Voluntary Local Reviews
Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) allow Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) to assess their progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Modeled after the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) that national governments conduct, VLRs highlight the role of local and regional governments in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
A Bit of History
When United Nations parties adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, they held sustainability at the core of efforts to eliminate poverty, empower women and children, safeguard nature, and build prosperous economies. The framework for achieving these ambitious aims, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offered 17 goals and 169 targets, representing a blueprint for holistic development in nations — but one also useful for cities.
While local efforts for sustainability date back to the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, collective tracking of key sustainability metrics are more recent and continue to evolve in ways that are both exciting and puzzling for cities.
The VLR movement started in 2018 when New York City and the Japanese cities of Kitakyushu, Shimokawa, and Toyama presented the first local reviews at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Since then, the number of VLRs has increased, with hundreds submitted by regional governments, cities, and towns by 2024.
Dig Deeper: Orlando and The Sustainable Development Goals
The Orlando Voluntary Local Review (VLR) project assessed the city’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiated by Mayor Buddy Dyer in 2007. The review focused on key SDGs such as Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, and Climate Action, among others. It aimed to highlight successful initiatives, identify areas for improvement, and stress the importance of global cooperation in sustainability.
The project marked Orlando’s evolution from the Green Works Orlando plan to a more aligned approach with the SDGs, emphasizing a data-driven indicator selection and a people-centered methodology. ICLEI USA played a supportive role, collaborating with Orlando to facilitate the VLR process and helping to ensure the City’s strategies and metrics effectively promoted urban agriculture, food security, and sustainable waste management.
Why Partner with ICLEI USA for Your VLR?
Our Approach
- Clear Methodology: We provide a structured process tailored to your needs.
- Integrated Policies: Seamlessly align your policies with the SDGs for maximum impact.
- Transparent Data: Present your data clearly to ensure openness and understanding.
- Focus on Sustainability: Highlight your contributions to global sustainability efforts.
Key Benefits
- Enhance Collaboration: Improve cooperation between different government levels and strengthen internal teamwork.
- Boost Engagement: Increase stakeholder involvement and amplify your voice in global discussions.
- Strategic Planning: Set clear performance benchmarks and align your strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Global Connections: Share best practices and join an international network of local governments.