Belgrade Open School (BOS), together with UNEP, UNICEF and UN-Habitat, provided expert support to local self-government units in planning local sustainable development, with a strong focus on initiatives aimed at improving environmental protection and energy efficiency, including additional benefits in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

BOS supported local self-government units in the preparation of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Activities focused on identifying priority development goals and collecting relevant data necessary for monitoring indicators at the local level. This support was of particular importance in light of the fact that reporting on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda is becoming mandatory for all local self-government units in Serbia.

One of the expected results of the Programme was the enhancement of local self-government capacities for the preparation of Voluntary Local Reviews on SDG implementation, with a particular focus on the environmental dimension of sustainable development, including energy efficiency.

Implemented activities included:

1. Assessment of the current state of SDG localization in selected local self-government units

BOS conducted an assessment of the current state of SDG localization in selected local self-government units and prepared an overview of the achievement of environment-related indicators at the local level.

2. Practical capacity building at the local level

Through this activity, BOS provided hands-on support to local self-government units through practical work on identifying priority development areas, monitoring progress against localized SDG targets, and using data for monitoring and reporting purposes.

The above-mentioned project activities were implemented by BOS in the period from 15 July 2025 to 15 January 2026.

The activities were carried out within the programme “Green Futures, Brighter Beginnings: Localizing the SDGs for Climate Resilience and Children’s Rights in Serbian Municipalities”, implemented by UNEP, UNICEF and UN-Habitat. At the same time, this project represented a continuation of expert support activities for local self-government units that BOS had previously initiated with UNEP within the programme “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature.” The programme was jointly implemented by United Nations agencies in Serbia (UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNEP), in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia, and with financial support from the Government of Switzerland. As an implementing partner of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), BOS provided expert support to local self-governments with the aim of strengthening their capacities for environmental management.