Inter-agency policy briefs on accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda from local to global levels: The critical importance of SDG localization

SDG localization is the process of adapting and customizing the SDGs and translating them into local development plans and strategies that fit the needs, context, and priorities of a particular region or locality, in coherence with national frameworks. It means placing local communities at the center of sustainable development and anchoring development action on the principles of subsidiarity, inclusion, partnership, and multilevel governance, with adequate data and financing availability at the local level.

The “Inter-agency policy briefs on accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda from local to global levels: The critical importance of SDG localization” examines critical issues pertaining to local implementation of SDG action to achieve the 2030 Agenda and provides evidence-based recommendations for SDG localization. Some of the key topics include data, monitoring, and reporting; multilevel governance; SDG localization and climate action synergies; and waste and resource circularity. This publication follows an introductory policy brief on SDG localization available here. Future policy briefs will examine topics including financing local development and evidence-based planning for SDG localization. 

Coordinated by UNDESA, this publication is the culmination of a collaborative effort, with contributions received from United Nations entities including UNDP, UNEP, UN Habitat, UN Regional Commissions, UN University, as well as organizations including GIZ, The Green Hydrogen Organisation, ICLEI, Local 2030, OECD, and UCLG.