An orientation on SDG Localization and Strengthening Own Source Revenue was held at Lamahi Municipality on June 21, 2025, as a part of “Accelerating Localization of Integrated Climate Action in Nepal" project which aims to support the local governments integrate climate action and sustainable development goals into their planning and budgeting processes. The project is funded by Joint SDG Fund and is implemented in Nepal by WFP, UNDP, and UN-Habitat.

The event was attended by a diverse set of participants, including the mayor, deputy mayor, chief administrative officer (CAO), elected representatives, municipal officials, representatives from province administration, and development partners. CAO, Mr. Prakash Devkota, opened the session by thanking UN-Habitat for facilitating the workshop at a critical time for the municipality as it prepares its annual plan, programs and policies for the budget of the upcoming fiscal year.

UN-Habitat introduced the concept of the joint programme (including concept of SDG Localization) and the purpose of the event. Then, Deputy Mayor, Ms Laxmi Yogi, welcomed the participants and emphasized the role of SDGs and climate actions in municipal development. She further highlighted the importance of strengthening municipal own source revenue to conduct various planned activities in the municipality. Ms. Gayatri Thapa, project focal person and Officer at the Environmental and Disaster Risk Reduction Section of Lamahi Municipality, presented about the current situation of the municipality and highlighted its efforts towards climate action and disaster preparedness.

A technical session was then led by Dr. Gopi Krishna Khanal, former secretary of the government of Nepal and municipal finance expert with UN-Habitat. Dr. Khanal delivered a comprehensive presentation on municipal financing and integrating it into the planning process, focusing on strategies to strengthen own-source revenue. He also emphasized practical approaches such as improving tax administration, optimizing fee structures, and leveraging municipal assets, all while ensuring transparency and equity. Following Dr. Khanal’s presentation, Urban Planner from UN-Habitat Nepal, Prabal Dahal, introduced the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) process as an effective tool for SDG localization that enables municipalities to monitor progress, identify challenges, and set development priorities aligned with national and global goals. His presentation summarized the VLR template endorsed by the ministry of urban development, prepared on the basis of VLR preparation experience in Chandragiri municipality. Then, Bandana Sinha, District Coordinator for UN-Habitat, informed the participants about the performance of Lamahi municipality in Local Institutional Self-Assessment (LISA) and facilitated a session on mainstreaming Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) into municipal policies, planning, and budgeting frameworks.