With just five years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), UN-Habitat, and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) will host the fourth edition of the Voluntary Local and Subnational Review (VLR-VSR) Days on 10–11 July 2025. Held entirely online in the framework of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the gathering will showcase how local and regional governments are converting SDG commitments into measurable, lasting results.
“From Barcelona to Bogotá and from Nairobi to Nagoya, city and regional leaders are showing the world that the SDGs live—or stall—locally. This year, we move from reporting to real transformation, innovation with national ambition, aligning local”. Emilia Sáiz, Secretary-General of UCLG.
Participation is free, but registration is required. Register here.
Turning reviews into results
More than 283 cities in 66 countries have already published VLRs, while 38 countries’ local-government associations have released VSRs—evidence that the movement is rapidly maturing. VLR-VSR Days 2025 will explore three key themes:
- Multilevel governance and finance – how reviews are reframing decentralization and collective SDG implementation;
- Inclusive, participatory SDG localization – deepening democracy and equity from the ground up;
- From policy to impact – embedding VLR/VSR findings in long-term urban and territorial strategies.
Interactive programme (CEST)
- Session 1 – Thu 10 Jul, 14:00–15:30: opening + multilevel governance & finance.
- Session 2 – Thu 10 Jul, 15:45–17:00: empowering inclusive, participatory and intersectional development.
- Session 3 – Fri 11 Jul, 14:00–15:30: from policy to impact, and closing.
Download the programme here.
Why it matters
UN data show that only 35 % of SDG targets with available information are on track or making moderate progress. As service providers, planners and conveners, local and regional governments (LRGs) are first responders to intersecting crises—from public health to climate resilience—and vital partners in accelerating SDG implementation.
“VLRs and VSRs have evolved from bold political statements into strategic tools. They help align budgets, data systems and community engagement with the SDGs—exactly the systemic change our era demands.” Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of UN-Habitat.
More information here.