Learning from Sdgs localization efforts to shape the post-2030 Agenda

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), set forth by the United Nations in the 2030 Agenda, are more than a checklist for compliance, they offer a framework to guide policy formulation and implementation and to promote innovative policy paradigms.

In this context, local and regional governments are increasingly acknowledged as crucial actors for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, since 105 out of the 169 SDG targets will not be achieved without their engagement. Cities and regions are often the first responders in times of crisis, possessing invaluable knowledge, networks, and resources to address immediate needs and build long-term sustainable and resilient societies.

Although countries, cities and regions are not on track to achieve the SDGs by 2030, with only 15% of the SDGs targets achieved, the good news is that many sub-national governments across the world have already been anchoring sustainability through the SDGs lens in their territorial development strategies, plans and programmes, including by developing Voluntary Local Reviews (VRLs). Taking stock of those localised SDGs action is essential to understand progress, define lessons, good practices, and the way forward until 2030 and beyond.

The event will launch an OECD-UN-Habitat initiative to take stock of lessons from almost ten years of SDGs localization efforts. It will provide guidance on how policymakers in cities, regions and countries can move forward with the implementation of the SDGs and use them as a tool for better policies and better lives from now to 2030. The stocktaking will cover five main components: (1) Policies and Strategies; (2) Multi-level Governance; (3) Financing and Budgeting; (4) Data and Information; and (5) Stakeholder Engagement.

The session will highlight the importance of place-based policies for the SDGs and policy alignment between different levels of government, to avoid duplication and work in silos. It will also discuss how to strengthen local data for evidence-based decision making as subnational governments need to know where they stand to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Evidence regarding their distance to the SDGs is crucial to redefine priorities, budget the necessary resources, align plans, and redirect actions.

Further, the event will analyse the challange of financing SDGs localization, since local and regional governments often have limited capacity to mobilise funding and struggle in attracting investments due to weak project bankability.

Finally, the event will bring together key stakeholders from cities and regions, national governments, the private sector, academia, and international organizations to brainstorm on how the findings and the lessons learned from the OECD-UN-Habitat stock take can inform and shape the post-2030 debate, placing the SDGs localisation framework and actions at its center.