Subnational reporting to accelerate sustainable development at all levels.

The importance and increasing recognition of SDG Localization can be exemplified by the increasing number of local and regional governments (LRGs) engaged in the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) process – currently more than 330 VLRs have been published. The momentum behind subnational reporting is rapidly evolving into a global movement, with an increasing number of local and regional governments actively participating in this transformative journey, representing the lived realities of over 464 million people.

It is important to take stock of where the VLR movement stands and look forward to its future, specifically connecting VLRs to the wider and deeper SDG localization process. Subnational reporting has emerged as an innovative process shaped by and for cities, that can inform the development of evidence-based policies and plans, helping to orient budget allocation and local initiatives responding to the challenges and opportunities proper to each territory. Additionally, they are also contributing to demonstrating the centrality of the mandate of LRGs and of local action in delivering national priorities and advancing sustainable development.

To ensure that VLRs have a strong action-oriented component, they are increasingly anchored in effective governance and institutions as well as participation and inclusion of various stakeholders such as civil society, academia, the private sector, and other development partners. This approach makes VLRs essential for an SDG Localization Framework that master’s the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

Local and regional governments from different regions and countries experience similar challenges across the stages of the VLR process. These are mainly linked to the limited capacities in data collection and availability, lack of adequate human, financial and technical resources, limited engagement within national SDG review processes and difficulties in engaging communities and vulnerable groups into truly inclusive and participatory processes.

This event aims at convening the first in-person Global VLR Workshop. It will discuss the VLR process, the opportunities and challenges encountered, alongside the significant impact already observed from previous ones. It will also address the challenge of ensuring that the vision and commitments written in the reports are transformed into tangible, innovative and inclusive actions to accelerate the attainment of the SDGs. The session will also offer innovative perspectives, methodologies and solutions based on all the experiences shared in the VLR progress in these territories.