About the Event
The Training and Peer Learning Workshop on SDG Localisation, Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and Infrastructure Asset Management is a high-level national capacity-building initiative designed to accelerate Zambia’s progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Jointly organised by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), in partnership with the Government of Zambia and key stakeholders, this workshop will convene national and local government leaders, development partners, academia, civil society and the UN Country Team.
With an estimated 65% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) linked to the work of local and regional governments, effective localisation is not optional; it is essential. This workshop will strengthen institutional capacities to plan, finance, monitor and implement SDGs at the local level, ensuring that no one is left behind
Context
Zambia has demonstrated a strong commitment to accelerating the achievement of SDGs through decentralisation reforms and the integration of SDGs into national development planning frameworks. The Lusaka City Council’s Voluntary Local Review (VLR) marked a significant milestone, becoming Zambia’s first subnational SDG review.
Building on this momentum, Zambia is participating in the project:
“Strengthening Local and National Government Capacities for SDG Localisation in Africa” (2025–2027), supported by the Government of Italy.
This initiative supports:
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Development of new Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs)
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Evidence-based planning and budgeting
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Infrastructure Asset Management for sustainable service delivery
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Enhanced vertical and horizontal policy coherence
Why This Matters
Localisation is the engine that will determine whether Zambia achieves the SDGs by 2030. By equipping national and local governments with the tools, knowledge and partnerships required for effective SDG implementation, this workshop strengthens governance, accountability, resilience and sustainable development outcomes across communities.
Objectives of the Workshop
Participants will:
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Deepen understanding of inclusive and data-driven SDG localisation approaches
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Strengthen capacity to undertake Voluntary Local Reviews
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Integrate Infrastructure Asset Management into SDG planning and budgeting
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Enhance coordination between national and local planning processes
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Foster peer learning and knowledge exchange among practitioners
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Contribute to building a sustained community of practice for SDG localisation
Key Focus Areas
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SDG Localisation & Multi-Level Governance
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Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) Methodology
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Evidence-Based Planning & Budgeting
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Infrastructure Asset Management Planning
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Financing for Sustainable Development at the Local Level
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Subsidiarity and Institutional Coherence
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Data, Monitoring & Reporting Mechanisms
Expected Outcomes
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By the end of the workshop, participants will have:
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Enhanced institutional capacity to assess SDG progress through monitoring and reporting
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Practical tools for integrating SDGs into local development instruments
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Strengthened ability to align VLRs with national priorities
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Improved capacity to operationalise infrastructure asset management plans
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Reinforced collaboration between national and local government actors
Participants
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Officials from Ministries of Local Government, Finance & National Planning, Infrastructure, Green Economy & Environment
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Local Authorities and Municipal Leaders (including 20 Local Governments)
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Zambia Statistics Agency
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Local Government Association of Zambia
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Development Partners
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Academia & Research Institutions
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Civil Society Organisations
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United Nations Country Team Representatives
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Zambia Statistics Agency
📌 Join Us in Driving Local Action for Global Goals
Further information and queries on the meeting and other related matters should be addressed to:
Contacts
For Media inquiries:
Mrs. Lavender Degre,
Communication Officer,
Tel: +260 211 228502/5 Ext. 21307
DL: +260 211 376607
Email: lavender.degre@un.org
Ms. Lusungu Kayani
Social Affairs Officer
Urbanization and Development Section
Gender Poverty and Social Policy Division
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Email: lusungu.kayani@un.org
Ms. Sylvia K. Masabo
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development
Assistant Director Physical Planning
P.o. Box 50027, Longacres, Lusaka.
Email: sylvia.masabo@mlgrd.gov.zm