A comparative review of existing Voluntary Local Reviews (VLR) guidelines
Voluntary Local Reviews can be considered a process to accelerate SDG localization, leading to the “construction of collective knowledge” through the lens of the SDGs. Even though a common, harmonized definition of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) does not exist, VLRs are strategic documents allowing local and regional governments to share local priorities, challenges and aspirations as part of their unique journey towards sustainable development.
UN-Habitat has engaged the expertise of the Local Development Unit to conduct a global research initiative on multilevel governance and SDG localization. As part of the research, ARCO conducted a desk analysis with the objective is to gain a comprehensive overview of the current guidelines for conducting Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), emphasizing their shared elements, distinctions, and unique characteristics. This aims to provide the reader with a clear understanding of the diverse recommendations on executing an impactful VLR more effectively.
The research builds on the widespread shift in the interpretation of the VLR process from a static written document presented at global conferences to a highly engaging, living process that informs actions at the local and national levels and advances efforts to achieve the SDGs.
The multifaced purpose of the VLR process is also highlighted in the Guidelines, conceiving it as a powerful tool to achieve different aims, such as, but not limited to:
• the identification of priority areas that require local action;
• the acceleration of the uptake of SDGs from the local government departments and communities;
• the enhancement of both horizontal and vertical coordination, along with accountability and transparency;
• the alignment of local budgets with SDGs targets;
• awareness-raising about sustainability in the administration and local community;
• the creation of a multistakeholder partnership on sustainability in all societal sectors;
• the contribution to national governments’ reports on progress towards the 2030 Agenda.
VLRs are tools intrinsically meant for local governments, which naturally operate in different geographical, social, economic, and institutional contexts. They can accelerate innovation since cities, local governments and local actors are “pushing the boundaries of their VLRs to maximize their potential as a basis for societal change and new policy applications”.
An executive summary of the Guidelines is available below, to know more and to read the full publication do not hesitate to contact us at info[at]arcolab.org
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