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Costa Rica*
Voluntary National Review 2020

Creating appropriation of the SDGs

Entry points for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are: Combating poverty and inequality; Sustainable production and consumption; Resilient Infrastructure and Sustainable Communities; defined by the approach multidimensional, the Political Constitution and national priorities through the use of Statistics.

The country has national indicators for all 17 SDGs and disaggregates as sex, territory, activity status, age, disability and others; on a case-by-case basis. The progress in indicator production shows that from 2017 to 2019 it was moved from 117 to 136 available indicators and 32 to 14 unavailable indicators.

The National Plan for Public Development and Investment 2019-2022 (PNDIP) incorporates the SDGs. Of the total indicators, 60% show links to SDG indicators. The follow-up to the PNDIP is currently carried out every semester. In addition National Evaluation Policy 2018-2030 and the country is a regional hub for evaluation in SDG with the FOCELAC program.

The Montevideo Consensus (CdM) on Population and Development has made it up to SDGs as their Priority Measures allow populations to be incorporated and not left to no one back; In addition, 42 SDG indicators are used for the monitoring of the CdM.

The judiciary has established institutional governance, contributing to 94 of the 169 global goals; including the SDGs in their plans and budgets, as well as In the Jurisprudence of the Supreme Court of Justice. Since 2017, it has produced 3 reports implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

Leave no one behind

Costa Rica has specific public policies for Children, Adolescents and Youth; older adult population; women; migrants; population with disabilities; indigenous peoples and Afro-descendants; incorporating the Sustainable Development and Population approach. In addition public policy design has innovated in decision-making with a focus multidimensional poverty and use of tools such as the Unique Digital Record of Poverty Health; for the care of vulnerable people or to epidemics.

On climate change, the National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050 highlights, the new Nationally Determined Contribution and the National Protocol of Analysis Risk; measurable, achievable and impactable goals and objectives on the population.

Alignment was made between country-accepted UPR recommendations and INDICATORs of the SDGs and Populations; being mostly in de-de-de-order the SDGs 16, 5.10, 4.8, 1 and 3. Also, cross-border issues are being addressed access to transnational justice, migration and climate change.

As a mechanism of participation in the context of COVID-19, a survey was conducted in the line for the various members of the Advisory Committee to report their progress in the 17 SDGs for this report.

59% of the SDG indicators analyzed have shown a positive, better development; while 13% have stable or regular behaviour and only 28% indicators had a negative trend. The SDGs with the greatest advance in their indicators are: 1, 2, 12, 13 and 15; while with greater challenge in their numbers are 16, 8, 6 and 11.

On the means of implementation, there is currently no international certainty full support to developing countries to comply with the SDGs, so the TOSSD seeks to provide a complete picture of international public goods; providing a rather than national vision and show funding gaps between regions. By this requires a commitment to promote its overall implementation.

The country is of high middle income and has been graduated, so it has a dual role in the international cooperation (recipient and offerer of technical cooperation). Most of the cooperation projects contribute to SDGs 13, 17 and 11; while SDGs 14, 9, 5, and 1 are the ones who report the least; so it is necessary to adjust country priorities with the cooperatives' priorities by seeking effectiveness.

It is under construction of the National Strategic Plan 2020-2050 (PEN), the strategy long-term development, based on a decarbonized, resilient, R&D&I and inclusive.

Creando apropiación de los ODS

Los puntos de entrada para la implementación de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) son: Combate a la pobreza y desigualdad; Producción y consumo sostenible; Infraestructura resiliente y Comunidades Sostenibles; definidos en función del enfoque multidimensional, la Constitución Política y las prioridades nacionales a través del uso de estadísticas.

El país cuenta con indicadores nacionales para todos los 17 ODS y desagregaciones como sexo, territorio, condición de actividad, edad, discapacidad y otras; según cada caso. El avance en la producción de indicadores muestra que de 2017 a 2019 se pasó de 117 a 136 indicadores disponibles y de 32 a 14 no disponibles.

