Exploring the importance of VLRs in the Pacific

As we reach the mid-way point of 2023 we can reflect on MSDI’s engagement opportunities in the Pacific region.

In the later part of May, MSDI was fortunate to attend the first Suva City Council VLR Inception Workshop in Suva, Fiji. MSDI’s India Dechrai participated in the workshop, providing her with firsthand insight into the social, environmental, and economic context of Suva as a Pacific region municipality. The two-day workshop saw over 60 individuals come together, from different sectors and backgrounds.

^{Ceremony at the Suva City Council VLR Inception Workshop}

This was a highly beneficial process for MSDI to be a part of as the Pacific VLR Handbook is in the final stages of development. Specifically, the involvement over these two days in Suva provided a more precise and in-depth understanding of the essential aspects which the handbook must address. An opportunity to hear directly from people in the Pacific about how and why this handbook is needed. To ensure it is of use and benefit to Pacific government bodies that are in the beginning stages of the VLR decision-making process.

It was evident from the workshop that there remains importance and desire to implement a Voluntary Local Review in Suva, Fiji. This was amplified by a strong sense of local community and national pride. There was also an eagerness to continue localising the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in other municipalities across the Pacific, specifically to improve the lives of residents through the development of services and infrastructure.

^{India Dechrai (MSDI) with Suva City Council colleagues}

MSDI looks forward to seeing the continued work of localising the UN SDGs in the Pacific region and is excited to be assisting in this process and its development.

Return to the Global Sustainable Development Report  2023 webpage