Amman's Voluntary Local Review of SDGs

In the quest for sustainable development, Jordan's capital city, Amman, finds itself at a crucial crossroads. Dr. Zayed Zeadat, during his tenure at the American University of Madaba, embarked on a rigorous examination of Amman's endeavors to embrace the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His research offers a nuanced perspective on the city's sustainability journey, providing insights that could shape its future trajectory.

Dr. Zeadat's investigation scrutinized Amman's Voluntary Local Review (VLR), a cornerstone of its SDG localization efforts. His findings reveal a stark reality: despite aspirations for inclusivity, the VLR falls short of scholarly rigor, lacking the empirical evidence needed to underpin its assertions. Dr. Zeadat underscores the critical need for evidence-based policymaking to drive meaningful progress in sustainable development.

Furthermore, Dr. Zeadat's research sheds light on the dynamics of stakeholder engagement within the VLR process. While the initiative champions inclusivity, Dr. Zeadat's analysis suggests that diverse voices remain underrepresented. This gap underscores the importance of genuine stakeholder involvement in crafting effective strategies for SDG localization.

Amman's VLR, according to Dr. Zeadat's observations, suffers from a tendency towards breadth over depth. The report offers surface-level insights into complex issues, lacking substantive recommendations and actionable strategies. Dr. Zeadat advocates for a shift towards comprehensive analyses and concrete action plans to propel Amman towards genuine sustainable development.

As Amman grapples with the multifaceted challenges of sustainable development, Dr. Zayed Zeadat's research serves as a clarion call for introspection and recalibration. His critique of the city's localization efforts provides a roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders, urging them to prioritize evidence, inclusivity, and depth in their pursuit of sustainable development goals. With Dr. Zeadat's insights as a guiding beacon, Amman can navigate towards a future characterized by equity, resilience, and sustainability for all its inhabitants.