A/79/179 III. Participation of persons with disabilities in the review and follow-up mechanisms of the 2030 Agenda 21. As part of the 2030 Agenda, States committed to a robust, voluntary, effective, participatory, transparent and integrated follow-up and review framework at the national, regional and global levels. The follow-up and review processes aim to track progress of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and related targets and to identify solutions and best practices, on the basis of evidence and data disaggregated by several characteristics, including disability. In line with the commitment to making these processes open, inclusive, participatory and transparent for all people, persons with disabilities ought to be included in the review and follow-up mechanisms at the national, regional and global levels. 22. Indeed, in order not to leave anyone behind, the participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities are critical to ensure their experiences and challenges are reflected and integrated when assessing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as in related efforts to support and accelerate implementation. And, as outlined above, the participation of persons with disabilities is not only a sound policymaking and programming consideration, but also a human rights imperative. A. National review and monitoring processes 23. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda can succeed only through country -led policies, strategies and programmes with national ownership constituting a key principle for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The review and follow-up on implementation at the national level is the starting point for effectively tracking progress, identifying gaps and ensuring accountability. Policy, coordination and review mechanisms 24. Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, States have developed different ways to align their policies, plans and review processes to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, which have grown and complexified over the years. These frameworks vary significantly across countries and offer a multitude of entry points for civil society and other actors to engage and participate in national Sustainable Development Goals reviews and follow-up processes. 7 Persons with disabilities, and their representative organizations, must be included in national policies and strategies and related coordination and review mechanisms to ensure that all voices are heard, especially of those left furthest behind. Disability inclusion, however, does not appear to be systematic in these mechanisms. Information shared with the Special Rapporteur does, nonetheless, contain some positive examples that can serve as good practice to others. 25. Many States have taken steps to align existing or new national development plans and strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals, while others have developed Goals-specific policies, strategies or action plans. Either way, persons with disabilities should be included in consultations to develop, review and monitor national policies and strategies on sustainable development. Some contributions received indicate that this has been the case. Synergies can also be created between national policies and strategies on sustainable development and on the rights of persons with disabilities where they exist. For instance, Ecuador reported on the alignment of its national agenda for the equality of persons with disabilities for the __________________ 7 24-13229 See www.un.org/en/desa/world-public-sector-report. 7/21