Parliaments have a key role to play in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by adopting solid legislative frameworks that duly take into account the interdisciplinary nature of the goals. They can achieve this by drafting legislation that contributes to the achievement of the SDGs by 2030, by evaluating whether existing legislation is aligned with the SDGs, by proposing and advocating for legislative reforms or amendments if necessary, by reviewing legislation to ensure that it considers the needs of underrepresented, marginalized or vulnerable groups and that it is in compliance with international human rights standards, by examining government policies, strategies and plans, and by advocating for the inclusion of SDG frameworks if needed.
What this toolkit is for
The main purpose of this toolkit is to motivate, encourage and assist parliaments in:
- making the SDGs central to their work and engaging with them in their legislative and oversight work
- scrutinizing legislation across its life cycle through an SDG lens
- identifying ways to best promote the SDGs through legislation
- learning from others, identifying allies, and enhancing ties and communication with other parliaments with similar experiences
The toolkit is designed to support and enhance the capacity of parliaments, parliamentary committees and their members to conduct SDG-informed scrutiny. It offers practical guidance and advice on how to conduct scrutiny using the SDGs as a lens.
What this toolkit offers
This toolkit addresses the key concept of legislative scrutiny and explains how scrutiny can be used to ensure that legislation is aligned with the SDGs and positively promotes them. It also offers practical, step-by-step guidance for conducting SDG-informed scrutiny, as well as lessons from comparative practice, and practical examples and case studies.
Who this toolkit is for
The toolkit is primarily intended for parliamentary audiences involved in the implementation of the SDGs, and in particular for:
- MPs
- committee chairs and deputy chairs
- committee members
- parliamentary staff working in committees or research services
- parliamentary caucuses and other formations conducting scrutiny work
The toolkit can also be a useful resource for governments and other State institutions involved in policy and legislation design and the implementation of the SDGs, as well as for civil society, media and stakeholder organizations that focus on sustainable development and interact with parliaments by providing insights and input in decision-making.