Overview
The Tunisia Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2026, covering the period 2021–2025, was prepared for presentation at the 2026 High-level Political Forum (HLPF) to assess national progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Building on its previous VNRs in 2019 and 2021, the report marks a shift from monitoring progress to using the SDGs as a strategic framework for policymaking. It highlights major institutional reforms introduced under the 2022 Constitution, including strengthened territorial governance through local, regional and district councils and the National Council of Regions and Districts. The VNR was developed through a rigorous, participatory process involving government institutions, United Nations (UN) agencies, civil society, the private sector, youth and persons with disabilities, ensuring that national priorities reflect both evidence and stakeholder perspectives.
Recommendations
- Accelerate renewable energy investment to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and improve energy security.
- Strengthen climate adaptation measures, particularly in water management, drought resilience and sustainable agriculture.
- Expand employment generation programmes targeting youth, women and disadvantaged regions to reduce labour market inequalities.
- Increase investment in education, vocational training and digital skills to better align workforce competencies with labour market needs.
- Continue strengthening social protection systems to ensure inclusive access to essential public services and reduce regional disparities.
- Enhance financing mechanisms, innovation capacity and public-private partnerships to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
- Further strengthen national statistical systems and SDG monitoring frameworks to support evidence-based policymaking and effective progress tracking.
Conclusion
The Tunisia VNR 2026 concludes that achieving the SDGs requires an integrated and systemic approach rather than sector-specific interventions. The review emphasises that sustainable development depends on strengthening the water–energy–infrastructure nexus, accelerating digital transformation, enhancing governance, improving statistical systems, mobilising sustainable finance and reinforcing multi-stakeholder partnerships. It also highlights the importance of territorial development, institutional accountability and evidence-based policymaking to accelerate implementation of the 2026–2030 Development Plan. While recognising progress achieved between 2021 and 2025, the report acknowledges that continued efforts are needed to address climate change, water scarcity, economic vulnerabilities and social inequalities to ensure that no one is left behind by 2030.
Location
Ministry of Economy, Finance and Investment Support, Tunisia