Norway Voluntary National Review 2026

Abstract

Norway’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2026 presents the country’s progress in implementing the United Nations’ (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SD). Norway previously presented its second VNR in 2021, while the 2026 review represents its third VNR. The review assesses progress across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets, drawing on official data and contributions from government, civil society, youth, social partners, academia, business, local and regional authorities, and Indigenous representatives. The VNR shows that Norway remains well positioned to contribute positively to the 2030 Agenda, supported by strong institutions, a comprehensive welfare state, high levels of trust and broad societal participation. It reports particularly strong performance in areas including poverty reduction, gender equality, public services, effective institutions and international partnerships. At the same time, the review identifies significant challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, widening inequalities, high material consumption, environmental spillover effects, social and health inequalities, housing and labour-market pressures, and the need to accelerate emission reductions. The VNR was prepared under the leadership of the Ministry of Digitalisation and Public Governance, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with contributions from all government ministries and in accordance with the UN voluntary common reporting guidelines.