24 July 2025
8:30–16:00
Beirut time
Forum

ESCWA urban portfolio at HLPF 2025

Location
  • New York, United Nations Headquarters
Contact information
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ESCWA is co-organizing a side event at the High-Level Political Forum 2025 titled “Act Local, Accelerate Global: Advancing Inclusive, Science and Evidence-based Solutions for SDG Localization in the Arab Region”, in partnership with Al Madinah Region Development Authority, United Cities and Local Governments - Middle East and West Asia, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, and World Council on City Data. 

The event showcases how cities in the Arab region are localizing the SDGs through data-driven, inclusive approaches, promoting peer learning, practical tools, and alignment with global frameworks. It fosters collaboration and promotes evidence-based governance to enhance urban sustainability and ensure that no one and no place is left behind.

As part of the 4th edition of the VLR/VSR Days, ESCWA is convening a high-level session with UN-Habitat and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs on translating Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and Voluntary Subnational Reviews (VSRs) into real policy impact. ESCWA is moderating the third session of the event, titled “From Policy to Impact: Harnessing the Potential of the VLRs/VSRs for Transformative Change”.

Outcome document

At the 2025 High-Level Political Forum, ESCWA reinforced its leadership in sustainable urban development through multiple engagements. As co-organizer, ESCWA convened the 4th edition of the VLR–VSR Days, where discussions underlined that these reviews are no longer simple reporting exercises but political and transformative instruments. They were recognized as key to embedding the SDGs in local planning, budgeting, and monitoring systems, while fostering peer learning, strengthening democratic governance, and enabling multi-level action.

ESCWA also co-organized the side event “Act Local, Accelerate Global”, which highlighted the strategic value of local data and evidence-based approaches in guiding policy and enhancing the resilience and quality of life of cities. Participants shared practical experiences from Arab and international cities, stressing the importance of digital innovation, inclusion, and collaboration across stakeholders to ensure that no city and no community is left behind.

In addition, ESCWA participated as a panelist in the UNDRR-led event “From Risk to Resilience”, where discussions emphasized that disaster risk reduction is central to safeguarding development gains and accelerating progress on the SDGs. The dialogue pointed to the urgency of strengthening coherence between the 2030 Agenda and the Sendai Framework, ensuring that cities and communities are better equipped to withstand crises and future risks.

  • VLRs and VSRs are not reporting exercises but political, strategic, and transformative tools for SDG localization.  
  • Local data must be transformed into strategic value for policymakers using global frameworks and standards.                          
  • Smart city innovation and digitalization are critical enablers of resilience, inclusion, and improved quality of life.                  
  • Peer learning across Arab and global cities strengthens knowledge exchange and accelerates localization.                          
  • Disaster risk reduction is central to sustainable development, preventing setbacks and safeguarding progress.
  • Stronger coherence between the Sendai Framework and the 2030 Agenda is essential for resilient communities.

Documents

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