TOWARDS the LOCALIZATION of the Sdgs

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LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS’ REPORT TOWARDS TO THE 2018 HLPF 2nd REPORT THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Facilitated by: 2 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

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Graphic design and lay-out: www.ggrafic.com All photos are property of the authors and were published under Creative Commons license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/). Some rights reserved. LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS’ REPORT TO THE 2018 HLPF TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Facilitated by: 4 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

ABBREVIATIONS �� 6 STATEMENT OF THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS CONSTITUENCY �� 8 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY �� 11

O1 INTRODUCTION ��16

O2 METHODOLOGY AND PROCESS OF PREPARATION OF THE REPORT ��19

O3 THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR SDG LOCALIZATION 3.1 Participation of local and regional governments in the preparation of the VNRs ��20

3.2 Local and regional governments actions to localize the SDGs ��23

3.3 Local and regional governments and the institutional framework for coordination and follow-up ��28

3.4 Mapping local and regional governments actions by region ��32 CONTENTS

THE TRANSFORMATION TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE O4 AND RESILIENT SOCIETIES SDG 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities...... 46 11.1 Adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services...... 48 11.2 Adequate, safe and affordable transport systems for all...... 54 11.3 Inclusive and sustainable urbanization...... 58 11.4 Culture and heritage...... 62 11.5 Making cities sustainable and resilient ...... 66 11.6 The environmental impact of cities...... 70 11.7 Universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces...... 75 SDG 6. Clean water and sanitation...... 78 SDG 7. Affordable and clean energy...... 82 SDG 12. Responsible consumption and production ...... 86 SDG 15. Life on land...... 90

Cross-cutting issues: Leaving no one behind...... 94

O5 MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION ...... 99

O6 CONCLUSIONS AND WAY FORWARD ...... 104 6 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

ABBREVIATIONS

ANAMM - Associação Nacional dos CONPES – Consejo Nacional de Política A Municípios de Moçambique (National Económica y Social (National Council on AAAA – Addis Ababa Action Agenda for Association of Municipalities of Economic and Social Policy, Colombia) Financing for Development Mozambique) COSLA – Convention of Scottish Local AAM – Albanian Association of ANCB – Association Nationale des Authorities Municipalities Communes du Bénin (National CRPM – Conférence des Régions ABELO – Association Burundaise des Association of Municipalities of Benin) Périphériques Maritimes (Conference Elus Locaux (Burundi Association of ANCI – Associazione Nazionale dei of Peripherical Maritime Regions) Local Elected Officials) Comuni Italiani (National Association of CSOs – Civil society organizations AChM – Asociación chilena de Italian Municipalities) CUF – Cités Unies France (French municipalidades (Chilean Association of ANGR – Asamblea Nacional de Gobiernos United Cities) Municipalities) Regionales (National Assembly of Regional CVUC – Communes et Villes Unies du ACHR – Asian Coalition for Housing Governments, Peru) Cameroun (United Councils and Cities Rights ANMC – Association nationale des of Cameroon) ACOR - Asociația Comunelor din maires comoriens (National Association România (Association of Communes in of Comorian Mayors) D Romania) ANMCV – Associação Nacional dos DLT – Deutscher Landkreistag (German ACVN – Association of Cities of Vietnam Municípios Caboverdianos (National County Association) ADEKSI – Asosiasi DPRD Kota Seluruh Association of the Capeverdean DRR – Disaster Risk Reduction Indonesia (Indonesian Municipal Municipalities) DST – Deutscher Städtetag (German Councils Association) APEKSI – Asosiasi Pemerintah Kota Association of Cities) ADKASI – Asosiasi DPRD Kabupaten Seluruh Indonesia (Association of DStGB – Deutsher Städte- und Seluruh Indonesia (Association of Indonesian Municipalities) Gemeindebund (German Association of Regency Governments of Indonesia) APKASI – Asosiasi Pemerintah Towns and Municipalities) ADS – Association des départements Kabupaten Seluruh Indonesia du Sénégal (Association of the (Association of District Governments of E Departments of Senegal) Indonesia) ECA – Economic Commission for Africa AER – Assembly of European Regions APLA – Association of Palestinian Local ECLAC – Economic and Social AfD – Agence française de Authorities Commission for Asia and the Pacific développement (French Development APPSI – Asosiasi Pemerintah Provinsi ESCAP – United Nations Economic and Agency) Seluruh Indonesia (Association of Social Commission for Asia and the AGAAI - Asociación Guatemalteca Provincial Governments of Indonesia) Pacific de Alcaldes y Autoridades Indígenas ESCWA – Economic and Social (Guatemalan Association of Mayors and B Commission for Western Asia Indigenous Authorities) BTVL – Bureau Technique des Villes AICCRE – Associazione Italiana per il Libanaises (Lebanese Cities Technical F Consiglio dei Comuni e delle Regioni Office) FAMSI – Fondo Andaluz de Municipios d’Europa (Italian Association of the para la Solidaridad Internacional CEMR-CCRE) C (Andalousian Municipal Fund for AIMF – Association internationale des C40 – C40 Cities Climate Leadership International Solidarity) Maires francophones (International GroupCAHF – Centre for Affordable FAO – Food and Agriculture Association of French-speaking Housing Finance in Africa Organization Mayors) CALM – Congresul Autorităților Locale FCM – Federation of Canadian ALAL – Association of Local Authorities din Moldova (Congress of Local Municipalities in Lithuania Authorities from Moldova) FCM – Federación Colombiana de ALGA – Association of Local CBD – Convention of Biological Municipios (Colombian Federation of Governments of Australia Diversity Municipalities) ALGAJ – Association of Local CEMR-CCRE – Council of European FEDOMU – Federación Dominicana de Government Authorities of Jamaica Municipalities and Regions - Conseil Municipios (Dominican Federation of AME – Asociación de Municipalidades des Communes et Régions d’Europe Municipalities) Ecuatorianas (Association of Ecuadorian CIS – Commonwealth of Independent FEMP – Federación Española de Municipalities) States Municipios y Provincias (Spanish AMCA – Association des Maires de CLGF – Commonwealth Local Federation of Municipalities and Centrafrique (Association of Mayors of Government Forum Provinces) the Central African Republic) CNM – Confederação Nacional de FENAMM – Federación Nacional AMM – Association des Municipalités du Municípios (Brazilian National de Municipios de México (National Mali (Association of Municipalities of Association of Municipalities) Federation of Municipalities of Mexico) Mali) CONAGO – Conferencia Nacional de FLACMA - Federación Latinoamericana AMN – Association des Municipalités du Gobernadores (National Conference of de Ciudades, Municipios y Asociaciones Niger (Association of Municipalities of Governors, Mexico) de Gobiernos Locales (Latin American Niger) CONAMM – Conferencia Nacional Federation of Cities, Municipalities and AMPE – Asociación de Municipalidades de Municipios de México (Mexican Local Government Associations) del Perú (Association of Municipalities National Conference of Municipalities) FMDV – Fonds mondial de of Peru) CONGOPE – Consorcio de Gobiernos développement des villes (Global Fund AMS – Association des Maires du Autónomos Provinciales del Ecuador for Cities Development) Sénégal (Association of Mayors of (Association of Autonomous Provincial FSLGA – Federation of Sri Lankan Senegal) Governments of Ecuador) Local Government Authorities 7 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

NUA – New Urban Agenda UNCDF – United Nations Capital G NUP – National Urban Policy Development Fund GDP – Gross Domestic Product UNDESA – United Nations Department GHG – Greenhouse gases O of Economic and Social Affairs GLCN – Global Lead City Network OECD – Organization for Economic UNDP – United Nations Development GTF – Global Taskforce of Local and Cooperation and Development Programme Regional Governments OHCHR – Office of the United Nations UNECE – United Nations Economic High Commissioner for Human Rights Commission for Europe H OPACI - Organización Paraguaya UNEP – United Nations Environment HDI – Human Development Index de Cooperación Intermunicipal Programme HLPF – High-Level Political Forum (Paraguayan Intermunicipal Cooperation UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Organization) Scientific and Cultural Organization ORU-Fogar – Organisation des Régions UNFCCC – United Nations Framework I Convention on Climate Change ICLEI – Local Governments for Unies-Forum Global des Associations Régionales (Organization of United UNGL – Unión Nacional de Gobiernos Sustainability Locales (National Union of Local ICMA – International City/County Regions – Global Forum of Regional Associations) Governments, Costa Rica) Management Association UN-Habitat – United Nations Human IGES – Institute for Global Environment Settlements Programme Strategies R UNISDR – United Nations Office for REFELA – Réseau des Femmes Elues IIED – International Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction Locales d’Afrique (Network for Locally Environment and Development UNPAN – United Nations Public Elected Women of Africa) ILO – International Labour Organization Administration Network RGRE – Rat der Gemeinden und Regionen INAFED – Instituto Nacional para el UOM – Union of Municipalities of Europas (German Association of CEMR) Federalismo y el Desarrollo Municipal Montenegro (National Institute for Federalism and UVCW – Union des villes et des communes Municipal Development, Mexico) S de Wallonie (Union of Walloon cities and ISWA – International Solid Waste SALAR – Swedish Association of Local municipalities) Association Authorities and Regions IUCN – International Union for SALGA – South African Local Conservation of Nature Government Association V VNG – Vereniging van Nederlandse SDI – Slum/Shack Dwellers International Gemeenten (Association of Dutch SDGs – Sustainable Development Goals K Municipalities) SKL – Sveriges Kommuner och Landsting KEDE – Central Union of Municipalities VNR – Voluntary National Review (Municipalities and County Councils of of Greece VVSG – Vereniging van Vlaamse Steden Sweden) KiLGA – Kiribati Local Government en Gemeenten (Association of Flemish SMO – Union of Towns and Municipalities Association Cities and Towns) KL – Kommunernes Landsforening (Local of the Czech Republic Government Association of Denmark) SNG – Sub-national Government KS – Kommunesektorens organisasjon SOS - Association of Municipalities and W (Norwegian Association of Local and Towns of Slovenia WHO – World Health Organization SUMP – Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan Regional Authorities) Z L U ZELS – Association of the Units of Local LALRG – Latvian Association of Local UAE – United Arab Emirates Self-Government of the Republic of and Regional Governments UAEL – Union des associations d’élus Macedonia LCP – League of Cities of the Philippines locaux (Union of Associations of Local ZMO – Združenie miest a obcí Slovenska LDC – Least Developed Countries Elected Representatives, Senegal) (Association of Towns and Communities LGAs – Local government associations UCCI – Unión de Ciudades Capitales of Slovakia) LGNZ – Local Government New Zealand Iberoamericanas (Union of Ibero- LRGs – Local and Regional Governments American Capital Cities) LSE – London School of Economics UCLGA – United Cities and Local Governments of Africa UCLG ASPAC – United Cities and Local M Governments of Asia Pacific MDGs – Millennium Development Goals UCLG Eurasia – United Cities and Local Governments of Eurasia N UCLG-MEWA – United Cities and Local NAMRB – National Association of Governments of Middle East and West Municipalities in the Republic of Asia Bulgaria UCT – Union des Communes du Togo NBSAPs - National Biodiversity (Union of Municipalities of Togo) Strategies and Action Plans UITP - International Association of NGOs – Non-Governmental Public Transport Organizations UMT – Union of Municipalities of Turkey Nrg4SD – Network of Regional Govern- UNCCD - United Nations Convention to ments for Sustainable Development Combat Desertification 8 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

STATEMENT OF THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS CONSTITUENCY GATHERED IN THE GLOBAL TASKFORCE

The Development Agendas adopted throughout 2015 and 2016, in particular the 2030 Agenda, the New Urban Agenda and the Paris Agreement represent not only a unique landmark to achieve a shift of our societies and systems towards sustainability, but perhaps the last opportunity to preserve our This Statement was adopted planet and build new patterns of development. by the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Our commitment and political will towards the implementation process is Governments at the Local what we describe as localization. Going beyond the simple adaptation of and Regional Authorities global goals to the local level, localization is about political will, co-creation Forum, held within the with our communities and to find solutions at the local level for the global framework of the High-Level challenges and objectives. Political Forum, in New York at the UN Headquarters, on The local and regional government networks gathered in the Global Taskforce 16 July 2018. The Statement are convinced that the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals is also available online at the depends on their full ownership by our communities, cities and regions. following link: www.global- Local and regional governments around the world are also convinced that taskforce.org/sites/default/ they have a key role to play in triggering that ownership, and an important files/2018-07/gtfstatement_ responsibility in fostering implementation by integrating the various agendas HLPF_2018.pdf. on the ground and ensuring territorial cohesion.

