This side event to the Second UN-Habitat Assembly focused on regional efforts aimed at accelerating progress towards achievement of the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The event underscored the impact of region-specific normative guidance and partnerships in accelerating actions, enhancing data collection and supporting cities in undertaking Voluntary Local Reviews. 

The discussion also emphasized the potential of intergovernmental platforms, national and regional forums and regional SDG progress profiles in building momentum and fostering partnerships for the SDG Decade of Action.  Drawing from regional reviews of SDG11 progress and recent data and case studies on localization and urban-related SDGs, the event presented a comprehensive view of the ongoing efforts.

City stakeholders and representatives from various United Nations entities shared examples of their initiatives aimed at helping cities build resilience and recover from interlinked crises.

The event was organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), UN Economic Commission for Latin America and Caribbean (ECLAC) and UN Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA).