The 5th meeting of the Forum of Mayors was held in-person at the Palais des Nations, in Geneva, on 6-7 October 2025. Mayors from around the world came together to collaboratively draft an outcome document, emphasizing the critical role of cities and local actors in shaping a sustainable future. For the first time, the Forum engaged MGoS representatives giving an opportunity to ECE-RCEM governing body member Dr. Nelya Rahimova to speak at the opening session:
Excellencies, distinguished mayors, colleagues,
On behalf of the Regional Civil Society Engagement Mechanism, I want to thank UNECE and its partners for opening space for us at this fifth Forum of Mayors. We represent 17 constituencies and 5 subregions, involving a wide spectrum of individuals and organisations. This is the first time civil society is formally on the Mayor’s programme. We hope this becomes a standing tradition, so engagement with us is built as true partners.
We fully recognize the importance of the SDG localization. In a time of geopolitical tension and a difficult multilateral landscape, local leadership and action in partnership with civil society are essential to achieve the 2030 Agenda at home. We also acknowledge the efforts made by UN-HABITAT on stakeholder consultations that are happening this month in preparation for the World Urban Forum. Through collective cooperation and consistent implementation, we can make an impact together.
Voluntary Local Reviews are powerful tools to make SDGs meaningful and grow the global movement for sustainable development. They should be considered as living management tools, not just reports. To make VLRs work for people and for the planet, we propose the following:
- First, make VLRs continuous, not one-off. Once done, keep them in public view. Use them to take an honest look at SDG implementation, set priorities with residents, publish accessible data, and report back regularly. People should and have the right to know what their governments have committed to and how progress is being tracked.
- Second, ensure inclusive participation of civil society by closing the guidance gap on meaningful stakeholder engagement. Interest among municipalities is rising, but many toolkits still say little about it. We encourage UNECE, UN HABITAT, and partner agencies to issue concise recommendations, participation standards, simple templates, and training. This is where civil society helps connect the SDGs, people, and local governments. It is necessary to co-create VLRs with communities from start to finish.
- Third, ensure policy coherence. Take a systemic approach that joins up city departments and connects local reviews to Voluntary National Reviews and regional follow-up, so VLRs don’t focus on single issues but on the whole system. Peer review sessions for VLR presenters, building on best practices covering each goal, should be organized with a wide range of stakeholders. This year presents a special opportunity at the regional forums around the globe as SDG11 is under review.
Our organizations and networks stand ready to support peer learning, facilitation, and practical tools. If your city is planning or updating its VLR, please include civil society, and we would be glad to partner.
Cities are where the SDGs become real – on streets, in schools, in services. Let us move from consultation to co-governance and deliver together. Thank you.