Our place at The first edition of the Local and Regional Governments Forum within the the global table framework of the HLPF 2018 represents a key milestone for our constituency, and should provide us with the opportunity to share our vision, experiences and commitments before national governments and the international community. As an organized constituency we consider this Forum and the Local2030 network as key contribution to our quest for a permanent seat at the global policy making table. 9 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Localization is about the Local and regional governments and their associations at the national, co-creation of cities and regional and international levels are championing the localization movement. territories To accelerate the implementation of the global goals, local and regional governments are carrying out a rights-based approach in their development strategies, building on the ‘Right to the City’ principles acknowledged in Habitat III that strongly foster the premise of leaving no-one behind. These approaches should provide a new frame for ‘co-creating’ our cities and territories and build new relationships with the communities. To face the increasing challenges of rapid urbanization, visionary local and regional leaders are driving policy changes with their communities to facilitate access to affordable housing, basic services and sustainable mobility, as well as to safeguard heritage, develop culture, improve urban resilience, promote a more sustainable use of water and energy, integrated waste management, and participatory planning approaches that integrate risk prevention. They are driving new forms of urbanism as well as urban-rural linkages and environmental sustainability, but they cannot accomplish this shift alone.

Accelerating the In spite of the significant efforts that cities, regions and their networks have Localization of the 2030 made to raise awareness and foster real ownership for the localization of the Goals: strengthening SDGs, different subnational governments are at different stages throughout ownership, local finance the localization process, and there is still work to be done to enhance the and the bottom-up active involvement of local leaders in the process. It is our firm belief that monitoring only through integrated governance models that involve all spheres of government, scale up the local priorities aligned with the SDGs and foster the inclusion and participation of the communities we represent will we be able to achieve our joint ambitions. Without fairer and clearer intergovernmental financial frameworks and regulatory reforms that adequately empower local governments, funding is failing to reach those spheres that need it most. One of the main challenges for localizing the goals remains addressing subnational governments’ access to finance. This is where the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the New Urban Agenda can offer a tangible opportunity to strengthen the role of local and regional governments as key drivers of urban and regional planning, since they call for supporting subnational governments through innovative financial mechanisms which build up domestic resources. Extreme poverty is localized and inequalities between countries, as well as between territories and within cities, are increasing. Without localized data, ensuring that no one is left behind will become increasingly difficult. Local and regional governments are launching initiatives to collect data on the ground, but stronger support and coordination with communities is essential to disaggregate and localize data and monitor the localization process. 10 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

The Local and Regional • Strengthen awareness, policy commitment and ownership among LRGs Government Networks and their communities as a shared responsibility. gathered in the Global Taskforce commit to: • Develop further partnerships with civil society and other stakeholders to ensuring the achievement of the global goals. • Support the proactive involvement of Local and Regional Governments in the process of the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). • Ensure the active participation of LRGs in the Regional Forums on Sustainable Development. • Promote and support the development of tools for LRGs’ self-assessment on the alignment of their development plans and strategies with the SDGs. • Promote Voluntary Local Reviews at both city and regional levels that include the development of accountability mechanisms. • Promote international cooperation and peer-to-peer exchange of knowledge for localization in partnerships with other stakeholders.

GTF members and partners • Foster the integration of specific references in the VNR to monitor the call national governments implementation of the SDGs at subnational levels in each country. and the international • Include specific follow-up processes to the VNRs in order to guarantee community to: accountability mechanisms at all levels and further develop the HLPF. • Enhance the presence and spaces for dialogue between LRGs and national governments within the context of the HLPF and beyond. • Pay specific attention to local solutions and actions in the Quadrennial Global Sustainable Development Report. • Promote the implementation of the New Urban Agenda as an accelerator of the SDGs. • Rally LRGs to lead an international coalition for the implementation of SDG 11 within a broader localization strategy. • Enhance the participation of local and regional governments and stakeholders in the renewed governance structure of the UN and of UN Habitat in particular building on the recommendations of Habitat III.

We would like to reiterate the commitment of our organized constituency towards the achievement of the global agendas and the wellbeing of our communities. The task is too large for any single level of government or any single stakeholder to fulfill alone. As the closest level of government to our citizens we are committed to leave no one behind and call for national governments and the international community not to leave local governance and territorial cohesion behind. 11 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report presents evidence of the involvement of Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) in the ‘localization’ of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It complements the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and ‘Main Messages’ submitted by 103 countries to the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in 2016, 2017 and 2018. It delivers first-hand information from LRGs in 61 different countries. It is the second in an annual series coinciding with national reports to the HLPF and provides an update on the active engagement of LRGs in the dissemination and implementation of the SDGs at the local level.

The report is facilitated by United Cities and Local Governments within the framework of the Global Observatory on Decentralization and Local Democracy (GOLD) and on behalf of the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments, a consultation mechanism of the constituency that gathers over 25 networks. The report counts with special contributions from many cities and associations around the world.

In the majority of countries that reported to the HLPF in 2016, 2017 and 2018, LRGs have key competencies in policy areas relating to the achievement of all SDGs, and particularly SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 15 and 17. This report pays special attention to SDG 11 and its interlinkages with other goals, which has special relevance for the LRG constituency. The report also demonstrates the role of local initiatives in mainstreaming the objective to ‘leave no one behind’. 12 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

GOOD PRACTICES

LRGs are putting the ‘Right Many LRGs are choosing to mainstream rights-based approaches in their to the City’ approach and territorial development strategies to accelerate SDG implementation (e.g. participation at the heart of Gwangju, Venice and Vienna). Furthermore, they are supporting the ‘Right to their localization strategies the City’ principles acknowledged in Habitat III (e.g. Mexico City/State). They are proactive in building multi-stakeholder alliances to back the right to housing (e.g. the ‘Cities for adequate housing’ initiative led by Barcelona and more than ten other cities). Moreover, they are addressing the needs of specific vulnerable groups (e.g. Sanctuary Cities in and Refuge-Cities to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers). These are a means of strengthening social cohesion and solidarity but also of guaranteeing the protection of human rights and the commons. Participatory instruments through planning and budgeting are another way in which LRGs are creating ‘virtuous circles’ of engagement between citizens and local institutions in different countries in all regions. Participatory and rights-based approaches are developing a new framework for the ‘co-creation’ of cities and territories based on the stronger involvement of local actors. LRGs’ collaborative work with Slum/Shack Dwellers International (SDI) in Africa, and the Asian Coalition for Housing Rights (ACHR) are examples of successful initiatives to gather local knowledge and disaggregated data at the level of informal settlement and to plan timely, inclusive and group-sensitive policies and identify local opportunities and threats (e.g. disaster risks).

LRGs play a key role in In many countries, LRGs are building their capacities and engaging in a long- developing integrated urban term vision to integrate the SDGs into their strategic local frameworks (e.g. and territorial plans to local plans for the 2030 Agenda) as well as their daily activities (e.g. in Durban, localize all the SDGs Mannheim, New York, Quito and Seoul). Many LRGs in developed and developing countries have been proactive in sharing, learning and developing more holistic and comprehensive participatory plans at the urban and territorial level (e.g. ‘strategic planning’, city development strategies, etc.). These use cross-cutting policies to respond simultaneously to all the SDGs, and particularly SDG 11. Integrated urban and territorial plans promote place-based approaches to development, and they foster multilevel and multi-sectoral systems of governance, while at the same time promoting alignment with the SDGs.

LRGs are leading innovative The report gives examples of how local leaders are developing alternative actions to achieve Goals and policies to make cities and territories more sustainable and resilient. LRGs Targets that are instrumental with an enabling institutional framework play a key role in integrating social to the ‘transformation housing and neighbourhood improvement at the heart of city policies. This towards sustainable and also calls for increasing efforts to avoid forced evictions and support co- resilient societies’ production of public-private community-driven housing. 13 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

In the face of increasing water stress, many cities are developing renewed water management strategies taking into account integrated approaches inspired by SDGs (e.g. Brisbane and Cape Town), whilst others are innovating to overcome sanitation challenges (e.g. Rajkot in India). Some cities and regions are implementing integrated multimodal and sustainable transport systems. These facilitate access, integrate and regulate formal and informal transport modalities (e.g. Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans in Brazil), and reduce congestion, GHG emissions and air pollution. LRGs make culture – including cultural heritage protection – one of the pillars of their sustainable strategies that support diversity and inclusion (e.g. Regensburg, Pekalongan, Gabrovo and Timbuktu). Following assessment by the UNISDR, cities are progressively applying the Sendai Framework targets into their policies and strategies. There are many examples of how they are improving waste collection and final disposal (4R - reduce, reuse, recycle and recover). In the Global South, collaborations are developing with informal workers in waste collection and recycling (e.g. Belo Horizonte, Dhaka, Manila and Qalyubeya Governorate). Elsewhere LRGs are leading actions towards more efficient and renewable energy use, often as part of climate change mitigation and adaptation plans; and they are committed to reducing their carbon footprint from transport, buildings and services (Baden-Württemberg, Boston, Tokyo and Vancouver). At a global scale, more than 9,000 cities and local governments are participating in the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy to take action on mitigation, adaptation, as well as access to sustainable energy. Despite these positive efforts, the report emphasizes that the scope of these local initiatives remains limited to a small group of frontrunner cities and regions. A cleared and bolder support system will be needed to bring this good practices up to scale. Globally, LRGs need more policy guidance, powers and resources, particularly in low-income and middle-low income countries.