El Plan Nacional de Desarrollo e Inversiones Públicas 2019-2022 (PNDIP) incorpora en diversas formas los ODS. Del total de sus indicadores, un 60% muestran vinculación con los indicadores ODS. El seguimiento al PNDIP actualmente se realiza cada semestre. Además se cuenta con la Política Nacional de Evaluación 2018-2030 y el país es hub regional de evaluación en ODS con el programa FOCELAC.

El Consenso de Montevideo (CdM) sobre Población y Desarrollo ha permitido complementar los ODS ya que sus Medidas Prioritarias permiten incorporar las poblaciones y no dejar a nadie atrás; además que 42 indicadores de los ODS se utilizan para el seguimiento del CdM.

El Poder Judicial ha establecido una gobernanza institucional, contribuyendo a 94 de las 169 metas globales; destacando que incluyen los ODS en sus planes y presupuestos, así como en la Jurisprudencia de la Corte Suprema de Justicia. Desde 2017, ha elaborado 3 informes anuales sobre la implementación de la Agenda 2030.

No dejar a nadie atrás

Costa Rica cuenta con políticas públicas específicas para Niñez, Adolescencia y Juventud; población adulta mayor; mujeres; migrantes; población con discapacidad; pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes; incorporando el enfoque de Desarrollo Sostenible y Población. Además el diseño de política pública ha innovado en la toma de decisiones con enfoque multidimensional de la pobreza y uso de herramientas como el Expediente Digital Único de Salud; para la atención de población vulnerable o ante epidemias.

En materia de cambio climático, destaca el Plan Nacional de Descarbonización 2018-2050, la nueva Contribución Nacionalmente Determinados y el Protocolo Nacional de Análisis del Riesgo; con metas y objetivos medibles, alcanzables y con impacto en la población.

Se efectuó la alineación entre recomendaciones del EPU aceptadas por el país y los indicadores de los ODS y Poblaciones; siendo en su mayoría en orden descente los ODS vinculados el 16, 5,10, 4,8, 1 y 3. También, se están abordando aspectos transfronterizos como acceso a la justicia transnacional, migración y cambio climático.

Como mecanismo de participación en el contexto del COVID-19, se efectuó una encuesta en línea para que los distintos miembros del Comité Consultivo reporten su avance en los 17 ODS para este informe.

El 59% de los indicadores de ODS analizados, han mostrado una tendencia positiva, mejor desarrollo; mientras que el 13% poseen un comportamiento estable o regular y solo un 28% de los indicadores presentaron una tendencia negativa. Los ODS con mayor avance en sus indicadores son: 1, 2, 12, 13 y 15; mientras que con mayor reto en sus cifras se encuentran 16, 8, 6 y 11.

Sobre los Medios de implementación, actualmente no se tiene certeza a nivel internacional del apoyo total a los países en desarrollo para cumplir los ODS, por ello el TOSSD busca proporcionar una imagen completa de los bienes públicos internacionales; brindando una visión global antes que nacional y mostrar las brechas de financiamiento entre regiones. Por ello, se requiere el compromiso para promover su implementación global.

El país es de ingresos medio altos y ha sido graduado, por ello cuenta con un rol dual en la cooperación internacional (receptor y oferente de cooperación técnica). La mayoría de proyectos de cooperación contribuyen a los ODS 13, 17 y 11; mientras que los ODS 14, 9, 5, y 1 son los que menos reportan; por lo que se requiere ajustar las prioridades país con las prioridades de los cooperantes procurando la eficacia.

Se encuentra en construcción del Plan Estratégico Nacional 2020-2050 (PEN), la estrategia de desarrollo a largo plazo, basada en una economía descarbonizada, resiliente, intensiva en I+D+I e inclusiva.

Voluntary National Review 2017

*Originally submitted in Spanish and translated to English by the Secretariat

Introduction

On 9 September 2016, Costa Rica became the first country to sign a “national pact” for the Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations system and the national Office of the Ombudsman were honorary witnesses to the signature of this commitment to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on the part of the three branches of Government, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, public universities, local governments and the business sector. The pact represented a critical consensus on the goal of leaving no one behind.

