2023-10-11-UNDP-地方层面报告2030年议程进展情况的挑战_对2021年地方自愿审查（VLR）的评估_25页_792kb

Summary of "Challenges in reporting progress on the 2030 Agenda at local levels: An assessment of the 2021 Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs)"

Core Content

This discussion paper analyzes the 2021 Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) to assess the progress of local and regional governments in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the 2030 Agenda. It highlights the importance of SDG localization, the role of local governments in the implementation and monitoring of the SDGs, and the challenges faced in reporting progress through VLRs.

The paper also focuses on the core objective of the 2030 Agenda, "Leaving no one behind" (LNOB), and explores how local authorities are addressing this principle in their VLRs. It identifies key trends, strategies, and best practices in LNOB implementation at the sub-national level.

Main Findings

Overview of VLRs

• VLRs are voluntary, sub-national reviews of SDG implementation that have become a significant tool for local and regional governments to report progress.
• As of July 2022, 147 VLRs have been published globally, with a steady increase in submissions from 2 in 2016 to 48 in 2021.
• Cities are the most active in submitting VLRs, accounting for 108 out of 147 (73.5%).
• The geographic distribution of VLRs is uneven, with 43% from Europe and Central Asia, 23% from Latin America & Caribbean, 19% from Asia, and 8% from North America and Africa.
• High-income countries dominate the submissions, with 55% (88 VLRs), followed by 37% (54 VLRs) from upper middle-income countries, 7% (11 VLRs) from lower middle-income countries, and 1% (1 VLR) from lower-income countries.

Challenges in VLR Reporting

• Lack of uniform guidelines: There is no official or universal template for VLRs, leading to inconsistencies in content and structure. While some organizations have provided guidelines, local governments may find it difficult to choose the most appropriate one.
• No comprehensive platform: There is no single, centralized platform for archiving all VLRs, and no institution that gives legitimacy to the submitted reviews. This creates confusion and hinders research and analysis.
• Limited peer review: Unlike the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), VLRs lack a formal peer review system, which could enhance accountability and learning.
• Insufficient follow-up: Local authorities often submit VLRs without a clear follow-up mechanism to ensure the implementation of the strategies outlined.

Implementation of LNOB

• The principle of "Leaving no one behind" is a key focus of the 2030 Agenda, emphasizing equity and inclusion.
• 38 out of 48 VLRs explicitly mention the phrase "Leave no one behind", but only 20 include a clear strategy for achieving it.
• Vulnerable groups most frequently mentioned in VLRs include:
  • Children/youth (38%, 18 local authorities)
  • Women (35%, 17 local authorities)
  • The elderly (33%, 16 local authorities)
  • Indigenous peoples (23%, 11 local authorities)
• The concept of "the furthest behind" is rarely applied at the local level, with only five local authorities mentioning it explicitly. This indicates a need for more targeted efforts to identify and support the most marginalized groups.

Key Recommendations

• Standardize guidance: International organizations and experienced local governments should collaborate to standardize the guidance for VLRs and share best practices through South-South, North-South, and triangular cooperation.
• Create a centralized platform: A comprehensive platform should be established to archive and facilitate the sharing of VLRs, ensuring transparency and consistency.
• Establish a peer review system: A formal engagement/dialogue platform should be created for local governments to provide feedback on each other's VLRs and share experiences.
• Enhance follow-up mechanisms: A formal mechanism for tracking the implementation of VLR strategies should be developed to ensure continuity and accountability.
• Improve data collection: Local governments should deepen cooperation with national statistical offices and use data from international organizations, NGOs, and technology to improve data quality and availability, which is essential for effective LNOB implementation.

Best Practices in LNOB Implementation

• Inclusive participation: Local governments are increasingly involving vulnerable groups in decision-making and data collection, which is crucial for addressing their specific needs.
• Data-driven approaches: Collecting and analyzing disaggregated data helps identify the most vulnerable groups and tailor interventions accordingly.
• Context-specific strategies: Local governments are adapting strategies to their unique socio-economic and cultural contexts, ensuring that LNOB is not just a slogan but a meaningful practice.
• Integration with local planning: VLRs are being used as a platform to integrate SDGs into local policy frameworks and enhance multilevel governance.

Conclusion

The VLR process has gained traction as a means for local and regional governments to report on SDG implementation and promote inclusive development. However, challenges such as lack of uniformity, limited peer review, and insufficient follow-up mechanisms persist. The principle of "Leaving no one behind" is widely recognized but not yet fully operationalized in local strategies. Strengthening the VLR process through standardization, collaboration, and data integration is essential to ensure the 2030 Agenda is truly localized and effective in addressing the needs of all communities.