The Role of Cities for the Localisation of the SDGs

Understanding the role of cities in the SDGs is timely and relevant for 2018, a year when the HLPF will take stock of progress on SDG 11 'Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable'. But beyond that dedicated Goal, most SDGs require all levels of government on board to ensure that no one is left behind. Although the 2030 Agenda was not designed specifically for or by cities and regions, they play a critical role in most underlying public policies and investments. It is estimated that 65% of the 169 targets behind the 17 SDGs will not be reached without proper engagement of and coordination with local and regional governments. Therefore ensuring the multi-level governance and place-based approach of SDGs requires action to better measure, share and learn.

The OECD has launched a Programme on 'A Territorial Approach to SDGs', which is paving the way for enhanced evidence on SDGs' state of play at sub-national level, as well as the multi-level governance dynamics at the core of their implementation, and lessons learned in terms of incentives and framework conditions. The Programme will provide a unique platform to share valuable data, experience and knowledge across countries, regions and cities on how SDGs can and should change the paradigm for designing and implementing better local and regional policies for better lives.

The session will take stock of initiatives and policy actions to support the localization of SDGs in OECD member and non-member countries, building on the insights from OECD's ongoing project, datasets and pilot cases as well as complementary initiatives by the EU and international organisations. It will also introduce and discuss concrete cases from a diversity of local, regional and national governments as well as from civil society and the private sector.