UN-Habitat, in cooperation with its partners, lead the global research on VLRs. Together with United Cities Local Governments (UCLG), UN-Habitat has created the VLR Series, a global initiative aimed at providing local and national governments worldwide with knowledge on VLRs as well as learning opportunities with peers. As part of the VLRs Series, UN-Habitat and UCLG have developed the Guidelines for VLRs volume one and volume two, while in-depth thematic research is currently undergoing on key dimensions of the VLR process and its impact.

UN-Habitat closely supports local and regional governments worldwide to develop their VLRs. It does so through a fully-fledged and tested methodology based on its longstanding and unique expertise in sustainable urbanization.
To strengthen multi-level governance for SDG implementation, UN-Habitat also directly assists national and local governments to better articulate their efforts to monitor and report on the SDGs, specifically looking at enhancing the link between VLRs and Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs).

UN-Habitat's work on VLRs is to be framed within the Agency's support to the advancement of the localization of the SDGs. 
By adopting a territorial approach looking at sustainable development through multi-level, multi-sector and multi-stakeholder lenses, UN-Habitat has designed a strategy to support the localization of the SDGs connecting all components of the SDG implementation chain – from data to project implementation, to monitoring systems. The strategy has three components: the Global Urban Monitoring Framework; the Voluntary Local Reviews; and the SDG Cities Flagship Programme.

The Global Urban Monitoring Framework. UN-Habitat has been tasked by the UN General Assembly to lead the development of a harmonized set of indicators to track the progress of the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda at the local level. The Global Urban Monitoring Framework (UMF), developed in consultation with a wide range of partners, harmonizes existing indexes while incorporating rural-urban linkages and the principle of leaving no one behind. It is composed of a core set of global indicators and a series of spinoff set to allow for adaptation and in-depth analysis of each local context. The framework is a useful basis for the preparation of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs).

Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs). Through the methodology used and the data collected through the UMF, UN-Habitat supports cities in developing VLRs. Beyond their primary monitoring and reporting task, UN-Habitat considers VLRs as powerful accelerators of the SDG localization process, specifically as instruments able to enhance policy coherence, strategic planning and multilevel coordination. Moreover, UN-Habitat provides partners worldwide with cutting-edge knowledge on VLRs as well as opportunities for learning and international engagement.

SDG Cities. The SDG Cities Programme is a flagship initiative that builds on the data, narratives and priorities identified via the UMF and VLRs to improve SDG implementation in cities through evidence-based planning; capacity-building in planning, governance, revenue and service delivery; and securing the financing for local SDG impact initiatives. Through the programme, UN-Habitat aims to positively impact a million lives in about 1,000 cities through a systematic approach that combines evidence-based policymaking, digitized tools, technical backstopping, and matchmaking finances with catalytic, impactful projects that advance the SDGs.

In addition to the three components above, UN-Habitat hosts the secretariat and co-chairs the Local 2030 Coalition, the UN-wide initiative on localizing the SDGs. Local2030 Coalition is a platform for the convergence of networks of local and regional governments and their associations, national governments, businesses, community-based organizations and other local actors, and the United Nations system. It seeks to foster collaboration, incubate innovation, share solutions, and implement strategies that advance the SDGs, leveraging on rapid urbanization processes happening around the globe to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs.

UN-Habitat works closely with many international partners to enhance the coherence and impact of the international support to VLRs. Specifically, UN-Habitat works with United Cities Local Governments (UCLG), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the UN Regional Economic Commissions such as UNECA, UNESCAP, UNECE and UNESCWA. Moreover, UN-Habitat coordinates support and provides expertise to the UN Country Teams in their effort to facilitate the development of VLRs and the connection with the Voluntary National Review (VNR) process.

UN-Habitat organizes international events and conferences on the topic of VLRs and SDG localization, with the aim of facilitating exchanges of ideas and practices and creating new partnerships. Also, UN-Habitat works closely with its partners to raise the voice of local governments and stakeholders within international and UN-led fora.