Voluntary Local Reviews

Voluntary Local Reviews

Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) are a process to monitor SDG achievement at the local level and powerful accelerators of the SDG localization process. As their use is gradually adopted by more and more local and regional governments from around the globe, VLRs have become an instrument to orient strategic planning, financing, and initiatives through the SDG lens.

That is why UN-Habitat supports the development of action oriented VLRs, connecting monitoring to planning, and fostering horizontal and vertical policy coherence

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The VLR global movement is growing day by day: more than 350 local and regional governments have developed VLRs from all over the world. Search the UN-Habitat VLR repository to see all the VLRs produced worldwide:

Search the UN-Habitat VLR Repository

Are we missing any?

Share the VLR from your locality with us!

How UN-Habitat Supports the Global Movement

  • Technical expertise
  • Cutting-edge knowledge and guidelines
  • Opportunities for peer learning and capacity building
  • Connecting VLRs with VNRs
  • Providing opportunities for engagement in international events and processes on the SDGs (High Level Political Forum, World Urban Forum, etc.)
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Action-Oriented Voluntary Local Reviews

UN-Habitat, in collaboration with key partners, introduced a methodology emphasizing the crucial link between SDG assessment and actionable strategies, addressing the question of what comes after a VLR. The methodology, designed for flexibility and adaptability, provides a comprehensive framework for conducting VLRs with a focus on actionable outcomes. It comprises three thematic tracks: data, stakeholder engagement, and strategic action, alongside crosscutting elements such as multilevel governance and capacity building.

Action-Oriented Voluntary Local Review Methodology - English

Action-Oriented Voluntary Local Review Methodology - French

Action-Oriented Voluntary Local Review Methodology - Spanish

Action-Oriented Voluntary Local Review Methodology - Portuguese

Action-Oriented VLR methodology cover

                                 For more information, reach out to sdgcities@un.org