Updated Study of Capacities and Functions of the UN Development System to Accelerate Progress on the SDGs: Study by Dahlberg

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development established a comprehensive and intertwined set of goals with ambitious targets for social, economic and environmental progress. Recognizing the need for integrated solutions, the UN General Assembly also adopted a plan in 2018 for the repositioning of the UN development system (UNDS) to enhance its capacities to help deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Bold actions are needed by Member States and other actors to meet the Goals by 2030. More will be needed, too, from the UNDS, to champion and support SDG acceleration.

This study, conducted by Dahlberg and prepared at the request of the Secretary-General following discussions in the UN Sustainable Development Group, presents an updated analysis of the UN development system’s capacity to deliver on the 2030 Agenda, together with recommendations for how the UNDS could substantially enhance its capacities. The study makes comparisons with a similar study conducted by Dalberg in 2017; reflects on progress achieved since the repositioning in 2019; examines the system’s ability to deploy its collective capacities to offer integrated policy advice and support for building resilience to current and future shocks; and identifies opportunities to make step changes in UNDS capabilities and effectiveness.