Fiji continues to lead the way in the Pacific as two additional urban centers launch their Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), following Suva City’s pioneering effort in May 2025. Like Suva, both Lautoka City and Labasa Town were participants of the Accelerating Multi-Level Action for SDG Localization in Fiji project, delivered with the support of the Joint SDG Fund, UN-Habitat and ESCAP, enabling their Councils to contextualise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level.
Both Councils carried out a series of community workshops and stakeholder consultations that identified key actions, priority projects, and strategic partnerships—ensuring that each VLR genuinely reflects the aspirations and needs of its local communities. Each VLR consolidates targets and indicators for the nine priority SDGs, providing not only a clear snapshot of current performance but also a forward-looking roadmap that highlights priority areas, emerging opportunities, and key projects to advance sustainable urban development.
With the launches of their VLRs, Lautoka and Labasa have now joined Suva in advancing localised sustainable development. To effectively and sustainably address current and future challenges, all three Councils emphasise the importance of building and strengthening local partnerships, promoting shared ownership, and ensuring accountability for the actions and recommendations outlined in their VLRs.
Looking ahead, Lautoka City Council and Labasa Town Council are preparing to embed their VLRs into upcoming strategic planning processes, ensuring that future development priorities are informed by evidence, community input, and long-term visions for resilient and inclusive growth across Fiji’s urban centres.
Relevant Publications
- Lautoka City Council 2025 Voluntary Local Review and Summary
- Labasa Town Council 2025 Voluntary Local Review and Summary
Featured in
- Lautoka launches first Voluntary Local Review to drive sustainable growth (FBC News, October 24, 2025)
- Pacific Forum charts bold path for sustainable and resilient future (ESCAP News, October 31, 2025)
