ABSTRACT
Participation is a multifaceted concept and a crucial component for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While its importance is acknowledged, its definition and practical implementation remain unclear. Although the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development prioritizes diverse participation of relevant stakeholders including the most affected and marginalized, challenges such as limited and uneven representation in SDG implementation processes, often exacerbated by unclear implementation frameworks, particularly at the national and local level, and a lack of measurable indicators, constrain the overall participatory quality of SDG policymaking, implementation and follow-up. To address these challenges, a robust framework is imperative that defines participation, identifies relevant stakeholders and establishes indicators to measure its impact. By doing so, the potential of participation can be harnessed to achieve the ambitious goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and create a more equitable and sustainable future.
