Event Summary
On 2 April 2025, the president of Costa Rica issued Executive Decree No. 44945-PLAN-RE-MINAE, significantly altering the 2017 regulatory framework governing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key provisions supporting civil society participation and funding were repealed, including Article 12, which ensured financial resources for SDG-related actions, and Article 15, which declared the SDGs a matter of public interest and legitimising civil society’s role.
The new decree narrows the SDG framework to 55 targets “adopted by the country,” removing the automatic commitment to the full 2030 Agenda. It emphasises alignment with national development priorities and constitutional values. While the government cited sovereignty and constitutional principles, such as Christian and moral values as justification, the intention behind the changes remains ambiguous.
Critically, civil society was excluded from the reform process. Despite the existence of an SDG Advisory Committee, neither it nor other stakeholders were consulted. This contravenes both the original 2017 decree, which mandates democratic dialogue and participation, and the General Law on Public Administration.
The reforms will undermine Costa Rica’s enabling environment for civil society. The loss of funding and public interest status weakens institutional support for civil society-led initiatives. Moreover, the failure to consult stakeholders undermine principles of transparency, participation, and state responsiveness