Voluntary local reviews regional technical workshop

11.00 – 12.30 CEST

Since its inception in 2018, the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) global movement has gained remarkable momentum. To date, over 300 VLRs have been produced by more than 200 local and regional governments worldwide. This growing movement underscores the role of VLRs as a transformative process for advancing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across governance levels. 

In the Eastern European and Central Asian region, VLRs have emerged as a cornerstone for SDG localization. Cities such as Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Niš (Serbia), Dushanbe (Tajikistan), and Tbilisi (Georgia) have exemplified this by positioning VLRs at the forefront of their development agendas. These cities have demonstrated that VLRs are not merely reporting tools but entry points for shaping long-term, evidence-based strategies that respond directly to the priorities and needs of their local communities.

The growing interest in VLRs across the region has inspired other cities and stakeholders to join this dynamic and ever-evolving global movement. Recognizing this momentum, the regional technical workshop, organized by FAO in close cooperation with UN-Habitat and UNDP, seeks to create an inclusive platform for capacity development, peer learning and collaboration. By bringing together cities, technical experts, and leading agencies, the workshop aims to foster knowledge-sharing, address challenges, and collectively chart a way forward for scaling up SDG localization efforts.

Objectives of the workshop

• Facilitate cross-country technical discussions on the development of VLRs, enhancing regional collaboration and capacity development.
• Encourage interaction and peer learning between cities and implementing partners, fostering innovation and best practices at the local level.
• Identify and address bottlenecks and challenges by leveraging shared experiences and co-developing solutions adaptable to diverse local contexts.

The workshop will consist of two main sessions: Session 1 will focus on the overall VLR process, and Session 2 on supporting local authorities on SDG implementation in specific areas related to agrifood systems.

The target municipalities include: Trebinje (Republika Srpska), Bijeljina (Republika Srpska), Kakanj (Federation of BiH), Maglaj (Federation of BiH), Poti (Georgia), Kashuri (Georgia).

Speakers:

• Ingrid Macdonald, Resident Coordinator, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Raimund Jehle, Regional Programme Leader, FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia 
• Rafael Tuts, Director of the Global Solutions Division, UN-Habitat
• Manuchehra Madjon, Head of Department, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan 
• Marta Gomes, SDG Councilor, Mafra Municipality
• Miljana Medarov, Head of Unit at City of Niš, Serbia
• Mary Kenny, FAO Food safety and consumer protection officer
• Shaleen Meelu, FAO Agrifood Systems Specialist 
• Telman Maharramov, UN-Habitat Partnerships and Programme Management Officer