Mixed interim results: Switzerland's fourth country report on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Bern, 13.05.2026 — At its meeting on 13 May 2026, the Federal Council adopted Switzerland's fourth country report on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The interim results for the years 2022–26 are mixed. This report is also the last country report in the current format. Cantons, communes and cities have developed many new approaches to implementing the sustainability goals. Despite geopolitical shifts, the 2030 Agenda remains the global frame of reference for sustainable development.
The international environment has changed significantly since 2022: geopolitical tensions, multiple crises, increasing protectionism and growing financing gaps are now the prevailing conditions. Internationally, too, the 2030 Agenda is increasingly developing from a comprehensive transformation agenda into a pragmatic frame of reference focusing on priorities, impact and a realistic attitude to goal attainment. Against this backdrop, the 2030 Agenda remains an important framework for the Federal Council. The report, which will be presented to the UN in July 2026, shows progress, identifies gaps and also highlights Switzerland's cross-border ‘spillover effects’.
Mixed interim results:
Progress has been made in individual areas, particularly in renewable energies, the circular economy and gender equality. The material footprint per person has fallen from 20 tonnes in 2000 to 15 tonnes in 2023. The share of renewable energies was just under 30% in 2024 and has risen by over 60% since the new millennium. The pay gap between women and men in the private sector has narrowed significantly since 2000.
At the same time, key challenges remain. In some cases, relative progress is put into perspective by absolute growth, e.g. rising waste volumes despite high recycling rates. There is still a considerable need for action in areas such as sustainable consumption, climate and biodiversity.
The report is based on a broad assessment. Around 140 external stakeholders as well as numerous cantons, cities and communes contributed to the digital platform SDGital2030 with their assessments. These are supplemented by contributions from around 600 experts from the Federal Administration and data from the MONET 2030 indicator system. External perspectives are also presented in a separate chapter; they reflect the views of the respective stakeholders and do not represent the position of the Federal Council.
Focus on impact and priorities
Under current conditions, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda requires clear priorities and a consistent focus on effective measures. Impact is increasingly being prioritised over simply implementing the measures in full.
The key levers are increased cooperation between the federal government, cantons and communes and the consistent anchoring of sustainability goals in planning and management processes. Conflicting objectives must be highlighted and resolved politically.
The Federal Council has instructed the FDFA to submit a proposal for an overall evaluation of the 2015–30 period and next steps by the end of 2028. This also takes account of international developments.
Well positioned in a changed environment
Switzerland is well positioned to tackle the long-term challenges. The goals of the 2030 Agenda are widely established at all levels of government. Cantons, cities and communes are developing innovative approaches and increasingly sharing their experiences internationally. This dynamic is reflected in the fact that some Swiss cities (Bern and Geneva) as well as cantons (Aargau and Basel-Stadt) have published their own reports for the attention of the UN for the first time.
International Geneva remains a central location for dialogue and cooperation – especially in the face of profound changes to multilateralism. Through global value chains, its financial centre and its strength in the areas of innovation, research and technology, Switzerland has further important levers at its disposal to contribute to sustainable development.