UN-Habitat launches local action methodology for global change
In response to the urgent need for local solutions to global challenges, UN-Habitat on Wednesday 28 February 2024 unveiled the Action-Oriented Voluntary Local Reviews methodology – UN-Habitat’s latest initiative aimed at translating the Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) into actionable tools at the grassroots level for realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Since their inception in 2016, VLRs have gained momentum, with 263 reviews published across 51 countries, representing over 200 local and regional governments. These reviews have emerged as instrumental tools for communities worldwide to engage with the SDGs, reflecting the voices of nearly 466 million people.
Building on this momentum, UN-Habitat, in collaboration with key partners including United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), is introducing 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.
Recent reports on SDG progress underscore the urgency of localizing these Goals, especially in light of the slow progress towards their realization by 2030. UN-Habitat’s Action-Oriented Voluntary Local Reviews methodology not only serves as a practical tool but also as a rallying call for subnational governments and local communities worldwide to take proactive steps towards sustainable development.
By bridging the gap between SDG monitoring and practical implementation, this methodology empowers local entities to chart their own development paths, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a sustainable future.