LESSONS LEARNED

LRGs’ participation both Less than half of the VNR consultations and over one third of the follow-up in the VNR process and mechanisms in 99 countries involve local governments. The integration of the the national institutional local and regional perspective in reporting and follow-up remains a major mechanisms for challenge. Although many national governments acknowledge the role of coordination and follow-up sub-national governments, their national plans and VNRs do not always need to be scaled up reflect a clear strategy for their inclusion. Coordination between all levels of government is critical to ensuring LRGs’ participation in both processes. National governments and UN institutions need to further develop spaces for multilevel dialogue and joint action. These must ensure the participation and engagement of local and regional leaders, both in the reporting process (VNRs), and the national, regional and global follow-up of institutional mechanisms, with adapted agendas and policy support. 14 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

LRGs’ mobilization and Significant efforts have been made by LRGs and their networks worldwide involvement at global scale to raise awareness and find innovative ways of mobilizing and fostering is progressing but it is still real ownership for the localization of the SDGs. Cities and territories of all not sufficient to support sizes are enhancing actions to align their policies with the global goals and the localization process rethinking their local action plans in line with the SDGs. LRGs are driving the localization process in many countries and being proactive in building multilevel and multi-stakeholder partnerships to catalyse implementation. Frontrunner cities have taken a further step by presenting their Voluntary Local Reviews to self-assess the progress they have made in the localization of the SDGs. Yet, many LRGs and Local and Regional Government Associations (LGAs) are still not acquainted with the SDGs or consider them to be yet another external internationally imposed ‘burden’. More efforts are needed to empower LRGs and to develop local-based approaches combined with national enabling policies to support the localization process and enhance the active involvement and innovation of local leaders in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Scale-up the localization of Effective localization strategies require empowered LRGs to foster integrated the SDGs as an integral part urban and regional plans that are well-coordinated with national strategies. of national strategies: The 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda offer a real opportunity to strengthen the role of LRGs as key drivers of urban and regional planning. National Urban Policies (NUPs) can contribute to a more collaborative framework to develop cross-sectoral and coherent approaches to support and accompany local urban policies. However, improved multilevel and multi- stakeholder collaboration should be facilitated to scale up sub-national innovative solutions integrated into national strategies.

Strengthen institutional Rethinking the sub-national financial architecture, and municipal finance in and fiscal frameworks to particular, will be critical to achieving the SDGs. The majority of LRGs that empower LRGs: contributed to this report have underlined the need for financial support and fiscal decentralization to achieve SDG localization. National governments made a commitment to promoting a more integrated framework for LRG planning and financing in line with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (paragraph 34). They should provide to LRGs the necessary capacities, enabling regulatory frameworks and institutional incentives to act autonomously to ensure their tasks and responsibilities. At global scale, international institutions should catalyse investments in sustainable local long-term financial projects adapted to local needs. 15 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

‘Make the Shift’ to a The outcome document of Habitat III stresses the importance of linking rights-based approach at the the implementation of the SDGs with a rights-based approach. This is center of local agendas: instrumental to deliver on the core promise to leave no one behind. Such policies address the global challenges of the right to housing and the ‘Right to the City’ paying particular attention to the diversity of needs. Proactive involvement of LRGs is imperative to fully implement the right to adequate housing. Greater linkages between SDG implementation and right to the city -based approach should be enhanced by LRGs.

Support initiatives to A bottom-up monitoring process is essential to delivering the objective to disaggregate data for ‘leave no one behind’. Monitoring of SDG localization must use disaggregated monitoring localization and place-based data and collect information on the ground to reflect local processes: realities. A participatory approach to fostering co-production of data at the local level should be enhanced, and collaborative partnerships with community-based organizations and NGOs be supported.

Promote international The LRGs and their LGAs are deeply involved in international development cooperation in partnership cooperation. Peer-to-peer exchange of knowledge, city-to-city dialogue with LRGs for localization: and decentralized cooperation are powerful vehicles for strengthening LRGs’ capacities to localize the SDGs. Greater efforts are needed to upscale these practices. National governments should create enabling policy environments for decentralized cooperation and support LRGs’ involvement in development cooperation plans.

Rally local and regional Local and Regional Government Associations at national, regional and global governments to strengthen levels have shown significant commitment to put the SDGs at the heart of international coalition for the their strategies and support the implementation, monitoring and innovating implementation of SDGs: to Localize the 2030 Agenda. An international alliance to foster these efforts worldwide, such as the UN Local 2030 Network and the Localizing the SDGs Platform, will be instrumental for the success the Localization of the SDGs. 16 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs O1 INTRODUCTION

The second report, ‘Towards the Localization of the SDGs’, represents the unique view of Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) worldwide and their role in, and contribution to, achieving the main global development agendas. It underlines the involvement of LRGs in national and regional processes and summarizes the key local and regional trends observed in the implementation of the SDGs, and particularly those that are being assessed this year in the four-year cycle framework.

The ‘transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies’, reviewed by the HLPF in 2018, is particularly pertinent to this constituency. It includes SDG 11, to ‘make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’, and thus introduces a comprehensive territorial approach to sustainable development. SDG 11 focuses not just on cities, but rather takes a novel place-based approach with specific attention given to urban, rural- urban, and regional linkages. The majority of the SDGs in fact highlight the importance of engaging cities, local communities and territories more widely.1

Indeed, the 2030 Agenda emphasizes the need for an inclusive and localized approach to the SDGs stating, ‘governments and public institutions will also work closely on implementation with regional and local authorities, sub- regional institutions, inter-national institutions, academia, philanthropic organisations, volunteer groups and others.’2

Localization is described as ‘the process of defining, implementing and monitoring strategies at the local level for achieving global, national, and sub-national sustainable development goals and targets.’ Specifically, it includes the ‘process of taking into account sub-national contexts in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, from the setting of goals and targets, to determining the means of implementation and using indicators to measure and monitor progress.’ 3

The second HLPF report develops the first report’s analysis by mapping the involvement of the LRGs and their contribution to the localization of the SDGs.4

Localization relates both to how local and regional governments can support the achievement of the SDGs through action from the bottom up and to how the SDGs can provide a framework for local development policy 17 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

1 The engagement of urban The report follows the guidelines proposed by the UN for the preparation stakeholders is necessary to achieving up to 65% of of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) by countries. Section 2 presents the the SDG targets, see Cities Alliance (2015), Sustainable methodology used for this report. Section 3 analyses LRGs’ ownership and Development Goals and involvement in the SDG process. Section 4 presents a sample of policies Habitat III: Opportunities for a Successful New Urban Agenda. and innovations implemented by cities and territories to contribute to the 2 United Nations, General achievement of the SDGs reviewed this year. In the last two sections, the Assembly, Transforming our world: The 2030 agenda for report synthesizes the main considerations of the LRGs about means of sustainable development, A/ implementation (Section 5) and lastly draws conclusions and proposes RES/70/1 (21 October 2015), paragraphs 34 and 45. next steps (Section 6). 3 UN Development Group (2014), Localizing the Post- 2015 Agenda (outcome of the Table 1.1 shows the structure and data of LRGs within the 47 countries global UN dialogue process reporting in 2018 and complements the table presented in the GTF-UCLG realized from June 2014 to October 2014); GTF, UNDP, report to the HLPF in 2017, which showed data from 400,000 LRGs. UN-Habitat (2016), Roadmap for Localizing the SDGs: Decentralized LRGs are simultaneously policy-makers, implementers Implementation and Monitoring and investors. They are facilitators and catalysts of sustainable at Sub-national Level. development, linking global, national, regional and local levels and 4 UCLG – GTF (2017), National and Sub-national Governments involving citizens and communities as drivers of bottom-up change in on the way towards the Localization of the SDGs. their territories. However, it is important to understand the diversity of LRGs in each region.

In the majority of developed and in some developing countries, the role of LRGs highlights the instrumental nature of local self-government in improving governance and development. Conversely, in some regions, such as Sub-Saharan Africa or West Asia, incomplete decentralization processes and difficulty adapting transferred competences — often without resources or accompanying measures — can undermine the role of LRGs in localization. This is observed particularly in countries with weak local systems, no local elected authorities, or a ‘mix’ of local executives appointed by national governments and local councils elected with very limited powers (e.g. Sudan). Lastly, there are countries where elections only take place at the village level (Lao PRD), or have been delayed for a long time (Guinea), or are expected to take place for the first time in the coming year (Egypt, Togo).

“Localizing” is the process of taking into account sub-national contexts in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, from the setting of goals and targets, to determining the means of implementation and using indicators to measure and monitor progress 18 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

TABLE 1.1.

LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENTS IN THE 47 COUNTRIES REPORTING TO THE HLPF IN 2018 s TYPE OF STATE TYPE OF REGIONAL-STATE LEVEL INTERMEDIATE LEVEL LEVEL MUNICIPAL LRG TOTAL STATE TYPE OF REGIONAL-STATE LEVEL INTERMEDIATE LEVEL LEVEL MUNICIPAL LRGS TOTAL

AFRICA (11) LATIN AMERICA (6) Benin U 77 77 Colombia U 32 1102 1134 Cabo Verde U 22 22 Dominican Republich U 32 162 194 Egypta U 366 366 Ecuador U 24 221 245 Guinea U 342 342 Mexico F 32 2464 2496 Mali U 8 49 704 761 Paraguay U 18 254 272 Namibia U 14 57 71 Uruguay U 19 112 131 Niger U 8 265 273 MEWA (6) Republic of Congo U 12 92 104 Bahraini U 4 4 Senegal U 45 557 602 Lebanon U 1029 1029 Sudanb F 18 186 204 Qatarj U Togoc U 5 116 121 Saudi Arabiak U 178 178 ASIA-PACIFIC (7) State of Palestine U 483 483 Australia F 8 571 579 United Arab Emirates F Bhutan U 20 234 254 NORTH AMERICA (3) Kiribati U 26 26 Bahamas U 32 32 Lao PDRd U - Canada F 13 3959 3972 Singaporef U - - Jamaica U 14 14 Sri Lankag U 9 335 344 TOTAL 475 1237 48935 50647 Viet Nam U 63 713 11162 11938 a Local councils’ elections are going to take place in 2019 for the first time in 10 years. EURASIA (1) b Local assemblies and executive bodies are appointed by the central authorities Armenia U 804 804 c Local elections will be held in 2018. d In Bhutan and Vietnam Local assemblies are elected by executive bodies who EUROPE (14) are appointed. f Provincial governors, mayors and district chiefs are appointed, while the village Albania U 61 61 heads are directly elected. Andorra U 7 7 g There are no local governments, but 5 community development councils. h Based on the legislation local governments are elected. However due to internal Greece U 13 325 338 problems, since 2015, local executives are appointed by central governments. Local elections are planned for 2018. Hungary U 19 3201 3220 i Each governorate has its own municipality council, with separate elections for them. The most recent municipal election was held in 2014. Ireland U 126 126 j The Central Municipal Council is elected. The Council is formed of 29 members Latvia U 119 119 representing constituencies spreading over 230 regions in the State of Qatar. The last elections were held in May 2015. Lithuania U 60 60 k In 2005, local elections in 178 municipalities were held for half of the seats in the municipal council. The last local elections were held in 2015 in 284 local councils, Malta U 68 68 the first-ever elections open to female voters and candidates. Poland U 16 380 2479 2875 Sources: information obtained from local government associations, particularly from CEMR database for European countries; OECD, UCLG (2016) Subnational Romania U 42 3181 3223 Governments around the World; CLGF Country profiles (available online at: http:// www.clgf.org.uk/resource-centre/clgf-publications/country-profiles/); OECD Slovakia U 8 2930 2938 (2018) Subnational Government in OECD Countries; UNPAN, Public Administration Country Profile (available online at: http://www.unpan.org/country_profiles); Spain M 17 50 8124 8191 European Committee of Regions, Division of Powers section (available online at https://portal.cor.europa.eu/divisionpowers/Pages/default.aspx), National Switzerland F 26 2324 2350 Statistical Offices and National Government and Local Government’s Portals from different countries; local press and online media. 19 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs O2 METHODOLOGY AND PROCESS OF PREPARATION OF THE REPORT

