Kathmandu, 15 May 2025 — In a significant step towards accelerating the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nepal, UN-Habitat Nepal facilitated an insightful session on the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) process during a Training of Trainers Workshop on Effective National to Local Governance for SDG Implementation.
The session, led by Ms. Pragya Pradhan, Habitat Programme Manager at UN-Habitat Nepal, introduced a comprehensive 3-phase, 12-step VLR preparation framework. This approach was developed drawing insights from the successful VLR experience in Chandragiri Municipality, in collaboration with the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) and various stakeholders.
Highlighting the importance of localized data in SDG monitoring, the workshop provided participants with hands-on exercises focused on SDG indicator computation. This practical engagement offered invaluable insights into integrating global goals into local contexts.
The workshop witnessed active participation from trainers and officials representing key institutions, including:
Nepal Administrative Staff College (NASC)
Local Development Training Academy (LDTA)
Personnel Training Academy (PTA)
Provincial Center for Good Governance (PCGG)
Public Finance Management Training Center (PFMTC)
National Planning Commission (NPC)
Participants emphasized the urgent need for standardized guidelines on the VLR process to enable systematic and effective SDG localization across municipalities.
“Through VLRs, municipalities can align local actions with global commitments, fostering evidence-based development planning,” remarked one of the participants, underscoring the transformative potential of the initiative.
UN-Habitat Nepal reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical assistance to municipalities keen on initiating VLRs, fostering a culture of local ownership in the implementation of SDGs.
The three-day training event was organized by NASC in partnership with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)/UNPOG, with support from UNDP Nepal and the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Nepal.
This initiative marks a pivotal moment in strengthening Nepal’s governance framework for sustainable development, bringing the nation one step closer to realizing the global agenda through local action.
