APLA Holds a Training on Preparing Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs)

As part of its efforts to institutionalize the SDG Taskforce and enhance the engagement of Palestinian local authorities in the global development agenda, APLA organized a specialized training titled “Preparing Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs)”, with the participation of 13 member municipalities from the SDG team. The training aimed to build advanced practical capacities enabling the taskforce to play a leading role in localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), equipping members with the skills to prepare standardized and internationally aligned VLRs that reflect Palestine’s progress toward the 2030 Agenda.

The training was delivered by Dr. Ahmed Jaber, SDG Localization Projects Officer at APLA, over two integrated sessions. The first session, held in-person in Ramallah, focused on the conceptual framework, structure, and methodologies of VLRs, covering data collection mechanisms, indicator selection criteria, and methods for linking local priorities to global contexts. It included hands-on exercises that strengthened participants’ ability to translate theoretical concepts into practical implementation tools applicable within their local development plans.

The second session, conducted virtually via Zoom, analyzed selected international VLR models from cities such as Penang, Bristol, Amman, and Barcelona, offering comparative insights and adaptable lessons for the Palestinian context. Ramallah Municipality also shared its local experience as a leading example in Palestine. Ms. Irene Saadeh, Director of Sustainable Development and International Cooperation, presented a detailed overview of the municipality’s VLR process, addressing technical and organizational dimensions, community engagement mechanisms, and data and indicator challenges.

This training is part of APLA’s broader efforts to strengthen the visibility and capacity of Palestinian local authorities in the global development sphere through integrated, data-driven tools for planning and accountability. It was implemented under the project “Mobilizing the Capacities of Palestinian Local Authorities for Knowledge Exchange and SDG Adaptation”, within the framework of the Local Governance Reform Program, supported by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ).

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