Adaptation of national frameworks and establishment of a governance structure

Under the 2015-2018 national development plan, the executive branch set out programmes and projects corresponding to each of the Sustainable Development Goals, indicating the resources allocated for each project and the institutions responsible for their implementation. In addition, on the basis of an analysis of public policies and a study of statistical capacities, three priorities were established: combating poverty; achieving sustainable production and consumption; and building resilient infrastructure and sustainable communities.

Moreover, in order to ensure adequate monitoring of progress towards the Goals, a governance structure with various participants was established at four levels: political coordination; steering and technical expertise; coordination and implementation; and consultation and accountability.

Progress in implementing specific Sustainable Development Goals

Costa Rica is working to implement the 2030 Agenda through an integrated and multidimensional approach to development whereby it seeks to address the obstacles to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals from a multisectoral perspective.

Under Goal 1, “Ending poverty,” key initiatives have been undertaken, including the “Bridge to Development” strategy, the incorporation of a multidimensional poverty indicator and the organization of collective dialogues on poverty eradication.

To address Goal 2, “Zero hunger,” training activities have been established relating to food security, employability and rural development.

Under Goal 3, “Good health and well-being,” 10 strategies have been developed for the management of mental, sexual and physical health, in addition to water sanitation programmes.

Under Goal 5, “Gender equality,” strategies have been developed to reduce inequality, address and prevent violence, and protect sexual and reproductive rights. The adjustments that the Government is making to the national childcare and child development network are particularly noteworthy in this regard.

To implement Goal 9, “Industry, innovation and infrastructure,” 13 Government initiatives have been established to promote technology, develop infrastructure and manage risk.

Lastly, under Goal 14, “Submarine life,” 14 initiatives have been developed to improve the sustainable management of marine resources.

Mechanisms to support ownership by national actors

Institutions, State enterprises, public universities and local governments are currently adjusting their strategic plans and management models and establishing national committees to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Civil society organizations have created a platform to develop common strategic and policy agendas and have initiated training activities. In addition, faith-based organizations have implemented programmes for vulnerable populations and have conducted communication strategies in communities. The local network of the United Nations Global Compact in Costa Rica has also organized outreach and training for businesses and chambers of commerce.

Lastly, the United Nations system has played a critical role in supporting, aligning, coordinating and organizing materials, research, dialogue and technical expertise during the first two years of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Resources for implementation

Costa Rica is an upper middle-income country that is facing a sharply increasing fiscal deficit. Despite this challenge, in 2016 the greatest proportion of budgetary resources was allocated to sectors relating to the Sustainable Development Goals: human development and social inclusion; transportation and infrastructure; and the environment, energy, oceans and land use.

Next steps

The next steps proposed for the short term include establishing national targets; strengthening working groups; and consolidating the Advisory Committee of the High-level Council for the Sustainable Development Goals.

Conclusions

During the 2015-2017 period, Costa Rica has undertaken significant coordination efforts on the basis of a multidimensional approach in order to implement the Sustainable Development Goals. However, despite the progress made, the country faces difficulties in terms of establishing long-term strategies to tackle international and domestic challenges.

Introducción

El 9 de setiembre 2016, Costa Rica se convirtió en el primer país en suscribir un ‘Pacto Nacional por el Cumplimiento de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS). El Sistema de Naciones Unidas (SNU) y la Defensoría de los Habitantes fueron testigos de honor ante la firma de un compromiso por parte de los tres poderes de la República, las Organizaciones de la Sociedad Civil (OSC), las Organizaciones Basadas en la Fe (OBF), las universidades públicas, los gobiernos locales y el sector empresarial con el fin de cumplir con la Agenda 2030. El Pacto representó un consenso fundamental con el fin de ‘No dejar a nadie atrás’.

