The implementation period of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is approaching
its halfway mark. Less than 8 years are left to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to make the world more peaceful, just and sustainable. What can civil society do for the SDGs? How can civic actors monitor the implementation of the Goals? What tools do they have to raise awareness of the 2030 Agenda and advocate for sustainable development on local, national and international level?

We present you the handbook “Approaching the 2030 Agenda midterm: What Civil Society can do for Sustainable Development Goals?” showcasing 14 examples from Western and Eastern Europe that illustrate how civil society can monitor, raise awareness and advocate for the Goals. They not only describe concrete activities and their outcomes but also reflect challenges and opportunities for improvement. The handbook aims to inspire civil society around the world to take their own actions.

The handbook was prepared within the project "Collaboration of EU-Russia SDG Coalitions" by Coalition for Sustainable Development of Russia and SDG Watch Europe supported by Collective Leadership Institute and the EU-Russia Civil Society Forum. Within the framework of the project, representatives of civil society organisations from Russia, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Greece, Slovenia, Ireland and the Netherlands discussed best practices of awareness raising, networking and advocacy for Sustainable Development Goals and developed future collaboration ideas. The handbook reflects the experiences that participating organizations have gained in working with the SDGs.