This second report to the HLPF is based on information from the main global and regional networks, as well as national associations of cities, The report municipalities and regions in more than 61 countries. Data is mainly from complements the different sources: a survey of the localization of the SDGs circulated among 47 ‘Main messages’ LRGs from March to April 2018; the contributions of several LRG network members of the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments (GTF);5 and the 29 VNRs as well as expert research groups. published up to Information for some countries has been collected in conjunction with the analysis of the 47 ‘Main messages’ and the 29 Voluntary National Reviews June 22, 2018 (VNRs) published by the HLPF up to June 22. Partners (ACHR, CAHF, IIED, ISWA, UITP); UN agencies (UNISDR); and experts participated in Section 3 and 4 (specific goals analysis). The survey of LRGs was designed according to the structure recommended by the Office of the UN Secretary-General for the Voluntary National Reviews to enhance cross-context comparability. The results show a striking level of mobilization by LRGs, with responses from diverse authorities within the governance tier, and several spontaneous contributions by municipalities, provinces and/or regions. Box 2.1 gives more insights into the survey and its techniques.6

! BOX 2.1.

5 For more information on the UCLG’S SURVEY: LESSONS LEARNED AND GUIDELINES GTF, see Global networks in Section 3.4. 6 From a total of 101 answers 101 LRGs and their associations from 61 different countries responded to received, 54 were sent by LGAs the survey. Twenty-eight of these are reporting to the 2018 HLPF. In Europe, from all the regions, while the remaining 47 were sent a total of 47 answers were collected by CEMR/Platforma. by cities and regions, except The surveys proved to be an interesting experiment on methodologies two answers: one from a CSO apt to engage local and regional governments in the monitoring process. It (Djibouti) and one from an SDG coordination unit (Union comprised of seven open-ended questions on the process of localization, of Arab Emirates). Moreover, addressing the national context for SDG implementation, LRGs’ involvement in Europe, the Council of European Municipalities and in the VNRs, and follow-up mechanisms. It also asked LRGs about initiatives Regions (CEMR-CCRE), the that support the localization of the SDGs. European Section of UCLG and We can draw a few general conclusions. Respondents were inclined to build Platforma developed a survey with the same methodological on initiatives created at or led by the local and regional level, as well as on premises and techniques local strategic alignment with the SDGs. as UCLG’s, which was then distributed to all CEMR and Several respondents were also found to be comfortable with the concepts Platforma members. In the of multilevel, territorial reform and local financing at the core of the survey’s region, a total of 47 responses analysis. were received, which were kindly shared with UCLG for the sake of the analysis conducted in this report. 20 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs O3 THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR SDG LOCALIZATION

The involvement of LRGs in the localization process is progressing in all regions. Each, however, takes different forms. The following sub-sections analyse the participation of LRGs in VNR processes (Section 3.1); synthesize their actions to mobilize LRGs (Section 3.2); identify the institutional framework, analysing the relationships between all levels of government and stakeholders (Section 3.3); and make an initial attempt for the global mapping of LRGs’ mobilization (Section 3.4).

3.1 PARTICIPATION OF LRGs IN THE PREPARATION OF THE VNRs

Countries often mention the importance of 2016 and 2017 combined. Ultimately, in the involving sub-national authorities or national whole 2016-2018 period under review, LRGs parliaments, as well as civil society and other in 45% of the reporting countries affirm to stakeholders, in their VNRs. But they are have participated in the preparation of their not always explicit about the terms of this countries’ VNRs. This information is shown involvement. in Table 3.1. In collaboration with the GTF, UCLG This information suggests that there has has reviewed the information provided by been progress since the reviewing process LRGs since 2016. In 2018, in 23 out of the 43 began in 2016, but LRG involvement is still countries which submitted information to limited. Figure 3.1 gives a global overview and UCLG (53%) LRGs affirm to have participated distribution by region of the consultation of in the reporting process and the preparation LRGs in the 103 countries that presented their of the VNRs. Only 28 countries out of 65 VNRs between 2016 and 2018. stated the same among respondents in 21 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

TABLE 3.1.

LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS' PARTICIPATION IN THE PREPARATION OF THE VNRs7

TOTAL 2016 2017 2018 (Repeated countries excluded)

Total countries 22 43 47 99*

Consulted 11 50% 17 40% 23 53% 45 45%

Weak consultation 4 18% 10 23% 4 9% 17 17%

Not consulted 7 32% 15 35% 10 23% 30 30% No Local Governments8 1 6 7 7% No information9 4 4**

7 Explanation of the categories: 1) Consulted: LRGs through their representative LGAs or a representative delegation of elected officers were invited to participate in the consultation (conferences, surveys, meetings); 2) Weak consultation: only isolated representatives and neither LGAs nor a representative delegation participated in meetings, or LGAs were invited to a presentation of the VNR (once finalized); 3) Not consulted: no invitation or involvement in the consultation process was issued, even if LGAs were informed. 8 Countries with no local self-governments: Monaco (2017), Bahrain, Lao PDR, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Sudan. 9 No information (until 22 June 2018): Bahamas, Hungary, Namibia, Republic of Congo. Sources: Surveys answered by LRGs and VNRs. * In total, 112 countries reported between 2016 and 2018 (22 in 2016, 43 in 2017 and 47 in 2018). The final total (99 countries) records all countries once even though some have reported twice (9), or three times (1). ** Countries with no information (4) are not accounted in the total.

FIGURE 3.1.

MAP OF LRG PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSULTATION PROCESSES FOR THE VNRs

Involvement of LRGs in the VNR process Participation in 2018 Participation in 2016-2017 Limited participation in 2018 Limited participation in 2016-2017

No participation in 2018 No participation in 2016-2017 No LRGs in reporting countries

Committed to report in 2018, no information yet available 22 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Even when they are recognized as important 2018.11 In Niger while the LGA was informed, actors, LRGs and examples of their actions it was not actively involved.12 In Egypt and are only given limited reference in the majority Guinea, local administrative levels are not of VNRs. Only a few countries dedicate specific involved in the reporting process (and have space to the voice of LRGs (Spain); or assess limited autonomy).13 Information was not their situation (Benin, Uruguay); or extensively received from Namibia, Republic of Congo quote LRG sources and examples (Australia, and Sudan.14 Ecuador, Greece and Latvia). In the ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, Australian As in previous years, the modalities of LRGs’ LGAs, cities and regions contributed to involvement in the VNR process are diverse: the report, collected experiences and direct participative consultation; contribution sent case studies.15 In Bhutan, the VNR to different multi-stakeholder meetings; mentions that, among other stakeholders, national or regional dialogues; submission local governments were at least consulted. of experiences; or online consultations (e.g. In Kiribati, KiLGA has been involved in the Andorra, Benin, Ecuador, Ireland, Jamaica, planning stages of the VNR from the outset. Mali, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Togo, In Vietnam, ACVN is planning to work with Uruguay). In other cases, engagement has the Ministry of Planning and Investment to been through bilateral contact or high- contribute to the VNR process. In Sri Lanka, level taskforce groups in charge of VNR several multi-stakeholder consultations preparation (Bhutan, Dominican Republic, were held at national and regional levels 10 A national workshop to present the draft of the VNR Kiribati, Latvia, Slovakia); a direct note to the and a public call published on the ministry was held in mid-May. government (Australia, Canada); occasional website inviting volunteers to report. In 11 This is based on the VNR of Senegal (2018). NGOs and dialogue with a specific ministry (Cabo Verde, Singapore and Lao PDR there is no local CSOs organized regional Vietnam); participation in other institutional elected government.16 workshops and presented their conclusions to the spaces (Greece, Poland); or a mix of all In EUROPE, LRGs in Spain, Ireland, Latvia, Technical Committee in charge preparing the VNR. modalities (Spain). Finally, in Mexico, Poland, Slovakia and Switzerland were 12 Based on the VNR of information on LRGs was collected through a involved or at least consulted. In Greece, the Niger (2018), the review was prepared by a specialized technical committee. national government reports that the Central Technical committee which Based on the assessment of the VNRs Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE) and consulted the “concerned administrations”. submitted between 2016 and 2018, LRGs the Association of Greek Regions (ENPE) 13 In the Main messages of Guinea, the country reports are most involved in the VNR consultation were consulted. This information, however, the organization of a workshop process in Europe (in 62% of European was not confirmed by KEDE.17 In Lithuania, with all stakeholders. It also mentions its commitment to countries that reported), followed by Asia- municipal experts from the association conduct a VNR process every year, which should include Pacific (53%), Latin America (47%) and of local authorities (ALAL) participated workshops for consultation Africa (44%). In some federal countries (e.g. in the process (but not confirmed in the and validation of each report. 14 The VNR of Sudan refers to Ethiopia, India, and Nigeria), participation is, survey). The involvement of LRGs is still a multi-stakeholder national de facto, limited to the regional level, with very limited or non-existent in Albania, consultation and workshops, but no specific mention is weaker involvement of local levels. LRGs in Malta and Romania. Data on Hungary are made of LRGs. the Middle East and West Asia (MEWA) and still missing.18 In 2016-2017, LRGs were 15 The VNR of Australia (2018) reports that the national Eurasia (CIS countries) are either scarcely particularly active in Northern countries government has engaged with state, territory and local involved or not participating at all (with the (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway and governments on the SDGs through existing committees exception of Belarus at the regional level). Sweden), and in countries from Western and for the preparation of the Lastly, in North America, LRGs in Canada Central Europe (Belgium, Czech Republic, VNR, coordinated by an interdepartmental group of and, to a lesser extent, Jamaica have also Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland). senior officials, co-chaired by the Department of the Prime been consulted. Since July 2017, the participation of LRGs Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) In AFRICA, the LGAs of Benin and Togo in the reporting process also improved in and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). are the ‘frontrunners’ most actively involved France and Italy (see LRG involvement in 16 The VNR of Lao PDR (2018) in bringing the vision at local levels to the institutional coordination mechanisms in mentions that public officials from 18 provinces participate reporting process. Cabo Verde also reported Section 3.3. below). in a first stakeholder consultation in late 2017 some level of consultation. Local authorities In LATIN AMERICA, LGAs of Dominican and in second round in April 2018.’ The Main messages in Mali were invited to national and regional Republic, Ecuador and Uruguay reported of Singapore mention workshops, but the AMM (Association des their involvement in the consultation process ‘government agencies and stakeholders’ (businesses, Municipalités du Mali) was not a part of the in 2018. Conversely, LGAs in Colombia, youth, civil society). drafting committee.10 In Senegal, local which previously reported some level of 17 See VNR of Greece (2018). 18 According to the Main governments among other stakeholders involvement, said this year they had not been messages of Hungary mentions were invited to a preparatory meeting in sufficiently consulted. Meanwhile, in Mexico, a ‘multi-stakeholder platform’, but not the LRGs. January 2018 and to a final meeting in June both the governors and the municipalities 23 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

