Localising the SDGs: Making societies resilient for the times ahead
Network event at the World Urban Forum in Katowice
City of Ghent and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Thursday 30June2022, 12:15–13:45 CET Multifunction Hall Room 8 Language: English–Format: in-person
https://wuf.unhabitat.org/event/localizing-sdgs-making-societies-resili…
No-one-size-fits-all regarding localising the SDGs. A diversity of speakers will inspire you with their practices, opportunities and obstacles to take joint action in favour of a sustainable future for everyone. You are invited to share your experiences, and to co-create possibilities to implementing the SDGs in specific local contexts. Following the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, national governments are developing Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) to assess their progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda. These reviews show that progress in transforming the globe into future proof societies, is most effectively realised through implementing the SDGs together with all stakeholders -from national and regional to local governments, and citizens. To bring about lasting behavioural changes and making societies resilient for the times ahead, wide cooperation is key. A number of cities have already documented their contribution towards the SDGs through Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), often exhibiting the effectiveness of multi-level governance. However, many cities are not (yet) measuring their progress in implementing the SDGs, although they are taking initiatives, for example in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This global health crisis illustrates sharply and painfully the importance of a holistic and integrated approach to sustainable ecosystems. Only by integrating the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability societies can be and remain resilient to such global challenges. Moreover, the crisis urges leaders at all levels and in all sectors to take joint actions for a sustainable and resilient common future. Hence, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, its consequences and responses will be the starting point for the discussions during this event. The diversity of local approaches to localising the SDGs is a given and will be put central to discuss the importance of taking local actions and the added value of reporting.