The Ramallah Municipality launches the first Palestinian VLR as part of Inter-regional SDG Localization Workshop

Amman, 12 November 2025, as part of the Inter-regional SDG Localization Workshop, the Ramallah Municipality launched its first Voluntary Local Review during a special session held in the Jordanian capital, with the participation of representatives from the United Nations, local governments, civil society, and academia from across the Arab region.

This initiative comes within the framework of local and regional efforts aimed at localizing the Sustainable Development Goals in Palestine. The activity was carried out under the project titled “Fostering COVID-19 recovery and SDG implementation through local action in Asia-Pacific, Arab and African countries”. Such reviews have become a key tool for localizing the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals globally. They represent a pioneering approach that strengthens the capacity of cities to measure progress, share experiences, and align policies based on clear evidence.

The Ramallah Municipality has adopted a participatory approach, led by a steering committee comprising the Ministries of Planning and International Cooperation and the Ministry of Local Government, Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities, in addition to representatives from various departments within the Ramallah Municipality, alongside the Municipal Council for Children and a number of active civil society organizations contributing to the city’s social and cultural identity.

This document serves as a roadmap for aligning Ramallah City’s strategic objectives and local development plans with global sustainability standards, by highlighting progress made across six key Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education (Goal 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8), Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11), Climate Action (Goal 13), Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (Goal 16), and Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17).

In this context, Ms. Rania Hedeya, Regional Director of UN-Habitat, emphasized that “Ramallah today is part of a growing regional and global movement of cities striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” underscoring that “UN-Habitat remains committed to translating the Sustainable Development Goals into tangible realities across the Arab region, with a particular focus on Goal 11, which concerns building inclusive, safe, and resilient cities.”

Mr. Ahmed Abu Luban, City Director and Chair of the steering committee for the Voluntary Local Review, also emphasized that “sustainable development begins in cities, and despite the significant challenges, Ramallah is moving forward with confident steps.” He noted that “this review was not merely a moment for assessment and evaluation, but a platform for development and change.” He further affirmed that this initiative, in alignment with Ramallah Municipality’s strategy and vision, complements the municipality’s other initiatives, as “we view each initiative as a link in an interconnected and integrated chain, reflecting our understanding and commitment to a Horizontal Integrative Approach.”