took part in the National Council for the 2030 LRGs’ participation in the five regional Agenda, but municipalities seem to have been less active in the VNR process. National forums organized this year by the UN electoral processes take place in both these countries this year. The LGA of Paraguay — regional commissions (UNECE, ESCAP, OPACI — emphasized they had never been ECLAC, ESCWA, and ECA) to prepare contacted.19 LGAs of Brazil and Costa Rica continue to reaffirm their strong involvement for the HLPF is still limited in the process. In the NORTH AMERICAN REGION, the Federal Government of Canada has engaged local governments, the private sector and civil of political understanding by local leaders. society in the preparations for meetings and In other cases, there are no organized documents. In the past, these stakeholders LGAs or, as mentioned above, sub-national have been included as part of the Canadian administrative levels appointed by the delegation to the UN Forums. In Jamaica, national or regional government, who do not regional consultation, including of local deem it necessary to engage subordinate governments, took place for the preparation levels in the consultation process. of the Long and Medium-Term Development A leap forward is necessary to involve Strategy (Vision 2030 Jamaica). LRGs in the reporting process. Strong In MIDDLE EAST AND WEST ASIA, some joint efforts by both national governments LGAs have been informed about reporting and international institutions, as well as by processes (e.g. Lebanon), but none has LRG networks and organizations, will be been invited to contribute. In Lebanon, the essential. The GTF and UCLG in particular private sector and civil society — including are developing an initiative to catalyse the representatives from local governments — mobilization of LGAs and local elected were consulted by the National Reporting leaders in the reporting process through Committee.20 The Association of Local training and advice. Governments of Palestine (APLA) said they intended to contact their government to request participation. As mentioned above, in other countries in the region reporting this year (Bahrain, Qatar, 3.2 Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates), there is LOCAL AND REGIONAL either limited local government autonomy or no local elected authorities. GOVERNMENTS’ ACTION TO 19 According to the VNR, the LRGs’ participation in the five regional report was developed by the LOCALIZE THE SDGs Committee on SDG Paraguay forums organized this year by the UN 2030, with contributions from central government officers regional commissions (UNECE, ESCAP, As has been noted in the previous sub- and institutions, CSO and private sector. The report ECLAC, ESCWA and ECA) to prepare for the section, the involvement of LRGs and their mentions a more participative HLPF is still limited. In general, a very small associations in the national consultation process for the definition of the National Development number of LRG representatives are given process, and/or in the drafting of the VNRs, Strategy in 2014 that included ‘a consultation process with accreditation, but usually with restricted is progressing but limited. At the same time, more than 2,000 participants from national and SNGs, civil access, e.g. LRGs in Latin America can only an increasing number of cities, regions, society, academia and private go to side events. These are government national associations and networks of LRGs sector in more than 10 districts’. forums, thus LRGs must be allowed to worldwide are strongly promoting and 20 The Main messages of participate and appropriate access granted supporting the localization of the global Lebanon (2018) mention three workshops organized so that they can address other partners in agendas. Awareness efforts by LRGs to at national level and regional consultation. Civil society the main forums. disseminate the SDGs through campaigns, consultations included The involvement of LRGs in reporting events and regular communication channels representatives from local authorities, but not their depends largely on the openness of the are growing in almost all regions. There national associations. A parliamentary committee on consultation process led by national are more and more references to the the SDGs was subsequently governments and international institutions. SDGs and global agendas in social media established. 21 For example, the website It is important to underline, however, that in by LRGs, as well as in bulletins, websites http://localizingthesdgs. 21 org/ developed by UNDP, UN some countries lack of participation is also and other platforms. Greater attention is Habitat and the GTF has been the result of either diminished capacity of also being given to the global agendas in accessed in the past 2 years by 23,900 users from 192 LGAs (Guinea, Republic of Congo), or lack national conferences and congresses of LRG countries and 2,794 cities. 24 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

associations (e.g. during local government In many countries, mobilization of days in African countries such as Burundi, LRGs has been fostered through strategic Cameroon, Mali, Togo). Moreover, many alliances with civil society organizations cities, regions and their associations are (CSOs), the private sector and academia moving beyond awareness-raising activities (e.g. nine out of 15 LGAs in Europe; Brazil to taking action to develop knowledge with the movement ODS Nós Podemos), and exchange initiatives or integrate the SDGs international institutions (UNDP, UN Habitat, in their local plans and projects. Table ILO, etc.). Cities are bringing together a 3.2. presents a short overview of the type multiplicity of stakeholders to address of actions that national associations and interlinked and cross-cutting issues, as regional and global networks have been well as pilot innovative solutions that could promoting around the world. later be scaled up both nationally and Many cities are taking the lead in internationally (see Section 4). Many cities implementing the SDGs and the other are engaging their citizens through public global agendas, even before their national campaigns, travelling expositions, activities governments have done so. Under the in schools, libraries and cultural actions. leadership of visionary mayors and local Global and regional networks of LRGs leaders, cities are willing to be proactive in are also making remarkable efforts to implementing innovative actions to ‘localize’ put ‘localization’ at the centre of the the SDGs without waiting for instructions LRGs’ agendas, developing campaigns from higher levels of government. They and expanding initiatives (see Section 3.4). are committing to achieving the SDGs using Despite these efforts, outreach is still either an integrated approach or by selecting limited. A study of the Asia region provides a the more relevant goals and targets. For valuable insight for other regions. In general, example, New York City announced in May the ‘frontrunner’ cities, as well as the LGAs 2018 that it would become the first city in the that are involved, are a minority group.23 world to report directly to the HLPF in what As mentioned above, several national it calls a Voluntary Local Review (see Box associations remain poorly informed about 22 For example, three cities 22 in Japan are also planning to 3.1.). Others have expressed a similar intent. the global agendas and their relevance at present local SDG reports: Toyama city, Kitakyushu city Section 3.4 presents different examples of the the local level. This is even truer in medium- and Shimokawa town. strategies cities are adopting. sized and small municipalities. 23 IGES Policy Report (April Globally, the involvement of LRGs in As shown by the survey responses of LGAs, 2018), Early view of ASEAN’s ‘Frontrunner cities’ on the localization is progressing in all regions. including from among the most active from Sustainable Development Goals and Local Data Section 3.4 highlights this by illustrating Europe, Africa and other regions, many LRGs Management, Japan, p.9. Survey answered by 30 region-by-region actions. However, each perceive the SDGs to be an ‘internationally respondents from national region is evolving at a different pace: LRGs imposed agenda’. Members consider ‘the and local governments in first quarter 2018. From this in Europe and North America are moving SDGs are known but not applicable to study, awareness on the SDGs appears to be higher fastest, followed by Africa, Asia Pacific and [their] daily work’; that there is ‘limited in Cambodia, Indonesia, Latin America, whilst efforts in Eurasia (CIS support to change practices according to the Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, and lower in Lao countries) and the Middle East and West Asia SDG framework’; and that it is ‘difficult to PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam. are still nominal. cooperate with other sectors of society and 24 For European countries, 24 as mentioned above, CEMR/ Some LGAs stand out for their particular other tiers of government’ on this. Platforma collected answers based on a specific survey. intention and actions to train and incentivize As underlined in our 2017 HLPF Report, if Similar considerations are their members, as well as for their LRGs perceive the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs quoted in IGES for ASEAN countries (2018), p.9. ‘Many interaction with national governments and to be yet another external ‘burden’ without city officials are unsure if SDGs will be directly useful in other stakeholders. Among the countries adequate support, they will be discouraged their daily work. Similar to the national officials, they are taken that are reporting this year, this is the case from being proactive. The GTF document aback by “so many” goals and in Australia, Benin, Canada, Dominican states that, ‘most of the SDGs are a part targets, and they think that the SDGs are “abstract” and purely Republic, Latvia, Spain and Togo. In last of the daily responsibilities and activities “aspirational”. They are unsure 25 of the real benefits of explicitly year’s LRG report to the HLPF, the more of local and regional governments’. But reframing all local actions in active LGAs were from Northern and Western one of the key conditions for stronger LRG reference to the SDGs.’ Europe. However, this year those in Brazil and involvement will be acknowledging that 25 UCLG (2016), The Sustainable Development Goals, What local Costa Rica in Latin America have been added policies to empower them and a collaborative governments need to know. The document is available to the list, as well as LGAs in Indonesia and multilevel governance approach must be at: https://www.uclg.org/fr/ media/news/sustainable- local governments in South Africa, and other integral parts of a national implementation development-goals-what- platforms that gather cities (Japan), or NGOs framework. These fundamental elements local-governments-need- know. and local governments (Republic of Korea). will be analysed in the following section. 25 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

! BOX 3.1.

NEW YORK GLOBAL VISION – URBAN ACTION: A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE GLOBAL GOALS Source: Verbatim from NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs

‘In April 2015, Mayor de Blasio committed New York City to OneNYC, a ground-breaking strategic plan that took stock of the significant challenges New York City faced as a global city. OneNYC charted a path forward to achieving goals such as lifting 800,000 New Yorkers out of poverty, expanding access to nutritious and affordable food, and ensuring that those on the front lines of climate change — often the most vulnerable New Yorkers — are protected against its risks. Recognizing the extraordinary overlap between the thinking about City’s future and the ways in which the international community thinks about global challenges, the NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs established Global Vision — Urban Action. Through this programme, we mapped OneNYC to the SDGs to identify the links between the city local strategy and the Global Goals. Since then, our office has held a series of events to bring policy practitioners together to discuss these links. We have organized a range of opportunities to explore how our work fits with the SDGs, including mental health, pay equity, and decent work and economic growth. The Global Vision | Urban Action program also brings the UN diplomatic community out of the headquarters in Turtle Bay and into our communities across the five boroughs to see first-hand how NYC is implementing the Global Goals locally. Activities have included a visit to the largest recycling facility in the United States in Brooklyn and a tour around the local waterways on a sludge vessel to understand how NYC manages our wastewater. We also work to bring the voices of our NYC colleagues to the UN to inform discussions about achieving the SDGs. In July 2018, NYC will become the first city to report directly to the UN on our progress toward achieving the SDGs in what we call a Voluntary Local Review, modelled after the Voluntary National Reviews. Using the common language of the SDGs, we will share its successes and also identify areas where we can learn from other stakeholders who are searching for solutions to the world’s most critical issues. Youth engagement is key to achieving the SDGs. Our NYC Junior Ambassadors programme connects the work of the United Nations to NYC 7th graders in schools across NYC to build global citizens. The programme offers unique tools to educators, who integrate the UN and its work on the SDGs into their teaching to help students learn about global issues and make an impact in their own neighbourhoods. Since 2015, we have reached over 1,000 students and educators in more than 50 classrooms who are learning about topics ranging from climate change and gender equity to the refugee crisis and thinking critically about how to make a difference locally. We are creating an ecosystem that involves our students going home and talking to their families, friends and neighbours about why the UN and this work matters. With cities growing faster than at any point in history, some of the most challenging issues of our time are most acutely experienced in urban areas. By the same token, solutions to some of humanity's toughest problems will be found in cities — from addressing poverty and income inequality, to tackling climate change. Policy practitioners and colleagues throughout NYC are making progress locally on a number of challenges — all of which have a global resonance. Cities can make a huge impact by sharing examples with the global community on what is working and showcasing our lived experience.’ 26 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

