Istanbul 2022 – Voluntary Local Review (VLR) on Sustainable Development Goals

The *Istanbul 2022 Voluntary Local Review (VLR)* evaluates the city's progress toward the *2030 Goals, shedding light on Istanbul’s journey toward sustainability and inclusivity. The report highlights the successes of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) in social, economic, and environmental domains, providing data that supports strong steps toward the future. Key Findings:

• Social support mechanisms have been strengthened: IMM has expanded social assistance programs, increasing support for low-income households. The number of families benefiting from social aid in Istanbul has grown.  
• Green transformation is accelerating: Investments in renewable energy have increased across the city, while sustainable solutions in public transportation have become more widespread. The amount of green space has expanded, enhancing urban living quality.  
• Access to education has improved: New childcare centers, student support programs, and skill development courses have made education more accessible for individuals of all ages.  
• Urban resilience is strengthening: Disaster preparedness capacity has been enhanced, early warning systems have been developed, and urban resilience policies have been implemented.  
• Women’s employment and entrepreneurship are being supported: Vocational training programs and entrepreneurship initiatives for women have boosted female participation in the workforce.  
• Cultural heritage and quality of life are improving: Projects that preserve Istanbul’s historical and cultural assets have been implemented, while accessibility to public spaces has been increased.