National SDGs Localization Frameworks and VNR–VLR Integration for Multilevel Governance and Territorial Impact

Link for online participation: https://events.zoom.us/ev/Aibr0kbIDdqVkvemWr261fYnAxZykyUdRDsZPyYyPx2Ao…

SDG localization is not a concept, it is the core delivery approach of the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda. It translates global commitments into territorially grounded implementation and measurable impact. Delivering adequate housing, land, and basic services requires a fundamental shift toward integrated, multilevel governance systems that are inclusive, coherent, and outcome-oriented, supported by whole-of-society coalitions capable of aligning institutions, communities, and partners around shared, locally grounded solutions. In this context, National SDG Localization Frameworks (NLFs), promoted by the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs – the joint operational initiative of the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and UN Habitat, fully contributing to the Local2030 Coalition – connect national and subnational levels by aligning policies, governance arrangements, initiatives and resources to advance SDG localization and enable high impact local action, including on housing as a cross cutting issue. A cornerstone of the NLFs is the connection between Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), which opens channels of dialogue across levels of government, supports joint planning, monitoring and review of SDG progress, and helps ensure that national reporting reflects local realities. Building on the Partnership Platform’s VNR/VLR Peer Learning Series – which supports localized approaches to VNR preparation and deepens linkages between national and subnational SDG reporting- the session will explore how National SDG Localization Frameworks and stronger VNR–VSR–VLR integration can enhance territorial transformation and the delivery of the 2030 Agenda, contributing to addressing the global housing crisis. By presenting early experiences with NLFs and localized VNRs approaches, the event will bring together national and subnational governments to discuss concrete pathways for embedding localization in national reporting and implementation. The session will consolidate participating countries’ commitment to embed a shared joint localization message, developed through the Peer Learning Series, into the VNRs they present at the 2026 HLPF. It will also aim to catalyze stronger partnerships among national and local governments and international partners within the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs, aligning support, actions and investments to progressively expand and deepen the design and implementation of NLFs across countries. Strategic objectives 1. Strengthen the integration of SDG localization in national reporting and review processes by encouraging participating countries to include joint messaging on VNR localization defined through the peer learning series of the Partnership Platform. 2. Discuss how National SDG Localization Frameworks can be a strategic instrument for territorial implementation of the 2030 Agenda, highlighting how they connect national priorities with local realities through coherent multilevel governance, policy coherence for sustainable development and aligned initiatives and resources. 3. Consolidate commitment and partnerships around the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs, positioning it as a key collaboration space for advancing NLFs, strengthening VNR–VLR linkages and aligning support and investments for SDG localization across countries. Strategic outcomes 1. Participating institutions have a clearer and shared understanding of how to embed SDG localization and VLR insights into forthcoming VNRs, and how stronger VNR–VLR linkages can enhance the quality and relevance of national SDG reporting. 2. Participating Member States and partners recognize NLFs as a useful framework for connecting national priorities with local implementation and signals interest in advancing or initiating NLFs in their contexts. 3. The session helps to reinforce and expand partnerships within the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs, identifying concrete avenues to align political support, technical cooperation and future investments that can progressively deepen NLF design and implementation across countries.