Adaptación de marcos nacionales y estructura de gobernanza

El Poder Ejecutivo contempló en el Plan Nacional de Desarrollo (PND) (2015-2018), programas y proyectos para cada uno de los ODS con sus correspondientes asignaciones de recursos e instituciones responsables. Además, a partir de un análisis de políticas públicas y un diágnostico sobre capacidades estadísticas, se establecieron tres puntos prioritarios: combate a la pobreza; producción y consumo sostenibles; e infraestructura resiliente y comunidades sostenibles.

Asimismo, para un adecuado seguimiento de los ODS, se estableció una estructura de gobernanza multi-actor en cuatro niveles: coordinación política; direccionamiento y asesoría técnica; coordinación e implementación; y consulta y rendición de cuentas.

Avances en ODS específicos

El enfoque de Costa Rica en el proceso de implementación de la Agenda 2030 es bajo un enfoque de desarrollo integrado y multidimensional en el que se reconocen las brechas para un abordar los ODS desde una perspectiva multisectorial.

El ODS 1 ‘fin de la pobreza’ ha tenido iniciativas clave como la ‘Estrategia Puente al Desarrollo’, la incorporación del Índice de Pobreza Multidimensional y la realización de diálogos colectivos para la erradicación de la pobreza.

Para el abordaje del ODS 2 ‘hambre cero’ se han establecido capacitaciones relacionadas con seguridad alimentaria, empleabilidad, y desarrollo rural. Por su parte, el ODS 3 ‘salud y bienestar’ cuenta con diez estrategias dirigidas al manejo de la salud mental, sexual y física, así como también programas para el saneamiento del agua.

El ODS 5 ‘igualdad de género’, ha contado con estrategias de reducción de desigualdades, atención y prevención de la violencia, y derechos sexuales y reproductivos. Se destaca el reposicionamiento que el gobierno está realizando con la ‘Red Nacional de Cuido y Desarrollo Infantil’.

El ODS 9 ‘industria, innovación e infraestructura’ cuenta con trece iniciativas gubernamentales para la promoción de tecnologías, desarrollo de infraestructura y gestión de riesgos y finalmente, el ODS 14 ‘vida submarina’ cuenta con catorce iniciativas para mejorar la gestión sostenible de los recursos marinos.

Mecanismos de apropiación por actores nacionales

Las instituciones, empresas estatales, universidades públicas y gobiernos locales se encuentran en procesos de readecuación de sus planes estratégicos, modelos de gestión y creación de comisiones internas para el cumplimiento de los ODS.

Las OSC crearon una plataforma para construir agendas estratégicas comunes y de incidencia política, además han comenzado procesos de capacitaciones. Asimismo, las OBF han implementado programas con poblaciones vulnerables y han realizado estrategias de comunicación en comunidades. Por su parte, la Red Local de Pacto Global en Costa Rica ha liderado procesos de divulgación y capacitación a empresas y cámaras empresariales.

Finalmente, el SNU ha desempeñado un papel fundamental en el apoyo, articulación, coordinación y facilitación de materiales, investigación, espacios de diálogo y asesorías técnicas durante los dos años de implementación de los ODS.

Medios de implementación

Costa Rica es un país de renta media-alta el cual se enfrenta ante un profundo deterioro del déficit fiscal. A pesar de ello, para el año 2016, la mayor asignación presupuestaria se realizó en sectores vinculados con los ODS: Desarrollo Humano e Inclusión Social; Transporte e Infraestructura; y Ambiente, Energía, Mares y Ordenamiento Territorial. Próximas medidas

A corto plazo se propone establecer metas nacionales; fortalecer grupos de trabajo; y consolidar el Comité Consultivo para la sostenibilidad del cumplimiento de los ODS.

