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Switzerland

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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

  1. 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.
  2. Reduce Environmental Footprint: Limit per-capita resource consumption, cut greenhouse gas emissions, restore biodiversity, and transition to sustainable food and energy systems.
  3. Embed SDGs in Policy and Budgets: Further integrate sustainability objectives into national strategies, sectoral policies, and budget planning while maintaining a systemic overview.
  4. Enhance Data and Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Continue developing reliable statistical systems and promote national and international data partnerships to monitor and guide progress.
  5. Leverage Digitalisation: Use digital tools to improve organisational efficiency, policy implementation, and societal engagement in sustainability initiatives.
  6. Promote Equality and Social Cohesion: Continue efforts to ensure equal opportunities, gender equality, and inclusive prosperity for all members of society.
  7. 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.

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Location

CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland

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Region
  • Switzerland
  • Europe
SDGs Progress Tracker
  • SDGs Completion % 52
  • SDGs On-Track % 47
  • SDGs Achieved % 6
United Nations 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

SDG 1 (No Poverty) Score: 3 Moderately Off-Track

Justification Switzerland’s progress towards SDG 1 remains important because poverty continues to affect a significant proportion of the population. According to the 2026 VNR, the poverty rate was 8.4% in 2024, with no statistically significant change since 2014. The VNR notes that single parents and people who have not completed further education are particularly affected. The poverty rate is based on the social subsistence level defined by the Swiss Conference for Social Welfare; in 2024, the poverty line was CHF 2,388 per month for a single person and CHF 4,159 for two adults with two children.
Challenges The principal challenge is the persistence of poverty despite existing social protection and poverty-prevention measures. The cantons are primarily responsible for supporting people in need, while the federal government’s responsibilities focus mainly on poverty prevention. The VNR also identifies increasing shortages of affordable housing, particularly in urban centres and tourist regions, as a related social challenge. Social mobility remains problematic, with educational success continuing to correlate with family background; young people from low-income households or migration backgrounds are less likely to complete upper secondary education.
Progress/

Solution

 Switzerland has strengthened its institutional approach to poverty prevention and reduction. The federal government, cantons, communes and civil society organisations are pooling existing efforts within an overarching national structure. This includes the continued operation of the National Platform against Poverty and its participatory committee, alongside the development of a strategy to combat poverty by 2027. In 2025, the Federal Council published the first report on national poverty monitoring. In addition, an Action Plan to Combat the Housing Shortage was agreed in 2024, involving all levels of government, the construction and real estate sector and civil society, with the aim of promoting more affordable and needs-based housing.
Unsolved Challenges The central unresolved challenge is the stagnation of poverty reduction. The VNR reports that the 8.4% poverty rate in 2024 showed no statistically significant change since 2014. Consequently, federal agencies consider achievement of the poverty target somewhat unrealistic, although the majority of external actors consider it realistic. Poverty also remains closely connected with inequalities in housing, education and access to essential services. The VNR therefore indicates that existing measures have not yet generated sufficient progress to place poverty reduction firmly on track for 2030.

 

SDGs World Progress: Achieved
  • SDG9
SDGs World Progress: On-Track
  • SDG3
  • SDG14
  • SDG17
  • SDG4
  • SDG6
  • SDG7
  • SDG8
  • SDG16
SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track
  • SDG13
  • SDG1
  • SDG2
  • SDG5
  • SDG10
  • SDG11
  • SDG12
  • SDG15
Country Challenges
  1. Sustainable Consumption and Production: High per-capita resource use exceeds global ecosystem limits; requires more efficient use of materials and energy.
  2. Climate Change and Energy: Greenhouse gas emissions remain high; urgent need to reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.
  3. Biodiversity Loss: Natural habitats are under pressure; ecosystems need preservation and restoration to maintain ecological balance.
  4. Equal Opportunities and Social Cohesion: Inequalities persist in society; achieving real gender equality and inclusive opportunities remains a priority.
  5. Sustainable Food Systems: Food consumption patterns and production need transformation to ensure environmental sustainability.
  6. Policy Coordination: Decentralised government structure requires stronger collaboration across cantons, communes, and sectors.
  7. Global Shocks: COVID-19 and the Ukraine war have disrupted supply chains, energy, and food security, slowing SDG progress.
  8. Integration of SDGs into Policy: SDGs must be embedded systematically into all policies, budgets, and sectoral strategies for coherent implementation.
  9. Data and Monitoring: Need for reliable, timely data and evidence-based decision-making to track progress and minimise negative impacts.
  10. International Cooperation: Global challenges like inequality, conflicts, and environmental pressures require strong multilateral engagement.
Country Lessons Learned
  1. Early Reporting Builds Momentum: Submitting VNRs early (as Switzerland did in 2016) establishes a transparent baseline and encourages systematic progress tracking.
  2. Institutional Coherence is Crucial: Creating dedicated organisational structures ensures cross-sectoral coordination and reduces policy fragmentation.
  3. 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.
  4. Multi-Stakeholder Engagement Strengthens Implementation: Involvement of local governments, private sector, academia, and civil society fosters innovation and shared responsibility.
  5. 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.
  6. Continuous Review Encourages Adaptation: Regular VNRs provide opportunities to adjust policies based on lessons learned and emerging challenges, such as pandemics or geopolitical crises.
World Lessons Learned
  • National Vision
  • Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
  • Technological Innovation
Country Contribution
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 2018: The Federal Council introduced a new organisational structure to enhance policy coherence and transversal efforts across government departments for sustainable development.
  5. 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
  6. 2022: Switzerland continues to engage cantons, cities, communes, business sectors, scientific institutions, and civil society through multi-actor initiatives to advance the 2030 Agenda.

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