Dushanbe, Tajikistan, October 22, 2024 — Dushanbe city administration in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and the support of UN-Habitat, UNECE, UCLG, UNDESA, UNDP  and UN Resident Coordinator Office in Tajikistan convened a national forum to present its Voluntary Local Review (VLR) “Towards a Smarter and Sustainable Dushanbe” to showcase the city’s progress in the implementation of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
 

The VLR highlights significant results achieved by the Dushanbe city over the past years within the implementation of Dushanbe socio-economic development programme 2018-2025 across all sectors including social and economic spheres, public services, infrastructure, digitalization and smart solutions, environment and green transformation with a focus on sustainable urban planning and development in line with SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. The VLR pointed out to the importance of addressing the needs of all residents, particularly vulnerable groups, enhancing smart and digital infrastructure to foster innovation, tourism development and improving the overall quality of life.
 

Mr. Abdurahmon Abdurahmonzoda, Deputy Mayor of Dushanbe, in his opening remarks mentioned about the achieved results in various spheres and overall socio-economic development of Dushanbe city, introduced smart, digital and green initiatives to advance the development of Dushanbe city and making it more sustainable and resilient.
 

Mr Solehzoda Ashurboy, First Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade stressed that the SDGs are implemented at the local level  and in this regard, preparation of the Dushanbe city VLR is important to ensure SDGs’ localization along with its nationalization.
 

Mr. Lenni Montiel, UNDP Resident Representative in Tajikistan, emphasized the importance of the VLR and mentioned that “This review is not just a reflection of our achievements but a commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring that all residents of Dushanbe experience tangible enhancements in their quality of life. Together, we can foster a future that prioritizes shared prosperity, innovation, and opportunity for all.”
 

Mr. Martino Miraglia, Coordinator, SDG Localization and Local Governments team of UN Habitat, highlighted the SDG Localization Country Framework and noted that “While today we celebrate Dushanbe’s achievement, we must recognize that this VLR is just the beginning of a longer journey. Dushanbe now has a solid foundation to build upon as it continues to localize the SDGs, and it has set a path for other cities in Tajikistan to follow.”
 

The VLR not only outlines the accomplishments of the past but also sets the stage for future collaboration among local authorities, national institutions, development partners, and the citizens of Dushanbe. The Dushanbe VLR report will be presented during the World Urban Forum to be held in Cairo, Egypt, from November 4 to 8, 2024. The World Urban Forum provides a strategic opportunity for multi-stakeholder cooperation in implementing the New Urban Agenda and aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. 
 

UN  Tajikistan and UN-Habitat remain committed to supporting Dushanbe in achieving its vision for sustainable growth and prosperity, by expanding this opportunity to other cities of Tajikistan, fostering a collaborative environment where all voices are heard, and opportunities are accessible to everyone.

Access the full VLR report here: https://sdglocalization.org/sites/default/files/2024-11/dushanbe_2024_en-compressed.pdf