Implementing the harmonised Global urban Monitoring Framework as an SDG-NUA and VLR monitoring tool

Through a harmonized approach for the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, we expect to contribute directly to the implementation and localization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is also key to recognize the role of national, subnational, and local governments, as appropriate, and other relevant stakeholders in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda, including policymaking, planning, design, implementation, and monitoring, as well as the financing and timely delivery of services. The effective implementation of these global agendas requires enabling policy frameworks at the global, regional, national, subnational, and local levels, and mutually beneficial partnerships. The Statistical Commission and various GA resolutions urged UN-Habitat to develop innovative methods, approaches and guidelines for data collection, analysis, monitoring and implementation, with the objective of supporting Member States, when needed, in dealing with emerging urban challenges and opportunities as articulated in global, regional and national agendas. This event is organized to share progress on developing and implementing the global urban monitoring framework, which is in response to the request of the Statistical Commission that called for a peer review mechanism of existing urban indices and monitoring tools, as well as the need to develop and adopt an Urban Monitoring Framework. The Urban Monitoring Framework (UMF) – harmonizes existing urban indexes and tools and offers a universal framework for measuring the urban Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda (NUA), as well as other regional and national urban agendas. It also serves as a monitoring tool for the UN-Habitat Flagship Programme on SDG Cities, supports the UN-system wide framework’s mandate on the implementation of the urban SDGs and aligns with Member States’ search for greater coherence to measure progress and report on the urban dimensions of the SDGs. It also addresses the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable urban development, including a rural-urban interlinkage ensuring no one is left behind through the preparation of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs).