9:30-11:00 - Local Action, Global Impact: Towards a Global Stocktake on SDGs Localisation
Co-hosted with UN-Habitat and Local2030
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—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. Drawing on nearly 10 years of experience, the session will kick-start an OECD/UN-Habitat joint initiative aimed at guiding future local, regional, and national actions to accelerate SDG implementation and shape a forward-looking post-2030 Agenda.
11:00-11:30 - Coffee break
11:30-13:00 - SDGs in Action: Impact Stories from Cities and Regions
Co-hosted with UN-Habitat and Local2030
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; to articulate national and subnational strategies; and to align 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.