ACTIVITIES OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS ASSOCIATIONS TO SUPPORT SDG LOCALIZATION s COUNTRY REPORTING INSTITUTIONS DECLARATIONS, DECLARATIONS, NATIONAL FORA, CONFERENCE PUBLICATIONS BROCHURES) CAMPAIGNING TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE- SHARING PROGRAMMES LOCAL PROMOTE ALIGNMENTPLANS' SDG WITH SPECIAL OR INITIATIVES PROJECTS INVOLVEMENT VNR IN (NEWSLETTERS, AFRICA Benin ANCB • • • • • • Participation (2018) Burundi ABELO • • • • To be presented Cabo Verde ANMCV • • • Participation (2018) Cameroon CVUC • • • To be presented in 2019 Central African Rep. AMCA • To be presented Comoros ANMC • To be presented Mali AMM • • • • Participation (2018) Mozambique ANAMM • • To be presented Niger AMN • • • • No participation (2018) Senegal UAEL, AMS, ADS • Weak participation (2018) South Africa SALGA • • • • • • To be presented in 2019 Togo UCT • • • • • Participation (2018) Regional Level UCLG Africa • • • • • Participation in UNECA Regional Forum REFELA • • ASIA-PACIFIC Australia ALGA • Participation (2018) Indonesia APEKSI • • • Weak participation (2017) Kiribati KiLGA • • • Participation (2018) New Zealand LGNZ • • • • • To be presented Philippines LCP • • • • Participation (2016) Sri Lanka FSLGA • • • • Participation (2018) Vietnam ACVN • • • • Participation (2018) Regional Level UCLG ASPAC • • • • • • Participation in UNESCAP Regional Forum EURASIA Regional Level UCLG EURASIA • • EUROPE Albania AAM • • No participation (2018) Belgium VVSG • • • • • • Participation (2017) Bulgaria NAMRB • To be presented Czech Republic SMO • • • Participation (2017) Germany DST, DLT, DStGB • • • • • • Participation (2016) Greece KEDE • No participation (2018) Italy ANCI, Toscana, AICCRE • • • Weak participation (2017) Latvia LALRG • Participation (2018) Lithuania ALAL • Weak participation (2018) Macedonia ZELS To be presented Moldova CALM • • • To be presented Montenegro UOM • • • To be presented The Netherlands VNG • • • • • • Participation (2017) Norway KS • • • • Participation (2016) 27 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

TABLE 3.2.

ACTIVITIES OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS ASSOCIATIONS TO SUPPORT SDG LOCALIZATION s s COUNTRY REPORTING INSTITUTIONS DECLARATIONS, DECLARATIONS, NATIONAL FORA, CONFERENCE PUBLICATIONS BROCHURES) CAMPAIGNING TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE- SHARING PROGRAMMES LOCAL PROMOTE ALIGNMENTPLANS' SDG WITH SPECIAL OR INITIATIVES PROJECTS INVOLVEMENT VNR IN DECLARATIONS, NATIONAL FORA, CONFERENCE PUBLICATIONS BROCHURES) CAMPAIGNING TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE- SHARING PROGRAMMES LOCAL PROMOTE ALIGNMENTPLANS' SDG WITH SPECIAL OR INITIATIVES PROJECTS INVOLVEMENT VNR IN (NEWSLETTERS, (NEWSLETTERS, EUROPE Romania ACOR • • • No participation (2018) Slovenia SOS • No participation (2017) Slovakia ZMOS • • Participation (2018) Spain FEMP • • • • • Participation (2018) Sweden SALAR • • • • • Participation (2017) United Kingdom COSLA (Scotland) • • • • To be presented in 2019 Regional Level CEMR/ • • • • • Participation in UNECE PLATFORMA Regional Forum ICLEI/European Sustain- • • • • • • able Cities Platform LATIN AMERICA Brazil CNM • • • • • • Participation (2017) Chile AChM • • • Weak participation (2017) Colombia FCM • • • • • Weak participation (2018) Costa Rica UNGL • • • • • Participation (2017) Dominican Rep. FEDOMU • • • • Participation (2018) Ecuador AME • • • • Participation (2018) Guatemala AGAAI • • Weak participation (2017) Mexico FENAMM • Participation (2018) Paraguay OPACI • No participation (2018) Peru AMPE • • • Participation (2017) Regional Level AL-LAS • • • • • FLACMA • • • • Mercociudades Participation in UNECLAC • • • • • Regional Forum MEWA Lebanon AAM • • • • No participation (2018) State of Palestine APLA • Weak participation (2018) Turkey UMT • • • • Weak participation (2016) Regional Level UCLG MEWA • • • Participation in UNESCWA Regional Forum NORAM Canada FCM • • • Participation (2018) Jamaica ALGAJ • • Participation (2018) GLOBAL TASKFORCE OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS (GTF) AIMF • • • • • C40 • • • • • CLGF • • • • • • ICLEI • • • • • • Nrg4SD • • • • • UCCI • • • • • • UCLG • • • • •

Sources: Surveys answered by LRGs and UCLG research. Additional contributions, not included in this table, were received from cities and regions from Djibouti, France, Morocco, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Seychelles and Uruguay. 28 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

is guaranteed, as stated in SDG 17.14. Responding to people’s needs and demands

3.3 means connecting LRGs with national LRGs AND policies and strategies through an integrated multilevel governance (MLG) approach, or THE INSTITUTIONAL ‘whole-of-government’ and ‘whole society’ FRAMEWORKS FOR approach. This necessitates a thoroughgoing change of political culture, participation and COORDINATION AND cooperation between national, regional and FOLLOW-UP OF THE SDGs local levels throughout the administration, as well as between public and civil society In the majority of countries, national actors, private sector, workers’ organizations, development plans or national sustainable and academia, among others. development strategies already provide a The majority of countries (53 out of a national implementation framework for the sample of 99) have either created or assigned 2030 Agenda.26 Although UN Member States responsibilities to cross-sectoral entities, will implement the SDGs, national policies and e.g. inter-ministerial committees or National frameworks should undergo a ‘localization’ Councils for Sustainable Development. Many process to make sense of and operationalize of these are new structures, e.g. national the SDGs in cities and territories, where sub- commissions or high-level councils for the national governments are the key drivers. In implementation of the SDGs (35 countries) other words, the role of LRGs is critical to to facilitate coordination and follow-up supporting the ‘policy-implementation’ loop.27 of the 2030 Agenda. In 36 countries, SDG Indeed, achieving the SDGs means implementation is chaired, coordinated strengthening collaboration and developing and led by Heads of State or Heads of joint efforts within governments ‘to a level Government.29 This would imply that the SDGs that has not been seen before'.28 This is to are high on national policy agendas and have ensure not only that an integrated approach political priority.30 However, some countries is delivered but also that ‘policy coherence’ are still deciding on which mechanisms to use.

TABLE 3.3. LOCAL AND REGIONAL INVOLVEMENT IN NATIONAL COORDINATION AND FOLLOW-UP MECHANISMS 32 31 33 TOTAL NO INFORMATION PARTICIPATION PARTICIPATION LIMITED PARTICIPATION NOT PARTICIPATING NO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS (including at level) consultative

TOTAL COUNTRIES 39 12 41 7 99 4 Africa 6 1 11 18 2 Asia Pacific 7 1 9 2 19 Europe 17 4 8 1 30 1 Eurasia (CIS countries) 1 3 4 Latin America 6 5 6 17 Middle East and West Asia 1 4 4 9 North America 1 1 2 1

Sources: Surveys answered by LRGs and VNRs of 2016-2017. The total (99) includes the countries that reported between 2016 and 2018 (112). However, it only records a country once even though it has reported twice (the case with nine countries), or three times (one country). Countries with no information were removed (four countries). 29 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Coordination remains a critical challenge. to sectoral commissions — e.g. Inter- There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to Ministerial Working Group on Sustainable collaboration between tiers of governments. Urban Development (‘IMA-STadt’) in Germany, The structure of the state (federal or unitary), or the Committee on the Integrated Urban decentralization reforms, political and Development Framework (IUDF) for SALGA in economic considerations, and organizational South Africa. factors relating to the context of a particular LGA participation is also observed through country may create specific opportunities for, or pre-existing mechanisms such as a Council barriers to, vertical and horizontal cooperation. for Sustainable Development (e.g. Czech An analysis of the national coordination Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, and follow-up mechanisms for the SDGs Moldova, Montenegro and Switzerland); 26 The analysis of VNRs (and the UCLG surveys) shows LRG engagement is still limited in Greece’s Economic and Social Committee, or in 99 countries that were reporting between 2016 and almost all regions. In the majority, however, Poland’s Joint Central Government and Local 2018 shows that, globally, in developing countries the the national level recognizes that LRGs must Government Committee. In 24 countries, these SDGs were aligned with play a critical role in implementation. mechanisms are framed as multi-stakeholder national development plans while in developed countries As shown in Table 3.3, LRG involvement forums (e.g. Ireland, Ivory Coast, Mali, Slovakia the SDGs are mainstreamed in the national sustainable in national coordination mechanisms and and Togo), some of which are considered ‘non- development strategies. follow-up is in the main effective in 39% of governmental’. 27 UNDESA (2018), Working the countries that reported between 2016 Beyond the multi-stakeholder mechanisms, Together: Integration, Institutions and the SDGs, World and 2018. LRGs are most involved in Europe a third modality includes the specific coordina- Public Sector Report 2018. (57% of countries reported), followed by tion and follow-up of the SDGs through regu- 28 UNDESA (2018), p.29. Asia Pacific (37%), Latin America (35%), and lar ad-hoc meetings between LGAs and the 29 UNDESA (2018), p. viii-ix. Based on the data and analysis Africa (33%). In federal countries Belgium, government (e.g. in Canada34 and Denmark). proposed by UNDESA (2018), p. ix, updated with the new Ethiopia, India, Nigeria and Sudan, LRG These categories may evolve. In fact, in the information collected for this report. See also: UNDP (2017), engagement is restricted to the state or past few months there have been positive Institutional and Coordination regional level. Meanwhile in Australia, Brazil, developments in France and Indonesia. In Mechanisms, Guidance Note on Facilitating Integration Mexico and Germany, local governments are France, a representation of LGAs was invited and Coherence for SDG also involved in national mechanisms and the to the High-Level Steering Committee for Implementation. 30 OECD (2016), Coordination situation is similar in quasi-federal countries the SDGs that was established in April 2018 and implementation of the SDGs: The Role of the Centre such as South Africa and Spain. In Eurasia, and charged with creating a roadmap for of Government. http:// only in Belarus are local governments (but the Localization of the SDGs. In Indonesia, a oecdinsights.org/2016/04/05/ coordination-and- also regional authorities) participating; and presidential decree in July 2017 incorporated implementation-of-the-sdgs- the-role-of-the-centres-of- in MEWA they are only participating in Turkey. the LGAs in the SDGs National Coordination government. Team and requested regional and local action 31 ‘Limited participation’ refers plans to be aligned with national plans and to countries where LRGs are occasionally consulted, either Different modalities of participation the SDGs. Furthermore, all LGAs (APEKSI, directly (Slovenia); or through a technical committee (China); The involvement of LRGs can take different APPSI, APKASI, ADEKSI, ADKASI and ADPSI) or in federal countries, through state or provincial forms but for the purposes of this analysis, were invited to the launching of the Home government (Argentina). In three have been identified. The first modality Minister Decree on Localising the SDGs. On some cases, LGAs participate through NGO platforms is LRGs’ involvement in a new consultative the other hand, the VNR of Paraguay states (Italy, although the previous government committed to council that advises central government (e.g. that LRGs should be involved in the working involve them directly). in Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic groups to support the coordination of the 32 Countries with no local self- governments: Monaco (2017), and Mexico). This first modality also includes SDGs. The LGA — OPACI — reports, however, Bahrain, Lao PDR, Qatar, Saudi engagement in technical committees under that it was not informed.35 Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates. inter-ministerial coordination (e.g. Benin, 33 No information received: Colombia), and LGAs having a seat in national Bahamas, Hungary, Namibia, decision-making mechanisms, which does in Weak or no participation Republic of Congo. 34 FCM has a strategic some instances happen. For example, in Spain Even when there is weak or no participation, partnership with Global Affairs Canada agency where the two the representatives of municipalities and indirect or sporadic consultation of sub- parties could consider making regions, e.g. FEMP and some Comunidades national levels can take place. Coordination is the SDGs a more formal part of the semi-annual meetings. Autónomas, while involved as observers at usually ensured by either an inter-ministerial 35 See VNR of Paraguay (2018), first, have recently (as the report was being or inter-agency mechanism (e.g. Bhutan, p. 35. developed) become full members of the China, Egypt, Romania, Senegal, Sri Lanka37 36 According to the VNR of Sri Lanka (2018) three country’s High-Level Commission; in the and Sudan), or a single ministry, with limited representatives of Provincial Councils were appointed Netherlands, they are invited to the inter- or no involvement of other stakeholders (e.g. by the President to be part ministerial SDG focal point group. In some Cyprus, Niger and Vietnam). In Eurasian of the national Sustainable Development Council (12 cases, the representation of LGAs is limited countries new mechanisms were created members). 30 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

