Parliamentary Oversight to Uphold Accountability in the Review Process of Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development recognises the contribution of multi-stakeholders in the process of conducting regular and inclusive reviews of progress at the national and sub-national levels. Parliaments have an essential role in supporting the process through the enactment of legislation and the adoption of budget. The role of parliament includes ensuring accountability for the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda. A regular follow-up and review with an accountability structure would support a comprehensive assessment and oversight of SDG implementation. In adopting a whole-of-nation approach and ensuring effective law and policy implementation, oversight of SDG implementation actions would ensure that resources, policies, and programmes produce the intended outcome. The SDG Goal 16 supports good governance as an enabler to the other 16 goals. The good governance process enhances accountability, transparency, and participatory decision-making for an inclusive SDG implementation. This paper sheds light on the measures taken by parliaments around the world in placing accountability into their work on implementing the SDG. It would draw on lessons learned from the experiences of these parliaments as a way forward for parliaments to be involved in the SDG implementation.