 2015 to 2021. These include the Equality and Anti-discrimination Act (2018), the law on beneficial ownership (2019–2021), reforms of free legal aid (2018–) and the court system (2019–2021), and the Escalation Plan against Violence and Abuse (2017–2021). A commission on intimate partner homicide was established in 2018, and laws against money laundering and terrorist financing were introduced. Norway also provides development aid and technical support to strengthen democratic institutions, civil society, and human rights internationally.
Unsolved Challenges	Norway must address intimate partner violence, child abuse in digital spaces, and gaps in legal protection for stateless persons. Challenges remain in tackling organised crime, illicit financial flows, and safeguarding human rights in specific sectors. Internationally, Norway’s arms exports and military engagements complicate its peace advocacy. Strengthened action is needed to universally defend human rights, implement UNSCR 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, and ensure active civic participation, including for children, youth, women, and minorities. Legislation and national strategies must better integrate civil society, academia, and private sector participation in sustainable development and human rights monitoring.

Partnerships

Score:4
Justification	Norway has demonstrated strong commitment to global development. In 2019, it met the target of doubling official development assistance (ODA) to support domestic resource mobilisation in low-income countries, under the Addis Tax Initiative (2015). The Government maintains 1% of GNI as ODA, including a minimum of 0.20% of GNI to Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Norway supports multilateral initiatives such as the G20/Paris Club Debt Service Suspension Initiative, the Common Framework for debt restructuring, and capacity-building programmes in taxation, resource management, anti-corruption, statistics, digitalisation, and gender equality. Norway also co-leads the Digital Public Goods Alliance and ensures LDCs and low-income countries have duty-free access to its market.
Challenges	The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted progress on ODA targets, while weak coordination across ministries and sectors has slowed policy coherence for sustainable development. The lack of a comprehensive national SDG implementation plan has hindered progress across multiple sectors. Engagement in target 17.4, on responsible sovereign lending and borrowing, has lost momentum. Limited involvement of Statistics Norway in SDG monitoring and insufficient funding for knowledge exchange between civil society, academia, business, and authorities further impede progress. Global economic slowdown poses additional risks, particularly for vulnerable populations in developing countries.
Progress/ Solution	Norway has maintained ODA at 1% of GNI for several years, enjoying broad political and public support. The Knowledge Bank, established in 2018, strengthens and coordinates technical cooperation programmes. Norway promotes multilateral action on corruption, tax evasion, and illicit financial flows, including launching the UN High-Level FACTI Panel in 2020, whose final report in 2021 called for a Global Pact on financial integrity. Norway has enhanced inter-ministerial coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement to promote policy coherence, while the forthcoming National Action Plan for the 2030 Agenda signals improved efforts to achieve the SDGs.
Unsolved Challenges	Norway must improve coordination between ministries and harmonise policies across sectors to ensure coherent SDG implementation. A more systematic involvement of Statistics Norway and increased funding for knowledge exchange are required. There is a need to strengthen global debt architecture and responsible lending practices, and to expand technical assistance for domestic resource mobilisation in developing countries. Norway also needs to sustain investment in development aid post-COVID-19, enhance partnerships with civil society and the private sector, and provide leadership in global frameworks for taxation, debt resolution, and SDG monitoring.

SDGs World Progress: Achieved

SDGs World Progress: On-Track

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

Country Challenges

The VNR explicitly flags several persistent obstacles. Chief among them is

Climate variability: recurrent droughts and floods severely threaten food security, water access and agriculture (impacting SDG2, 6 and 13).
Youth unemployment(≈34%) is very high, undermining progress on SDG 8 and fueling social stress.
Entrenched poverty and inequality (second‑highest Gini globally) persist despite social spending, undermining SDGs 1 and 10.
Fallout from COVID‑19 (economic contraction, health system strain, education disruptions) also reversed some gains, particularly in schooling (SDG 4) and health (SDG 3).
Rural infrastructure gaps (e.g. sanitation and electrification) and limited tax revenue (budget strain).

In sum, Namibia must overcome natural hazards and socio-economic inequalities, even as it builds on current momentum.

World Challenges

World Lessons Learned

Strategic Partnerships

Norway