SDG Localization and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs): what comes after the 1st VLR?

The Global Cities Hub organised an event on the margins of the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (RFSD) in the UNECE region, in partnership with UN-Habitat and UNECE to discuss the critical question for the future of sustainable development implementation: what comes after a first Voluntary Local Review (VLR)?

Over recent years, Voluntary Local Reviews and Voluntary Subnational Reviews have become essential instruments for translating the SDGs into local contexts and hundreds local and regional governments (LRGs) have undertaken to fulfil the exercise of establishing their first VLR (VSR for regions). Inspired initially by the VNRs (Voluntary National Reviews), those instruments reflect strong political commitment, strengthen data systems, providing precious granulation at subnational level, and enhance the visibility of cities and regions at national and international levels.

However, despite their growing importance, VLRs remain informal, not considered in many national processes and are not systematically integrated into official reporting at the global level. They are not recognized – in other words, – as an official SDG instrument by all Member States at United nations level.

The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including LRGs, Member States, networks and experts, to exchange experiences and identify practical pathways to ensure that VLRs evolve from reporting tools into drivers of implementation, investment, and multilevel governance strategic tool.

The following key messages emerged from the discussion:

1. VLRs are powerful, multi-dimensional instruments.
   They serve simultaneously as stocktaking exercises, political commitments, strategic frameworks, and tools for mobilizing resources. Properly designed, they capture political momentum at both municipal and national levels. ( i.e. “second generation” VLR must be based on indicators as defined by UN).
2. The priority is to move from reporting to implementation.
   Without structured follow-up, VLRs risk remaining one-off exercises. The next phase must focus on translating findings into concrete policies, investments, and measurable outcomes.
3. Data is a central pillar of VLRs.
   VLRs generate valuable disaggregated data, offering insights into both progress and gaps. It was however noted that beyond data collection, strong analytical capacity is essential to turn information into effective policy action.
4. VLRs strengthen governance and clarify competencies.
   They help define the roles and responsibilities of LRGs, which vary significantly across governance systems. They also support strategic planning, budgeting, and sectoral coordination.
5. Inclusiveness is essential.
   VLR processes should actively engage residents, civil society, and local stakeholders. This ensures ownership, strengthens local democracy, and enhances the relevance of SDG implementation. This “citizens” engagement is possible through consultations during the process and again, must be convened by the political powers.
6. Stronger multilevel alignment is needed.
   VLRs should be better integrated into national and global review processes, particularly the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Formal recognition of VLRs would enhance their impact and legitimacy. The UN Forum of mayors has the potential to become “HLPF” for cities.
7. Financing sustainable development is critical.
   VLRs can serve as evidence-based tools to support access to funding, partnerships, and investment strategies at the local level. Central governments must be involved in “local finance” discussion, and the VLR looks as an essential tool for that.
8. VLRs enable comparison and peer learning.
   They provide a platform for benchmarking progress and exchanging best practices among cities and regions (in the same State or internationally), fostering continuous improvement.
9. Global platforms for cities should be strengthened.
   The UN Forum of Mayors was highlighted as a potential “High-Level Political Forum for cities,” amplifying the voice of local governments within the global SDG architecture. This ambition could be reflected in the SDG 11 review led by UN-Habitat.
10. Looking beyond 2030 is already necessary.
    While accelerating implementation remains urgent, participants stressed the importance of preparing future frameworks for sustainable development, building on the lessons learned from VLR processes.

The discussion underscored the importance of maintaining the momentum generated by VLRs and ensuring their transformation into continuous, inclusive, and action-oriented processes. Participants emphasized that the multistakeholder nature of the dialogue reflects a strong commitment to effective and inclusive multilateralism.

The outcomes of the event will contribute to ongoing reflections feeding into the SDG 11 Synthesis Report (whereas the UN-Habitat is a pen holder) ahead of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2026.

🎥 Watch the recording of the event