ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL2.GPID/2026/8
Country: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Publication Type: Flagship publications
Cluster: Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development
Focus Area: Climate change, Gender equality
Initiatives: Gender Justice and the Law, Women’s rights and gender mainstreaming, Gender equality mainstreaming in national institutions , Sustainable urban development
SDGs: Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 13: Climate Action, Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Keywords: Basic services, Cities, Climate change adaptation, Climate change mitigation, Development projects, Digital technology, Energy efficiency, Gender equality, Health, Industrial development, Innovations, Institution building, Jordan, Justice, Municipal government, Partnership, Peace, Recommendations, Renewable energy sources, Resilience, Stakeholder engagement, Sustainable development, Technical cooperation, Urban development
Second Voluntary Local Review City of Amman: Smart Pathways to a Resilient and Liveable Future
July 2026
The Second Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of the City of Amman reflects the Greater Amman Municipality’s continued commitment to transparent governance, inclusive development, and the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Building on the first VLR published in 2022, which positioned Amman as a regional pioneer in SDG localization, the second VLR demonstrates how sustainability has become institutionalized within the city’s planning and governance systems. Grounded in evidence-based decision-making, participatory governance and long-term urban transformation, the second VLR strengthens national-local policy coherence through its alignment with the Jordanian 2026 Voluntary National Review, the Economic Modernization Vision 2023–2033, and the National Urban Policy. Developed by the Greater Amman Municipality in partnership with ESCWA and UN-Habitat, and informed by contributions from municipal departments, national ministries, civil society, academia, the private sector and United Nations partners, the present review documents progress achieved since the first VLR, identifies remaining gaps, and outlines pathways towards a more resilient, inclusive and liveable city.
The second VLR highlights how the foundations established through Amman’s first VLR have translated into tangible and systemic progress across urban planning, mobility, energy, water management, climate action and digital transformation, moving from pilot initiatives to institutionalized implementation. It assesses progress toward SDGs 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 16 and 17, noting significant advances in urban mobility, climate action, planning reforms and digital governance, while recognizing persistent challenges related to spatial inequalities and equitable access to services. Four of these Goals, namely SDGs 7, 9, 11 and 17, are also under review at the 2026 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, underscoring the broader relevance of Amman’s experience to global SDG follow-up and review processes. Beyond reporting progress, the second VLR translates its findings into prioritized policy recommendations and a pipeline of bankable projects aimed at accelerating implementation, mobilizing investment and strengthening urban resilience, further consolidating Amman’s position as a leading regional model for SDG localization and sustainable urban development.
Related content
Climate change, Gender equality
The Second Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of the City of Amman reflects the Greater Amman Municipality’s continued commitment to transparent governance, inclusive development, and the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Building on the first VLR published in 2022, which positioned Amman as a regional pioneer in SDG localization, the second VLR demonstrates how sustainability has become institutionalized within the city’s planning and governance systems. Grounded in evidence-based decision-making, participatory governance and long-term urban transformation, the second VLR strengthens national-local policy coherence through its alignment with the Jordanian 2026 Voluntary National Review, the Economic Modernization Vision 2023–2033, and the National Urban Policy. Developed by the Greater Amman Municipality in partnership with ESCWA and UN-Habitat, and informed by contributions from municipal departments, national ministries, civil society, academia, the private sector and United Nations partners, the present review documents progress achieved since the first VLR, identifies remaining gaps, and outlines pathways towards a more resilient, inclusive and liveable city.
The second VLR highlights how the foundations established through Amman’s first VLR have translated into tangible and systemic progress across urban planning, mobility, energy, water management, climate action and digital transformation, moving from pilot initiatives to institutionalized implementation. It assesses progress toward SDGs 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 16 and 17, noting significant advances in urban mobility, climate action, planning reforms and digital governance, while recognizing persistent challenges related to spatial inequalities and equitable access to services. Four of these Goals, namely SDGs 7, 9, 11 and 17, are also under review at the 2026 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, underscoring the broader relevance of Amman’s experience to global SDG follow-up and review processes. Beyond reporting progress, the second VLR translates its findings into prioritized policy recommendations and a pipeline of bankable projects aimed at accelerating implementation, mobilizing investment and strengthening urban resilience, further consolidating Amman’s position as a leading regional model for SDG localization and sustainable urban development.
