Going Glocal - Experiences of Sdg localization for multilevel and multiregional partnerships

With only 12% of the SDGs on track, we must strengthen our efforts to rescue the SDGs. To do so, an integrated approach is needed. Rooted in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs, there are transformative entry points – transitions – that can have catalytic and multiplier effects across the SDGs. Each of the six transitions holds a local dimension, and the extent of their success is directly linked to the work and core mandate of local and regional governments. Localization, therefore, emerges as a crucial process in accelerating the SDGs, the 2030 Agenda and the transitions. Multilevel governance has emerged as a catalytic force for SDG localization, offering a distinct lens on policymaking processes centered on cohesive leadership, vertical coherence, and horizontal coordination for improved service delivery. Multilevel governance systems vary from country to country. Notably, the Finnish experience stands out as a globally recognized good practice, now inspiring other local and national governments to engage in the same processes. In Finland, multilevel governance has been strengthened through the process of connecting the country’s VNR with VLRs and is currently engaged in the Nordic VSR – connecting the global processes with local initiatives, fostering the glocal perspective. Simultaneously, Finland has embarked on a Twinning Project between the city of Tampere and the city of Mwanza in Tanzania which resulted in the first VLR of Tanzania, and an entry point for further work on SDG Localization and enhancement of multilevel governance. Other Finnish cities are currently engaging in the same process. By facilitating cross-regional knowledge exchange, local and national governments from different parts of the world, with different contexts, can learn from one another, creating a dialogue-driven and two-way process of cooperation that can significantly enhance the achievement of sustainable development. This event aims to present the SDG localization experience from distinct places worldwide, providing an interactive platform for knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices. It will also link with the URBACT CSG Network side event which will provide hands-on, interactive knowledge, while this one will frame the high-level discussion. How can the SDGs and the transitions be localized? How can knowledge sharing, and best practices exchange between local and national governments be improved for SDG achievement? What are the essential characteristics of effective multilevel governance systems? How can cross-regional exchanges be enhanced? These are some of the questions that will be brought to the table, aligning with how all starts from home.