Latvia has a well-coordinated planning system. Any changes to the existing NDP as well as new targets, actions and measures for the next NDP will be introduced through mid-term reviews of the currently effective policy frameworks and plans. It is during the mid-term reviews that the 2030 Agenda for SD indicators and targets can be discussed, new actions considered and respective costs assessed. For the NDP2020 the mid-term review took place in 2017.

The Cross Sectoral Coordination Centre has developed an assessment of the 169 targets against the national policy planning documents. First, the SDGs are divided in the three main groups (apply to domestic policy, development cooperation, global issues). Second, the responsible institution and, if applicable, institutions with shared responsibility are identified. The goals solely applicable to development cooperation (bilateral or multilateral) are mapped. Third, the SDG indicators for each of the targets are mapped against the Latvia2030 and NDP2020 performance indicators. Fourth, the responsible institution gives its opinion regarding the need to include the non-existent or partially covered SDG indicators in NDP2020 or the next NDP. Last, possible discussion issues are noted.

A comparison of the 2030 Agenda sub-goals to targets and performance indicators in current Latvian policy documents reveals that Latvia already has many domestic level indicators with targets that match the 2030 Agenda goals and targets.

The development of new planning tools or processes at the regional and local level has not been envisaged for the near future, since the existing ones are comprehensive, extensive and sufficient.

Latvia’s policy-making process is inclusive, and cooperation is ongoing at many different levels. When ministries begin work on policy documents, they usually inform the public via their web-sites; they also have working groups and standing committees on issues dealing with development. Before being approved by the Cabinet, all policy documents are published on the Cabinet of Minister’s website and are open to comments from interested stakeholders in an inclusive negotiation process. A monthly meeting takes place between the Prime Minister and the interested NGOs. Latvia’s plans of mainstreaming the SDGs in the planning process were presented and discussed at these meetings. The Cross Sectoral Coordination Centre and line ministries respond to requests from NGOs, the UNESCO Latvian National Committee and other non-state actors about future plans.  NGOs will be providing information on their roles in implementing the NDP2020, which already includes many targets in line with the SDGs.  Data and analysis is shared by the academic sector. The Employers’ Confederation and the Confederation of Trade Unions participate regularly in policy discussions, and they are also members, together with representatives of the academia, in the National Development Council. Therefore, no formal partnerships will be signed, since this would rather exclude stakeholders than guarantee inclusivity in the national implementation of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.