The Index of Countries’ Support for UN-based Multilateralism

Global cooperation and a strong UN system are indispensable to implement shared global goals such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDG Transformation Center of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network developed an index that helps assess countries’ support for UN-based multilateralism (UN-MI) based on the principles established in the UN Charter in 1945. The index uses six indicators:

• UN treaty ratification,
• United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) votes with the international majority,
• Membership in UN organizations,
• Participation in conflicts and militarization,
• Use of unilateral coercive measures against other Nation-States, and
• Contribution to the UN budget and international solidarity.

In addition to the UN-MI index, this data visualization platform enables users to assess countries’ commitment towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through complementary indicators, such as Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs).

VNRs and VLRs are self-assessments conducted by countries and local governments, respectively, to report on their progress in implementing the SDGs. VNRs are presented at the UN High-Level Political Forum and reflect national efforts, policies, and outcomes related to the SDGs, while VLRs offer a similar mechanism at the municipal or regional level, highlighting the role of cities and local actors in achieving global goals. These reviews are important additional indicators of commitment to multilateralism and sustainable development.

This platform provides interactive maps, methodology, knowledge resources and data.