Knowledge Exchange on Innovative Approaches for SDG localization Harnessing Best Practices of Planning, Financing, Data, and Implementation

Urban areas face significant challenges in achieving the SDGs, including rapid growth, infrastructure gaps, and climate risks. To overcome these, cities require strong knowledge exchange at all stages of SDG localization—from urban planning to data, financing and implementation. Sharing experiences and best practices is key to developing effective, sustainable solutions. This event provides a platform for stakeholders to collaborate, exchange insights, and strengthen innovative efforts toward localizing the SDGs, enabling cities to create more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable environments.

The event brings together perspectives from local, national and global levels in SDG localization. By leveraging three major initiatives—the UN-Habitat Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award), the UN-Habitat SDG Cities Global Initiative, and the CitiIQ Measurement System—it showcases best practices for SDG realization across planning, financing, data management, and implementation.

Focused on SDG lessons learned, several best practices will be showcased at the event, including the flood management for urban resilience project in Fuzhou, China; inclusive planning for self-built settlements in Iztapalapa, Mexico; the data management support platform by CitiIQ; the SDG urban observatory in Madinah, Saudi Arabia; and the PPP housing project for homelessness in Melbourne, Australia.

The event will conclude with a panel discussion on how different key stages of urban development can be better connected and synergized to create a more sustainable and inclusive journey for all.