UN-Habitat Jordan launches Amman's Second Voluntary Local Review

Ammon

27-02-2025

Ammon News - *Advancing Urban Resilience and Smart Sustainable Development
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting cities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme in Jordan (UN-Habitat), in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM), has officially launched the development process for Amman's Second Voluntary Local Review (VLR).
The announcement was made during a high-level workshop in Amman, bringing together experts, policymakers, and international stakeholders to assess progress, identify key priorities, and reinforce Amman's transformation into a resilient, smart, and sustainable city.
This launch is part of the 'Urban Economic Resilience for Inclusive Responses and Recovery from Crises' project, led by ESCWA in collaboration with UN-Habitat, further aligning Amman's urban policies with global sustainability frameworks and local development priorities.
Eng. Deema Abu Thiab, Head of UN-Habitat Jordan Country Programme, emphasized: 'With only five years remaining until 2030, the urgency of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals has never been greater. Cities worldwide face accelerating environmental, economic, and social challenges, making sustainable urban planning more critical than ever. By launching its second VLR, Amman continues to lead the way as a pioneering city in the region, embracing innovation and fostering strategic partnerships to secure a more resilient and livable future for all its residents.'
In 2022, Amman became the first Arab city to conduct a VLR, establishing itself as a regional leader in localizing global development agendas. The second VLR builds on this achievement by incorporating new methodologies, performance indicators, and stakeholder engagement mechanisms, ensuring a more comprehensive and actionable roadmap for sustainable urban growth.
Dr. Sukaina Al-Nasrawi, Lead of the Sustainable Urban Development Portfolio at ESCWA, stated: 'By pioneering the first VLR in the Arab world, Amman set a precedent for localizing the SDGs. Today, with its second VLR, the city reaffirms its commitment to institutionalizing the process as a key mechanism for urban governance. This initiative strengthens the bridge between local and national policies, offering an inspiring model for sustainable urban management.'
The second VLR will analyze Amman's resilience to economic shocks, explore smart governance strategies, and promote inclusive urban development. It will also serve as a collaborative platform, engaging government entities, private sector actors, and civil society to co-create innovative and sustainable urban solutions.
By assessing progress, identifying gaps, and formulating forward-thinking policies, Amman's second VLR will reinforce the city's role as a global leader in urban sustainability and resilience.