Options for the HLPF Review Mechanism

This report, produced by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) for a workshop on May 15, 2014, outlines the key design questions and parameters for the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) review mechanism. It identifies the need for a constructive, learning-based process to assess progress toward sustainable development goals and the means of their implementation.

• The HLPF review mechanism is envisioned as a constructive process focused on positive learning and the identification of scalable actions rather than a tool for finger-pointing. It should include causal analysis to determine what works and what does not, while maintaining transparency and providing incentives for open participation.
• The design of the review mechanism requires resolving five core questions: who is reviewed (States and UN entities) and how often; what is reviewed (commitments and objectives including means of implementation); the incentives for voluntary participation; the optimal approach for national and systemic reviews (such as self-assessment or peer review); and how outputs link to the wider sustainable development geography.
• The review process must evaluate both the national efforts of States to meet goals and targets and the performance of those responsible for providing funding, capacity, and technology.
• There is a tension in the design regarding the frequency and rigor of reviews, where more rigorous reviews may be too costly and time-consuming, while less frequent reviews risk hindering progress toward sustainable development goals and targets.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (n.d.). Options for the HLPF Review Mechanism. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/options_hlpf_review.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. Options for the HLPF Review Mechanism. n.d. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/options_hlpf_review.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=Options for the HLPF Review Mechanism |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/options_hlpf_review.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopmentndoptions, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{Options for the HLPF Review Mechanism}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/options_hlpf_review.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }