While slight progress can be seen in some areas, such as renewable energies, social inequalities and the environmental crisis are worsening. The Federal Council itself admits that key goals - particularly in the areas of sustainable consumption, climate, biodiversity, poverty reduction, affordable housing, anti-discrimination protection, and development aid - are not being met. Instead of taking necessary measures, the Federal Council is stepping on the brakes and downgrading the priority of the Agenda 2030.
"Switzerland has the potential to take on an international leadership role through investments in sustainability - as a guarantor of security and prosperity. Instead, the Federal Council is managing the status quo and capitulating to the challenges," criticises Rianne Roshier, Director of the Agenda 2030 Platform.
Andreas Lustenberger, member of the management board of Caritas Schweiz and a representative of civil society in the Swiss UN delegation at the ongoing UN conference in New York, adds: "The implementation of Agenda 2030 is not an end in itself, but is in the intrinsic interest of the Swiss population."
Demands of civil society up to 2030 and beyond
In response to the lack of political will, civil society calls in the petition for genuine sustainability and a consistent adherence to the commitment to implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals ratified in 2015. The petition calls for a credible action plan to be drawn up: Switzerland should present a detailed roadmap with binding and concrete measures explaining how Switzerland intends to achieve the goals by 2030.
The civil society platform Agenda 2030, in which 50 associations, NGOs, and trade unions are united, appeals to the Federal Council to take bold steps in the remaining four years until 2030:
1. Development cooperation: Achieving the UN target of 0.7 percent of gross national income (GNI) for international cooperation - for peace promotion, strengthening democracy and the rule of law, international climate protection, humanitarian aid, and development cooperation.
2. Poverty reduction: An ambitious strategy with effective measures to reduce poverty and promote equal opportunities in Switzerland.
3. Climate and subsidies: A consistent elimination of environmentally harmful subsidies and a strong commitment at the upcoming Climate Conference COP31 in November in Turkey.
4. Economic location: Strengthening the circular economy and introducing ambitious environmental and social standards for companies and the financial sector.
These demands will be incorporated
by civil society in its statement in New York on Switzerland's national report. In its statement to the
UN, it writes: "Although the government acknowledges these deficits, it continues to implement
budget cuts in crucial environmental and social areas while simultaneously increasing military
spending. As one of the richest nations in the world, Switzerland must assume its responsibility and
become a global leader for humanitarian engagement and sustainable development by actively
investing in the sustainable, just, and future-oriented transformation and actively and committedly
shaping the discussions around
Invitation - Submission of the petition
The Agenda 2030 Platform and its member organisations will submit the petition signatures at the Federal Chancellery on 9 July. The media are cordially invited. Photos will be available in this folder from 9 July at 3 pm: Appell_Agenda2030_Visuals
9 July 2026, 11:00-11:45 am
Bundesterrasse, 3011 Bern
The Agenda 2030 Platform is a coalition of around 50 civil society actors in the areas of development cooperation, environmental protection, gender, peace, sustainable economy, and trade unions. We are committed to ensuring that Switzerland implements the Agenda 2030. We participate in political processes, challenge politics and administration with our analyses and proposals for action. We connect civil society actors in Switzerland and seek sustainable and future-oriented solutions.
www.plattformagenda2030.ch
Switzerland participates in the voluntary international reporting on the implementation of Agenda 2030. The UN invites member states to report regularly on their implementation in their countries. The Swiss national report on the implementation of Agenda 2030 provides an overview of the implementation status of Agenda 2030 by Switzerland, both locally and globally. It presents the key opportunities and challenges that Switzerland faces in achieving the 17 global goals for sustainable development. The report will be presented at the High-Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development (7-15 July 2026) at the UN and to the respective populations.
For further information:
Rianne Roshier, Director of the Agenda 2030 Platform, 079 746 54 16
Patrik Berlinger, Co-President of the Agenda 2030 Platform, 078 842 87 93
Andreas Lustenberger, member of the management board of Caritas Schweiz, currently a
representative of Swiss civil society at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Agenda 2030 in New
York, 076 523 80 38