The theme of this meeting, organized by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, is “UN75 and beyond: Inclusive Multilateralism and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLR) as a Tool.”

This virtual meeting will, on the occasion of the UN’s 75th anniversary on 24 October, provide space for a dialogue among urban leaders and UN officials to explore the innovative options the urban world offers to deliver on inclusive multilateralism towards 2030, with a focus on VLRs as an innovative tool. Presentations will focus on: UN75 and inclusive multilateralism; the City of Bonn joining the VLR movement; and the German experience of inclusive multilateralism.

Since 2018, with the first global review of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and with the momentum created by the New York City VLF Declaration, a growing number of local and regional governments are preparing their VLRs and submitting them to the UN. The process is further supported by the release of the VLR Guidelines by UN-Habitat and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) in 2020. Also In July 2020, the UN Secretary-General released his COVID-19 in Urban World policy brief, which focuses on tackling inequalities, strengthening capacities, and pursuing a green recovery.

The VLR preparation is even more important in light of the launch of the Decade of Action to deliver on the SDGs, with local action constituting one of the three pillars.

IISD, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) Meeting Coverage, will provide web coverage and a summary report of UN75 and Beyond.