The Madrid Voluntary Local Report (VLR) is a strategic initiative developed to assess and communicate the city’s progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level. This project reflects Madrid’s commitment to aligning urban policies with global sustainability frameworks while ensuring that no one is left behind.
The report adopts a comprehensive and data-driven approach, combining quantitative indicators with qualitative analysis to evaluate progress across key policy areas, including social inclusion, environmental sustainability, urban governance, and economic development. Particular attention is given to the localization of the SDGs and the integration of cross-cutting perspectives such as gender equality.
Gender is incorporated through the alignment with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and the inclusion of specific indicators related to women’s participation in decision-making, gender gaps in employment, unpaid care work and gender-based violence. This approach enables the monitoring of structural inequalities while supporting the integration of gender equality into broader urban policies and strategies.
A central feature of the project is its emphasis on participatory governance. The VLR process incorporates contributions from multiple stakeholders, including municipal departments, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. This collaborative methodology strengthens transparency, accountability, and policy coherence.
The Madrid VLR also serves as a benchmarking and learning tool, enabling the city to compare its progress with other global cities engaged in similar reporting processes. By identifying good practices and areas for improvement, the project supports evidence-based policymaking and continuous institutional learning.
Ultimately, the Madrid Voluntary Local Report contributes to advancing more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban development, positioning Madrid as an active actor in global urban governance and SDG implementation.