Localising the Sustainable Development Goals

 

The world is facing an unprecedented set of crises that have hindered progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with only 17% of targets on track for 2030. Inequalities persist, the climate crisis intensifies, and global conflicts have displaced millions of people. Cities and regions are at the forefront of driving progress towards the SDGs, yet global and regional data shows that many are falling behind, with 83% of SDG targets registering only limited progress or even regression. As cities continue to grow, local and regional governments are uniquely positioned to drive solutions and champion sustainability. This session will explore the role of SDGs localisation in adapting global goals to the specific needs of cities and regions, while highlighting challenges and opportunities in overcoming barriers like resource gaps, political misalignment, and data limitations. The session will also kick-start an OECD/UN-Habitat joint initiative aimed at guiding future local, regional, and national actions to accelerate SDG implementation and shape forward-looking sustainable development policies. 

While countries take different approaches to SDGs localisation, there is a growing commitment of subnational governments to sustainability globally. The increasing number of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) published across the world – over 330 VLRs to date – underscores a consistent trend towards greater granularity in leveraging global frameworks to shape local and regional development strategies, plans and programmes. Cities and regions are deploying the SDGs to address interconnected challenges ranging from mobility and emissions to inclusive growth and housing. They are also articulating national and subnational strategies, and aligning financial resources with the 2030 Agenda through SDG-based budgeting and sustainable public procurement. The session will explore how different cities and regions are integrating the SDGs into their governance and policymaking and provide insights into how territorial approaches can be tailored to regional contexts.