Brigitte Bariol-Mathais
Moderator
At the halfway point of the 2030 Agenda, it is essential to assess the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. While this international framework is widely recognized, it is necessary to evaluate its real impacts and effectiveness in achieving a more responsible and just future. In this sense, it is crucial to territorialize the SDG framework by taking into account local specificities and identifying territory-specific targets to enrich the action of territories in the 2030 Agenda.
The reference framework for sustainable cities (RFSC) currently supported by the CCRE-CEMR proposes a self-assessment based on the SDGs and European goals.
Other frameworks for analysing issues of the earth's habitability have emerged over the last ten years, including the concept of planetary boundaries developed by the Stockholm Resilience Center and the Doughnut Economics conceived by Kate Raworth that combines the environmental limits and the social goals of the SDGs.
Thus, by adopting an approach of "shared global responsibility", the responses to global challenges will be more oriented towards the conditions of habitability to ensure a just and safe space. The 360° vision of the SDGs, associated with planetary boundaries, seems a relevant rethinking the interdependencies and imagine a more effective world of cooperation.
Through thematic debates and insights from inspiring practices, these working groups have highlighted the importance of translating global objectives into local territories. Faced with these findings, they have co-constructed roadmaps and milestones for trajectories to 2050
The French Partnership for Cities and Territories (PFVT) is a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together a variety of actors committed to sustainable urban and territorial development (local authorities, ministries, private sector, NGOs, experts, researchers, etc.). In 2023, members worked in thematic groups (adaptation, housing, health, planetary boundaries, and solidarity) on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), open to international experts and youth. These five working groups came together to outline roadmaps as desired trajectories for cities and territories, proposing actions, tools, concrete examples, and recommendations.
GPS-Dev (Governance & Policies for Sustainable Development) is a think tank whose mission is to make governance systems more conducive to sustainable development, particularly in Africa. This think tank was a key witness in the PFVT working groups.
- To showcase initiatives and best practices for localizing the SDGs in various urban and territorial contexts ( local review, Reference framework for sustainable cities…).
- To facilitate dialogue and exchange of experiences among stakeholders, including local authorities, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector.
- To identify opportunities and challenges in implementing the SDGs at the local level and develop strategies for overcoming them and design new compasses for 2050.
- To generate recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to enhance the localization of the SDGs in their respective territories.