Mr Bakhodir Burkhanov, Mr Prasongsinh, Dr Avi Sarkar and Ms Daovone Saisoulean host the inaugural Voluntary Local Review Sensitisation workshop in Savannakhet province.

Savannakhet in partnership with UN-Habitat hosts first Voluntary Review Workshop to drive sustainable development

In a significant move towards sustainable urban development, Savannakhet province successfully hosted the inaugural Voluntary Local Review (VLR) Sensitisation Workshop on July 18.

The Mayor of Kaysone Phomvihane City, Mr Prasongsinh (centre) co-chairs the Voluntary Local Review workshop.

This landmark event, organised by the City of Kaysone Phomvihane in collaboration with UN-Habitat, aimed to propel the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in alignment with the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP).
The workshop convened local government officials, development partners, academia, and private sector stakeholders to enhance capacities and foster a cooperative framework for sustainable development, according to a press release from the United Nations.
The Voluntary Local Review process serves as a vital instrument for local authorities to evaluate their progress towards the NSEDP goals and SDGs, identify areas of strength and improvement, and promote inclusive stakeholder engagement to pursue these objectives.
The project received special commendation from the district Governor, Ms Daovone Saisoulean, who emphasised its critical role in fostering socio-economic development within the district.
This initiative aligns with the themes discussed at the Voluntary Local Review workshop, serving as a model of successful local action in the face of global climate challenges.
Dr Sarkar emphasised the distinctive aspect of the project, noting that it integrates climate hazards into the urban planning process, ensuring that resilience measures are embedded at every stage of development.
Dr Avi Sarkar, Regional Advisor for Southeast Asia and Head of the UN-Habitat Office in Laos, highlighted UN-Habitat’s role in bolstering local capacities.
“Our goal is to create a collaborative platform where stakeholders can actively engage and exchange insights. This workshop reflects our collective commitment to advancing sustainable urban development,” he said.
Over 70 participants engaged in discussions on the benefits of the Voluntary Local Review process, such as strengthening local and national data environments, fostering participation, and improving planning and budgetary processes to fulfil the SDGs and the NSEDP.
UN Resident Coordinator Mr Bakhodir Burkhanov emphasised the strategic importance of the VLR process, saying “Voluntary Local Reviews help to strengthen data environments at the local and national levels, foster participation, guide planning and budgets, and enhance multistakeholder coordination, thereby transforming the SDGs into reality at the local level. The United Nations is committed to supporting this process and leaving no one behind.”
The workshop featured in-depth presentations on VLR concepts and methodologies, shared insights from regional VLR experiences, and discussed adapting the VLR framework for Kaysone Phomvihane City.
This encouraged dialogue on best practices and effective integration of SDG localisation into local planning processes.
The Mayor of Kaysone Phomvihane City, Mr Prasongsinh, affirmed the city's dedication to sustainable development, saying "By enhancing our monitoring capabilities and aligning local strategies with broader frameworks, we are building resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities."
The workshop underscored the importance of multi-level governance, stakeholder collaboration, and robust data environments to achieve the ambitious targets set by the 2030 Agenda.
The event concluded with a collective call to action for all sectors of society, including local governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector, to unite in advancing the SDGs.
This collaborative spirit and shared expertise are set to drive successful VLR implementation in Kaysone Phomvihane City and significantly contribute to the ongoing development of Savannakhet province.
Representatives from various national ministries and provincial and city government departments and offices were present, marking a comprehensive approach to sustainable development discussions.
This project, a collaborative initiative led by UN-Habitat in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, alongside provincial and district governments, showcased an integrated approach to urban planning with a focus on climate resilience.
A fully formalised water supply system will benefit approximately half of the district's population (about 57,000 people, of whom 53 percent are female), highlighting the tangible benefits of strategic planning and cooperation.
This centrally controlled water supply system will reduce the technical challenges of local communities regarding operation and maintenance.
The project started with the development of a town-level master plan and defined land use such as conservation areas. It will secure water resources as well as preserve biodiversity and will contribute to the sustainable development of the district.
The field visit was attended by officials from various ministries, including the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who praised the ongoing efforts.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 24, 2024)