— National Councils for Sustainable (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea, Ivory Development — headed by the Prime Coast and Senegal), the proposed strategies Minister or the Deputy (Armenia, Azerbaijan) for SDG implementation are not necessarily or by an SDGs coordinator linked to the supported by concrete measures to empower President’s office (Belarus, Kyrgyzstan), as local governments, or they remain vague on well as Advisory Councils (Tajikistan).37 the strategy of ‘territorialization’.40 Interactions between LRGs and the The involvement of sub-national levels Ministerial Committees on the SDGs can requires both strong dialogue and long- be indirect and mediated by a Special term integrated strategies. In Latin America, Liaison Office (SLO) (e.g. Kenya), or by SDG the experience of Colombia is particularly representatives at national and regional levels illustrative in this regard. A recent national (e.g. Nigeria), or by the ministry or department report (March 2018) pointed out that, in of local governments (e.g. Ghana, Jamaica). In spite of the efforts of national governments,

37 Other countries created some countries, there are multi-stakeholder in a sample of 63 development plans of inter-ministerial working mechanisms with no clear representation of departments and their capital cities, only groups, bringing together experts from different LRGs (e.g. Chile, Lebanon, Lithuania). Figure 15 had reached a high level of integration of ministries (Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan). The 3.2. below sums up the various degrees of LRG the SDGs. The remaining 48 development Russian Federation has no involvement in dialogue and participation, in plans had either a 'partial' (24) or a ‘general comprehensive national Sustainable Development the framework of multilevel mechanisms for reference’ (24) to the SDGs. Even if this Strategy or National SDG Plan at this stage. coordination and SDG follow-up. appears to be a positive trend, other sources 38 See also UNDESA (2018). point out that less than 3% of municipalities 39 See VNR of Lao PDR (2018). More efforts are still needed have integrated the SDGs in their plans. Moreover, Sri Lanka reports a similar approach. The effectiveness of the mechanisms men- Sources agree, however, that a large majority 40 For more information on tioned above is still incipient in a majority of of local and departmental governments Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Ivory countries in terms of fostering an adminis- still need to translate their commitments Coast and Senegal, see AIMF trative culture that promotes both horizontal into action agendas, enhance stakeholders’ (December 2017) Plaidoyer des Autorités Locales en Faveur (cross-sectoral) and vertical (between involvement and mobilize more resources. de la Localisation des ODD, Rapport Pays. In the case of different levels of government) collaboration. Local governments argue, however, that the Senegal, see also Ministère In fact, the 'whole-of-government' or national government approach has been de l’Économie, des Finances et du Plan, République MLG approach is often more sensitive on unilateral and has not taken into consideration du Sénégal, Objectifs de Développement Durable –ODD, effective collaboration between ministries the needs of peripheral areas and small Etat d’avancement de la mise 41 en œuvre, Rapport provisoire, and national agencies (a more horizontal municipalities. August 2017. approach), whereas the vertical relations As discussed in the next section, in countries 41 See CONPES 3918 (March between administrations are not integrated where the process of localization is gaining 2018), Estrategia para la implementación de los Objetivos in a systematic way.38 Localization (referred momentum, this is the result of the confluence de Desarrollo Sostenible en Colombia. See also DNP to as ‘territorialization’ in some countries) is of bottom-up initiatives and national policies. (October 2017), Inclusión de los ODS en los planes de often fragmented. The complexity of multiple National initiatives are necessary to encourage desarrollo territoriales, 2016- layers of LRGs (state, province and district) local involvement. National governments need 2019, Bogota; CCONG (June 2017), Segundo Monitoreo can further complicate the commitments to develop enabling institutional frameworks, Ciudadano, Bogota. already made. Some state or provincial with adequate incentives (e.g. in Benin and 42 CEMR, in collaboration with the French Government, governments are likely to show only limited Nigeria, where national funds incentivize local has since 2016 developed a monitoring tool: The Reference interest in embracing the 2030 Agenda given engagements; or in Belgium, where local Framework for Sustainable their current resources. political leaders from 20 pilot municipalities Cities (RFSC). In Germany, the associations of LRGs, in At the same time, a striking number of receive clear support to develop innovative collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Territorial Research countries are adopting top-down approaches. experiences). However, at the local level, and other partners, created a Many countries assume in their VNR that political will and leadership are needed, model of assessment whose indicators stem directly from national plans will ‘trickle down’ to sub- and this must be supported by strong local the requirements, targets and indicators of the SDGs. national levels; and this is consistently the coalitions and stakeholder mobilization. The National Confederation of Municipalities (CNM) of approach in non-decentralized countries such Creating these conditions at sub-national level Brazil has developed its own as Lao PDR. In such cases, every sectoral is one of the major challenges of the SDGs and measurement and reporting tool – a Mandala of SDGs at the department and agency at central and sub- an essential condition for their achievement. municipal level. Some cities have developed their own set national level (from provincial to district level) LRGs' involvement is also crucial to of indicators, e.g. Utrecht (the has been instructed to integrate SDGs into monitor and follow up on the progress of Netherlands). 39 43 See Presidency of Nigeria their Socio-Economic Development Plans. the SDGs at sub-national levels. Most of (2015), Nigeria’s Road to the Even when national plans or strategies the indicators adopted by the international SDGs – Country Transition Strategy, p. 9. acknowledge the role of LRGs, as is the community pose a challenge in terms of 44 See UNDESA (2018). case in West and Central African countries being disaggregated and collected at the 31 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

sub-national level. Few countries have made in its SDGs strategy, local governments are real progress in involving LRGs in improving ‘pivotal to the achievement of the SDGs the availability of reliable disaggregated because they are the only tier of government data. Several local governments and their that can feasibly understand, (…) and react to associations and organizations have started the millions of activities that will collectively to develop different systems of indicators, add up to the SDGs’.43 (e.g. Germany, Brazil) and in Europe by the The SDGs create an opportunity to develop Council of European Municipalities and a ‘new governance culture’, requiring the Regions — CEMR.42 Other international progressive transformation of institutional institutions are developing different frameworks. However, the UCLG — GTF Report initiatives (e.g. UN-Habitat). Some of these, to the 2017 HLPF shows that while national however, take an approach that does not help governments are increasingly recognizing the LRGs join the formal reporting process at the role of LRGs, this does not necessarily lead to global level. To realize the promise of ‘leaving the creation of multilevel spaces for dialogue no one behind’, the development of indicators and joint action. UNDESA reaches similar and follow-up mechanisms that are both conclusions.44 disaggregated and adapted to the sub- Even if localization is making progress national level is urgently needed, allowing and innovative initiatives are identified in the monitoring of progress in territories many countries, these local actions still face and communities. This issue will be further the challenge of scale. Going beyond the analysed in Section 5. local or regional level is crucial to effectively From the perspective of LRGs, localizing connecting and integrating SDG actions means adopting a local-based approach across levels of government and embedding to mobilize endogenous capacities and them within a national development strategy. enhance the potentialities of territories Enhanced collaboration between all levels of and local stakeholders in the achievement government and with local stakeholders could of the 2030 Agenda. As an inclusive process, help establish and strengthen these linkages. it should go from the design of objectives However, such a paradigmatic change in and targets to the means of implementation, governance culture would need to be given using disaggregated indicators to measure more priority as part of an institutional and monitor progress. A real multilevel transformation driven by the process of approach should catalyse dialogue and implementing the SDGs, as well as during the respect the principle of subsidiarity. follow-up and reporting process. A dedicated As recognized by the Nigerian Government section on the involvement of LRGs in the VNRs could give greater focus to these issues.

FIGURE 3.2.

