Questions/Answers
Question 1
Please describe the objective of the initiative introduced (200 words maximum)
Since the adoption of the SDGs, the Federal Institute for Sustainable Development (FISD) has been working to encourage federal authorities to implement the 2030 Agenda. It emphasises a comprehensive approach to policies regarding sustainable development to optimise the implementation of SDGs. A Gap Analysis let us know what the priorities are for Belgium. Then we could enhance other public services on the way to the SDGs with a focus on integrated policies (involving materiality definition exercises linked to the SDGs) and participation of the stakeholders (for the preparation of the next ferderal Plan for Sustainable Devlopment based on the SDGs).
Question 2
Please explain how the initiative is linked to the category and criteria selected (100 words maximum)
The FISD aims an integrated approach of the ASD2030 and enhances other Belgian federal ministries to define actions and policies in collaboration with each other. It helps the other ministries to better comprehend the ASD2030 by explaining them how they can contribute to different targets and to keep in mind a broad picture of the whole agenda.
Question 3
Please describe in what ways the initiative is contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the SDGs. Specify which SDG(s) it is relevant to. (100 words maximum)
The FISD assigned a team of researchers to assess the stocktake of commitments and create a Gap Analysis. With the result of this analysis the FISD helped rhe Federal Belgian Ministries to see how they can contribute to which targets and where the priorities are. The FISD choosed always an integrated approach and enhanced cooperations between ministries. Its action contributes to SDG 16, target 16.7.
Question 4
The initiative must have positive impact on a group or groups of the population, especially the vulnerable (i.e. children, women, older persons, people with disabilities, etc.) within the context of your country or region. Please explain how the initiative has addressed a significant shortfall in governance, public administration or public service within the context of a given country or region. (200 words maximum)
This initiative focuses on the need of a cooperation between ministries and on the integrated character of the ASD2030. belgian Ministries work too often in silos 'each on its side). The FISD insists on an integrated approach of the ASD2030 explaining that one must not forget that this action can contribute ton some targets but can be negative for other targets and ministries have to work together (for example Finance with Employment or Economy with Mobility) to get real results.
Question 5
a. Please explain in which way the initiative is innovative in the context of your country or region (100 words maximum)
The innovation can be found in the integrated approach of the realization of the ASD2030 and also in the pilot project round SDGs and materiality definition (see in the uploaded description of the initiative).
b. Please describe if the innovation is original or if it is an adaptation from other contexts (100 words maximum)
It's an original innovation except for the Gap Analysis (that happened in several other countries). We hope it will be duplicated in other governments in Belgium or in other countries.
Question 6
Has the initiative been transferred and adapted to in other contexts (e.g. other cities, countries or regions) to your organization’s knowledge? If yes, please explain (100 words maximum)
Not yet.
Question 7
a. What resources (i.e. financial, human or others) were used to implement the initiative? (100 words maximum)
We paid consultants for the research (the Gap Analysis) and for the projects SDGs and Materiality. One team of several persons in the FISD are in charge for the initiative : the director and 4 other colleagues with different tasks (coordination, search for information, support and awareness raisng for other Belgian Ministries). .
b. Please describe whether and how the initiative is sustainable (covering the social, economic and environmental aspects) (200 words maximum)
The Belgian Ministries can contribute to the whole ASD2030. The support and awareness raising proposed by the FISD help them to better understand the Agenda, the links between the targets, the necessity of working with other Ministries, etc. and consequently to contribute more efficiently to the realization of the ASD2030.
Question 8
a. Has the initiative been formally evaluated either through internal or external evaluation?
Yes
We have evaluated the initiative at different steps (after the creation of the stocktake of the federal government's commitments, after the Gap Analysis, after the awareness raising campaign...). It helped us to define the next step, based on identified needs of federal Belgian Ministries. So we can build an effective approach for the realization of the ASD2030.
b. Please describe the indicators that were used (100 words maximum)
Qualitative indicators such as satisfaction of the needs/requests other federal Belgian Ministries, a better comprehension of the integrated approach, a bigger awareness about sustainable development.
c. Please describe the outcome of the evaluation (100 words maximum)
We identified three major outcomes : a better knowledge of the situation in Belgium compared to the ASD2030 (so we know here the priorities are), an ownership of the ASD2030 by the other federal Belgian ministries and the understanding by the other ministries of the need for an integrated policy.
Question 9
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development puts emphasis on collaboration, engagement, coordination, partnerships, and inclusion. Please describe what and how stakeholders were engaged in designing, implementing and evaluating the initiative. Please also highlight their roles and contributions (200 words maximum)
The FISD has frequently involved the other Ministries since the begin of the initiatives (see description of the initiative in the uploaded documents) and enhances them to involve their own stakeholders (for example in the project SDGs and Materiality : a consultation of the SH will happen in January). For the preparation of the next Federal Plan for Sustainable Development the FISD has consulted its own stakeholders (companies, unions, NGOs...).
Question 10
Please describe the key lessons learned, and any view you have on how to further improve the initiative (100 words maximum)
It takes a lot of resources and time. You need to be patient to see changes in the comprehension of the need of an integrated approach and steps in this direction. You have to explain again and again how to get to it. But patience and tenacity pay : we see changes in the understanding of the universality of the ASD2030 and the connections between the targets.