Abstract
<jats:p>The Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2026 outlines Italy's commitment to integrating sustainable development into national policymaking through the National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS), supported by the principles of Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD). The report emphasises whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches, strengthening coordination among national, regional and local authorities while promoting active participation by civil society, academia, the private sector and young people. It also highlights the growing role of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and Voluntary Regional Reviews (VRRs) in localising the SDGs and improving accountability. The VNR reports that Italy monitors SDG implementation through the National Statistical System, led by Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), using a comprehensive set of official indicators integrated with national planning. According to the statistical assessment, more than 50% of SDG measures improved in the latest year and more than 60% improved over the last decade, although progress remains uneven across Goals and regions. The report also highlights major policy priorities, including climate action, sustainable urban development, education for sustainable development, sustainable finance, biodiversity conservation and international partnerships to accelerate achievement of the the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.</jats:p>