Conclusiones

Durante el periodo 2015- 2017, Costa Rica ha realizado importantes esfuerzos de articulación bajo un enfoque multidimensional para la implementación de los ODS, sin embargo, pese a los avances el país enfrenta desafíos en términos de establecer estrategias a largo plazo que permitan hacer frente a desafíos internacionales y domésticos.
Focal point
Mario Robles Monge
María del Pilar Garrido Gonzalo 
Technical SDG Secretariat Coordinators
Ministry of Planning and Economic Policy
Partnerships & Commitments
The below is a listing of all partnership initiatives and voluntary commitments where Costa Rica* is listed as a partner in the Partnerships for SDGs online platform.
10YFP Sustainable Food Systems Programme

The 10YFP Sustainable Food Systems Programme (SFS Programme) is a global multi-stakeholder initiative to accelerate the shift towards more sustainable food systems, all along the food value chain, from farm to fork. Among its focus themes are the promotion of sustainable diets; the reduction of food losses and waste; and strengthening resilient and diverse food production systems. The SFS Programme promotes activities that fall under these topics, in the areas of awareness raising, capacity development as well as facilitating access to knowledge, information and tools. The SFS Programme is one...[more]

Partners
Co-Lead organizations: Switzerland, South Africa, WWF, Hivos Members of the Multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee: Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, France, Honduras, Netherlands, United States, Biovision Foundation, IISD, IFOAM - Organics International, Global Nature Fund, German Development Institute, Hebrew University, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, ENEA, CIHEAM, FAO, UNEP, UNSCN, Barilla, Foo...[more]
Sustainable Development Goals
Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST)

The Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST), is one of the first systems, if not the first, to achieve the integration of the principle elements of sustainable tourism, analyzing good management practices, the environmental and social impacts of services, as well as the client's perception of image and the congruence between the service offered and the product's promotion. In its four years of operation in Costa Rica, CST has been able to objectively measure sustainability of operating businesses, improve business environmental and social practices, and motivate businesses to improve pract...[more]

Partners
Governments: Government of Costa Rica - Costa Rican Tourist Board (ICT) Government of Belize - Belize Tourist Board Government of Costa Rica - Ministry of the Environment and Energy Government of El Salvador - Salvador Tourist Corporation Government of Guatemala - Guatemala Tourist Board Government of Honduras - Honduras Tourist Board Government of Nicaragua - Nicaragua Tourist Board Gover...[more]
Action Network
Sustainable Development Goals
Fisheries Conservation in the Wider Caribbean Region through FAO's Western Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission (WECAFC)

The general objective of the Commission is to promote the effective conservation, management and development of the living marine resources of the area of competence of the Commission, in accordance with the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, and address common problems of fisheries management and development faced by members of the Commission. 16 of WECAFC's 35 members are considered small island developing States.

Partners
Member governments: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, France, European Community, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, Korea (Rep. of), Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United S...[more]
Action Network
Sustainable Development Goals
Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism

The Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism is an organizational network of tourism stakeholders of the public and private sectors, non-profits, UN agencies and programmes, international organizations and academic institutions. Partner organizations share the common vision and understanding of the goal of "sustainable tourism" and collaborate internationally, regionally or nationally to transform tourism globally. The mission is to transform the way tourism is done worldwide by building partnerships to support the implementation of sustainable tourism practices at destinations through adop...[more]

Partners
United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP), Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia, the Government of France, Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Morocco, Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea, the Travel Foundation, World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)...[more]
Action Network
Sustainable Development Goals
Nansen Initiative

It aims to set in place back-stopping measures that address the needs of people and communities who are displaced from the impacts of natural hazards and the adverse effects of climate change within, and across borders.To reach this goal technical assistance and capacity building can provide the basis to increase the required awareness from the community to the political level and complement and strengthen national adaptation policy. In the event that displacement occurs, government will have institutionalised safe-guard measures that protect people who are displaced and the receiving communit...[more]

Partners
The Nansen Initiative: The Steering Group is composed of national governments who initiates, hosts, oversees and steers the Nansen Initiative process and is co-chaired by the Governments of Norway and Switzerland. Member states to the group include Australia, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Germany, Kenya, Mexico, and the Philippines in addition to the co-chair countries, Norway and Switzerland. ...[more]
Action Network
Sustainable Development Goals
Statements
18 Jul 2017
17 Jul 2017
6 Jun 2017
19 Jul 2016
18 Jul 2016
20 Jun 2012
12 May 2011
12 May 2011
1 May 2006
1 May 2006
2 Sep 2002
United Nations