Republic of Cyprus Second Voluntary National Report - Sustainable development goals

6 2. INTRODUCTION Cyprus submitted its first Voluntary National Review to the United Nations in 2017. The first Report reflected Cyprus’ high level of commitment towards the Agenda 2030. The efforts were directed towards ensuring that the SDGs become a real policy and action agenda that will enhance the well-being of all its citizens. This second Voluntary National Review of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) gives a cross-country outline of the actions taken, examples of overcoming adversity and showcases good practices supporting the 2030 Agenda in Cyprus. The process of drafting the Second Voluntary National Review for the UN High Level Political Forum in 2021, under the coordination of the Directorate General for European Programmes, Coordination and Development (DG EPCD) of the Ministry of Finance and with the collaboration of all main players, showcases key initiatives and actions that positively impacted SDG implementation, while, at the same time, recognises existing challenges that require further action and commitment. In order to develop a multidisciplinary up-to-date report, the focus of this review was based on efforts/attempts undertaken between 2017 to 2020. Accordingly, the individual topics and the review do consider impacts and measures taken regarding the Coronavirus pandemic. The report presents numerous examples of overcoming adversity and flagship drives to delineate SDG implementation in the Republic of Cyprus and illustrate ongoing and potential implementation strategies for challenges to be sustainably managed. Such initiatives, public and private, are vivid examples of overcoming adversity and of enhancing the mindset of decision makers towards responsible and effective solutions and practices. A section is specifically focused on the Coronavirus Pandemic Effect . Cyprus’ Government top priority was the protection and health of its citizens as well as the support of the social and economic fallout of the pandemic. The active engagement of volunteers during this time was noteworthy and widely recognised. Considering the different areas covered by the 2030 Agenda, the review explores three major areas in more prominent detail: • Economic Development – Digitalisation and Innovation • Social Inclusion – Women, Youth, Migrants and Refugees • Green Transition – Towards climate neutrality These focus areas mirror the three components of the 2030 Agenda – economic, social and environmental – and are of major relevance to Cyprus. The way towards analysing the main points of interest was composed with the involvement of all Ministries and Deputy Ministries of the Republic of Cyprus, Public Departments, the Statistical Service of Cyprus, civil society and other major stakeholders. Expert support was also commissioned from the academic centre CIIM-Bio Economia Centre. Governance structures and public bodies’ approaches to SDGs have been considered for analysing the implementation of SDGs. The integrated policy framework in the fields of Civil Society and Volunteerism forms a key aspect towards the progress of SDGs. Equally importantly, Cyprus actively participates and establishes key collaborations within the European and international spectrum. The National Financing Framework and the Government’s investment strategy showcase its commitment towards the implementation of the SDGs. Methodology shares and explains information and procedures about the stakeholders’ involvement regarding the adoption and implementation of the SDGs in the Cyprus agenda. Stakeholders’ Engagement is pivotal in the implementation of the 2030 UN Agenda. Social actors are actively involved in SDG-related projects and activities and raise awareness about the SDGs among the general public.