Contributions to the implementation of Agenda 2030 - Strategic advice for VENRO

In September 2015, the German government, together with the other member states of the United Nations, adopted Agenda 2030 for sustainable development. It defines 17 goals (Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs) that established sustainable development as a guiding principle in the fundamental areas of society, politics, and economy. The multifaceted dimensions of Agenda 2030 - from poverty eradication and peace building to sustainable consumption and production - mean that different actors must act together. Civil society plays a central role here due to its knowledge, commitment, and networks. At the same time, political decision-makers need broader and increasingly cross-ministerial support, while actors outside the traditional sphere of development policy and cooperation have become increasingly important.

VENRO is the umbrella organisation of development and humanitarian aid non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Germany. It has set itself the goal of promoting the implementation of Agenda 2030 through the broad participation of civil society while also encouraging new actors to adopt sustainable action through a variety of partnerships. In order to expand and focus this participation, adelphi has analysed VENRO's lobbying, information, and education work on Agenda 2030. Previous products, formats, and communication activities were examined and evaluated as part of a comprehensive evaluation. In addition, an actor mapping process identified and considered possible ways to approach previously unaddressed target groups, partners, and opponents. Finally, the adelphi project team developed options for action in order to position VENRO more strongly in the policy field of Agenda 2030 in Germany and Europe, thereby making VENRO more visible in processes of political opinion formation and decision-making.