Libraries in Voluntary National Reviews of Implementation of the SDGs 2026

Abstract

A third of published Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2026 refer to libraries. These come from countries in all regions represented in this year’s VNR cohort.

These references illustrate the breadth of the contribution that libraries make to sustainable development, covering goals around equity, wellbeing, education, social cohesion, heritage, democracy and partnerships.

While the potential is clear, the formal launch of discussions on what follows the 2030 Agenda next year means that we have an opportunity to think about how future agendas could lead to a more systematic mobilisation of libraries.