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The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a blueprint for achieving social, economic and environmental sustainability. However, at the midpoint of its implementation period (which runs from 2015 to 2030), progress has been insufficient due to crises such as climate-related disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, armed conflicts and the cost-of-living crisis. Rather than discouraging action, this should serve as a rallying call to intensify efforts. In this context, the actions of local and regional governments (LRGs) are crucial. Responsible for implementing an estimated two-thirds of the SDG targets, LRGs enjoy a unique vantage point to address multiple challenges with transformative solutions. Although not formally recognised in the implementation or in the follow-up and review architecture of the 2030 Agenda, LRGs have actively engaged with the SDGs, notably through Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) since 2018. VLRs have been instrumental in supporting LRGs’ efforts, from monitoring and evaluating progress to enhancing policy integration, and thus playing an important role in global sustainable development efforts.
Marking the fifth edition of the State of the Voluntary Local Review series, initiated by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) in 2020, this report continues to shed light on critical aspects of local sustainability efforts. Over the years, this annual series has showcased both the successes and ongoing challenges faced by local and regional governments in advancing the 2030 Agenda through VLRs. This fifth edition focuses on 48 VLR reports published in 2023 by local and regional governments. It first provides an overview of the trends of the VLR movement in 2023, then examines two key themes: approaches to follow-up and review, and the local implementation of the SDGs. Initially, the report examines the selection of SDGs in VLRs and the approaches followed for their review—outcome-based, focusing on quantitative assessments of progress, and process-oriented, examining implemented actions. It then zooms in on six selected cases—namely, Agadir, Buenos Aires, Fatih, Rottenburg am Neckar, Tokyo and Vantaa—to better understand the inner mechanisms of locally implementing the SDGs.
Key trends identified among the 48 VLR reports published in 2023 include the majority of the VLR reports being from municipal governments (35), with the highest regional representation from Europe (17) and Asia (12). Importantly, 2023 saw the largest number of VLRs from Africa in a single year (seven). The report also identifies the general preference for process-oriented reviews over outcome-based reviews. Among the reviewed Goals, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) is the most frequently addressed, while SDG 14 (Life Below Water) is the least reviewed. This analysis indicates a tendency for cities to cherry-pick SDGs that align closely with their local priorities and strengths. When examining how the six selected cases are implementing the 2030 Agenda, a common characteristic shared by them is their strategic, localised approach to the Global Goals. These cities integrate the SDGs into their local contexts through comprehensive plans and strategies, ensuring that the Goals are met through tailored local actions. They also employ participatory approaches, involving a wide range of stakeholders in planning and implementation.
This report concludes that accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda requires that local and regional governments are empowered to continue their engagement with the SDGs. To achieve this, LRGs must be equipped with enhanced resources—including access to finance, capacity building and human resources. Embedding VLRs into local governance structures and strategic planning is vital for improving policy integration, follow-up and review, and stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, to ensure local actions deliver tangible results, LRGs should continue to innovate and scale up successful initiatives. Reinforcing the community of practice around VLRs is crucial, as it enables LRGs to learn from each other and promotes inclusive and effective sustainability initiatives.
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