The experience of Eastern European and Central Asian Countries in Transition Localizing the Sdgs.

As cities continue to grow and evolve, localizing the SDGs is widely recognized as a condition sine qua non for achieving sustainable development. Awareness of the importance of cities in achieving the SDGs is increasing, including the value of strengthening data for evidence-based decision-making and high-impact action for sustainable development.
In Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, global challenges are having a clear local impact, resonating profoundly at the grassroots level, and affecting local communities acutely. All of these interconnected crises underscore – once again – the key role that cities, local action, and local and regional governments have in safeguarding the well-being of the population as well as accelerating the overall status of SDG implementation and achievement.
Across the region, an increasing momentum is being built in terms of the commitment towards SDG Localization, specifically through the development of some of the first Voluntary Local Reviews of the region. Cities such as Tbilisi (Georgia), Nis (Serbia), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) or Dushanbe (Tajikistan), are leading the process, exemplifying the importance of SDG Localization to tackle the global challenges and care about its local communities. VLRs are proving to be catalysts for SDG Localization, propelling the SDGs to the forefront of the development agendas at all levels.
This event aims to provide a platform for the exchange of tangible experiences and best practices on SDG Localization for the region. It will serve as a moment for peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange, fostering and forging partnerships, and inspiring other countries and cities from the region to engage in such a process, steering the region towards a sustainable and prosperous future for all.