Why municipal sustainability?

Sustainable development of local realities is more important than ever. The majority of the 169 targets of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) are implemented at the local level. Without the contribution of cities, municipalities and regions, the transformation towards a more sustainable way of life cannot be achieved.

Internationally, more and more local and regional governments are using the format of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLR) to report on their contribution to the SDGs and to share their solutions for the challenges in the context of the 2030 Agenda more broadly.

A key advantage of VLRs is that they can be used to improve the visibility of the municipal contribution to the 17 Goals for local stakeholders as well as on a global stage.

So what is a Voluntary Local Review?

The VLR is a derivative of the so-called Voluntary National Review. According to the UN, nations should report regularly – with the involvement of the local level – on their implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Switzerland also participates, and in the middle of each legislative term the Federal Council prepares a special national report for the UN. The most recent – the second one – was adopted by the Federal Council in May 2022. 

There is currently no standardized format for preparing a VLR. Existing VLRs differ in their structure due to different local contexts. They therefore demonstrate that each local authority can find the most fitting approach for its target groups and context and make it relevant for them.

That said, the structure of most VLRs relies on the structure of the VNRs:

• Describe commitment to the SDGs 
• VLR process: how it was created (inclusiveness!)
• Local progress on the (selected) SDGs
• Describe how the SDGs are incorporated into local decision-making
• Challenges that the local entity faces with regard to the SDGs
• Outlook

So there is good reason for a strategic approach to use the opportunities that the sustainability transformation offers, and for regular review and reporting on progress in implementing the SDGs through sustainability reports.For a list of cities that have acted on the VLR check here: https://sdgs.un.org/topics/voluntary-local-reviews

FAQs

How can local governments ensure inclusiveness in the process of developing their sustainability reports and committing to the SDGs?

Inclusiveness in the process of developing sustainability reports and committing to the SDGs is crucial for ensuring representation and engagement from all relevant stakeholders. Local governments can achieve inclusiveness by implementing transparent and participatory processes that involve diverse voices from within the community. This might include holding public consultations, engaging with civil society organizations, involving marginalized groups, and seeking input from local businesses and academic institutions. By fostering inclusiveness, local governments can ensure that their sustainability efforts are aligned with the needs and priorities of the entire community.

Are there any examples of specific challenges that local entities have faced in implementing the SDGs, and how have they addressed these challenges?

Specific challenges faced by local entities in implementing the SDGs can vary depending on the local context. These challenges may include limited resources and funding, lack of institutional capacity and expertise, competing priorities, and political resistance. To address these challenges, local governments may need to adopt innovative approaches, collaborate with other stakeholders, seek external funding sources, and prioritize capacity-building initiatives. By learning from the experiences of other cities and regions facing similar challenges, local entities can develop effective strategies for overcoming obstacles and making progress towards their sustainability goals.

What are some potential benefits or outcomes that local governments can expect from participating in the international community of cities using the VLR format?

Participating in the international community of cities using the VLR format offers several potential benefits for local governments. By sharing their experiences and best practices with other cities and regions, local entities can gain valuable insights and inspiration for their own sustainability initiatives. Additionally, participation in international networks can enhance the visibility and reputation of local governments, attract investment and funding opportunities, and facilitate collaboration with other stakeholders. By contributing to global efforts to address sustainability challenges, local governments can also strengthen their position as leaders in the transition to a more sustainable future.

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