SCHEMATIC REPRESENTATION OF THE DEPTH OF NATIONAL-LOCAL DIALOGUE FOR SDG IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING

VERY LIMITED COMMITMENT TO MAKE AD HOC AD HOC DIALOGUE DIALOGUE EFFECTIVE INVITATION CONSULTATION Few mechanisms or Sub-national level National awareness-raising Asking for local data once in inappropriately used, and conceptually included in events, some coordination a while, sub-national level no intention to change SDG mechanism but not meeting, but sub-national present in some sectoral yet operational level not 'listened' to coordination bodies

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CO-PRODUCTION EFFECTIVE SYSTEMATIC MAIN ACTORS OF SDGs Constant, fluid and COORDINATION CONSULTATION With a national enabling permanent inclusion of sub- Systematic integration of Presence of local government support system (technical, national level in strategic local perspective in SDG representatives or and sectoral policies, VNRs associations in national financial, legal) strategies and policies bodies for SDG implementation, reporting

Source: GTF; UCLG; UN Habitat (May 2018) Sustainable Cities Dialogue – Urban Governance at the Core of the Implementation of the SDG 11. 32 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

3.4 ! BOX 3.2. MAPPING LRG ACTIONS BY REGION LOCAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS' ACTION TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF SDGs IN SPAIN As mentioned above, the involvement of LRGs in the implementation of the SDGs is growing in all regions, but using different ways and means. st In the 1 Agenda Euskadi Basque Country 2030, covering the Based on LRG sources, this section considers period 2017-2020, the 17 SDGs and 100 selected targets are many of these initiatives. Section 4 will then linked to 93 of the commitments of the Basque Government's provide an in-depth analysis of concrete policies Programme, 80 planning instruments, 19 legislative initiatives and experiences at sub-national levels. and 50 indicators.46 The Regional Government of Valencia created a multi-stakeholder partnership at regional level (including CSOs, academia, NGOs and the private sector) ,and developed EUROPE an inter-departmental mechanism to promote a 'whole-of- In Europe, mobilization has been more active 47 government' SDG approach, shared with their municipalities. in Northern and Western countries and, to a The Barcelona Provincial Council aligned its Action Plan (2016- lesser extent, in East and South-East Europe. 2019) with the SDGs, including its international strategy, and Among the countries that are providing reports developed a communication campaign ('Sí, m'hi comprometo!'). this year, Spain’s LRGs have been particularly In addition, it developed a training programme for its employees active. Many LRGs and their associations and 311 municipalities and enabled economic and technical — particularly the Federation of Spanish 48 support to municipalities to localize the SDGs. The province Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) — have taken of Córdoba is adapting its budget to the ‘localization plan for the lead with innovative initiatives to support a the 2030 Agenda’. It launched multi-stakeholder dialogues bottom-up approach. Regional governments such and outreach actions, in collaboration with the Andalusian as the Basque Country, Catalonia and Valencia Municipal Fund for International Solidarity (FAMSI). The FAMSI, were among the first in Europe to launch their as well as other municipal funds that cover the municipalities own SDG strategies. Cities and municipalities, and NGOs of their regions (Extremadura, Mallorca), are also such as Madrid and the Barcelona Metropolitan developing several initiatives (forums, campaigns, cooperation, Area, are integrating the SDGs into their current 49 etc.). Other municipalities involved include Alcalá de Henares, development plans (2015-2019 and 2015- La Granja de San Idelfonso, Granollers, Málaga, Móstoles, Sant 2020 respectively). Madrid launched a public Cugat del Vallès, Soria, Terrassa and Torrejón del Rey. consultation on its plan ‘Madrid 2030: a city for all Thanks to a strong advocacy effort by the Spanish Federation peoples and generations’.45 At the intermediary of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), a representation of LRGs level, different provincial governments are trying was invited to participate in the High-Level Group for the 2030 to localize the 2030 Agenda, e.g. Barcelona, Cádiz, Agenda in charge of the VNR preparation (created in October Castelló and Córdoba (see Box 3.2). 2017). The LRGs initially had observer status, but recently the In Albania, local governments are integrated government recognized them as permanent members of the into the National SDG Committee and High-Level Group. The new national government nominated a Parliament has acknowledged their role in High-Level Commissioner for the 2030 Agenda, linked to the SDG implementation. The LGA — AAM — has President of Government, to complement the inter-ministerial been involved in the UN SDG-MAPS mission committee on the SDGs under the responsibility of Foreign to accelerate SDG implementation. In Greece, Affairs, created in October 2017. FEMP's efforts also meant that local and regional governments associations Spain's VNR — the Spanish Action Plan for the 2030 Agenda participate in the national body that ensures — now integrates two key proposals made by LRGs. These dialogue and a consultative role — the Economic are: 1) open and transparent governments and 2) international and Social Council-. Athens and Thessaloniki, development cooperation, including decentralized cooperation. or medium-sized municipalities such as Trikala, It also makes the New Urban Agenda a strategic lever to achieve Halandri, as well as the small island of Tilos, have the SDGs. Additionally, the report includes two chapters on the developed initiatives in different domains (social LRGs: one on their specific commitment to the 2030 Agenda, and health relief, refugees, resilience, waste, including several pages for each regional government; and renewable energies). Regions have thus far another on a national policy for territorial cohesion. Lastly, on implemented 30,000 projects promoting regional 29 May 2018, the FEMP adopted its Strategy to Implement the development and local economies, creating new 2030 Agenda. jobs, supporting social solidarity structures, improving the environment and upgrading 33 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

education, health, tourism and culture. In own strategies for sustainable development. Ireland, local authorities are represented in Municipalities co-operate among themselves the SDG Stakeholder Forum that contributes to and are represented in cantonal and federal the National Implementation Plan 2018-2020. decision making. The federal government will 45 More information is available on the web portal of the City of Madrid. In Latvia, both the associations of regional intensify the dialogue with the cantons and 46 See Basque Country (2018), La and local governments — LALRG and LPS communes through the Swiss Association Agenda Euskadi Basque Country 2030, available trough: http://www. — have promoted SDG multi-stakeholder of Towns and the Swiss Association of euskadi.eus/pdf/agenda-euskadi- basque-country-2030.pdf. dialogues during 2017 between local and Municipalities, and support them in 47 See Generalitat Valenciana (2017), La Agenda 2030 – Hoja national governments and civil society. The implementing the 2030 Agenda, for example de ruta para ciudades y pueblos LALRG organized two grant competitions through platforms for exchange and networks. de la Comunitat Valenciana; and Generalitat de Catalunya (2017) The for development education in Latvian local The involvement of LRGs in Malta is limited. No 2030 Agenda: Transform Catalonia improve the World, available online. governments, and five winning projects were specific answers were received from Hungary. 48 See Diputació de Barcelona awarded financial support: as the country's VNR While national governments are not (2018), Plan Estratégico de relaciones Internacionales claims, 'all local governments in Latvia have presenting a VNR this year, many LRGs 2017-2020. See also, https://www.diba.cat/ods and adopted sustainable development strategies'. have provided encouraging inputs on the https://seuelectronica.diba. cat/tramits-ens/concertacio/ In Lithuania, experts from the association of progress made in the localization process, cataleg2018/default.asp. The most active municipalities in the local authorities — ALAL — participated in the in particular Belgium, Denmark, Germany, province are Sant Cugat del Vallès, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Manresa, preparation of the VNR. Following the VNR, the Netherlands and Sweden (see Box 3.3.). Granollers, Terrassa, Vilanova i la LRGs are gradually integrating sustainable For the purposes of this report, positive Geltrú, Sabadell, Gavà, Badalona, Igualada, Vic, Santa Coloma de development approaches in their policies reviews were received from France,50 Italy,51 Gramenet, Esplugues de Llobregat, Mataró, Sant Boi de Llobregat, (planning, mobility, waste management, Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia to a Vilafranca del Penedés and l’Hospitalet de Llobregat. energy, risk prevention, etc). Nevertheless, lesser extent. Progress is also underway in 49 For more information, see also: in its response to the survey, ALAL notes the Baltic countries and at an initial stage http://www.andaluciasolidaria.org. 50 Some regions are integrating that the involvement of local authorities is in Eastern and South-eastern Europe (with the SDGs into their Regional Sustainable Development Plans limited. LRGs in Poland participate in the the exception of Bosnia and Herzegovina, (SRADET) which are mandatory Task Force for the Coherence of the Strategy Slovenia, and Montenegro). documents. Some cities e.g. the city of Besançon, transformed for Responsible Development to contribute to At the European level, many networks their Report on Sustainable Development (mandatory for cities the reporting process and the monitoring of are implementing initiatives to support the with more than 50,000 inhabitants) into an SDG Report. See Ville de the strategy. The Joint Central Government localization process. As already mentioned, Besançon (2017), Rapport annuel Développement Durable 2017 – and Local Government Committee facilitates European LRG networks such as CEMR — the Les 17 Objectifs de développement 52 53 durable. Région Normandie (2017), the joint follow-up of the implementation of European section of UCLG —, Platforma, Rapport de Développement Durable Polish priorities for the SDGs at sub-national Eurocities, and NALAS54 in South-East Europe, 2017; Région Bourgogne Franche Comté, Rapport 2016-2017. level. Sixteen Polish cities are active in EU ICLEI through the European Sustainable Cities 51 The LGAs – AICCRE and ANCI – have increased the number programmes seeking to combine the economic, Platform (launched in 2016, with the support of of events to mobilize local social and environmental dimensions of Aalborg, in Denmark, the Basque Country and governments and some regions are developing strategies to integrate improving the functioning and quality of ICLEI Europe to follow up on the commitments the SDGs. See Tuscany Region (2018), Gli SDGs e le politiche e le urban life (URBACT III), and another 34 cities of the 8th European Conference on Sustainable buone pratiche di sviluppo sostenibile 55 in Toscana [draft version] and participate in pilot programmes related to Cities and Towns), and CRPM are advocating Agenda di Sviluppo, localizzazione e azione tra sponda nord e sponda sud revitalization of urban areas and sustainable for the SDGs and organizing conferences del Mediterraneo, which highlights the actions in more than 30 mobility. The association of municipalities of and events. Through Eurocities, many city municipalities in the region. Romania — ACR — reported that it participated members are developing mechanisms 52 CEMR meeting in Soria (Spain), January 2018, Think Europe, in several conferences organized by the for exchanging experiences on the SDGs Compromise 2030. The Council of European Municipalities and government at regional levels and will launch (Utrecht, Ghent, Stuttgart, Malmo and Bonn). Regions (CEMR) is the oldest a sensitization campaign directed at members The regional network, as well as the majority and broadest European LGA, encompassing LRGs from 42 this year. Its municipalities (151) are involved of LGAs, cities and regions in Northern and European countries and, through them, representing all territorial in the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate Western European countries, now refer to the levels – local, intermediate and regional. and Energy, as are many others in Europe. SDGs to guide their cooperation with partners 53 CRPM-PLATFORMA seminar on Different cities are engaged in the 'smart cities' in the Global South. Integrated Territorial Partnerships and the SDGs in June 2017 in initiative launched by central government The 2030 Agenda, together with the New Brussels, Eurocities Social Affairs Forum on Delivering the SDGs: (Bucharest, Oradea and Sibiu). In Slovakia, the Urban Agenda and the Urban Agenda of the cities working together with citizens in March 2018 in Utrecht. association of towns and communities — ZMOS EU (the Pact of Amsterdam, adopted in 2016), 54 NALAS Regional conference on — approved the prioritization of SDGs in March are becoming the policy frameworks for EU social inclusion and (re)integration through 2030 Agenda and SDGs, 2018, but little action has been taken until debates. LRGs are represented at the High- in April 2018 in Brno. NALAS is a network comprising 14 associations now. In Switzerland, 16 regional governments Level Multi-Stakeholder Platform, chaired of local authorities in South-East (cantons) and 234 municipalities are being by the Vice-President of the European Europe. 55 The Conference of Peripheral involved in sustainability processes. Many Commission, to deliver the SDGs at the Maritime Regions (CRPM) gathers 160 Regions from 25 States of the cantons and communes have defined their EU level. EU and beyond. 34 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

! BOX 3.3.

LOCAL AND REGIONAL INITIATIVES IN DIFFERENT EUROPEAN COUNTRIES (not reporting in 2018)

In Belgium, a number of cities have committed to the localization process, and it continues to expand (for example in Ghent, the province of Antwerp, and in municipalities such as Evergem, Edegem, Harelbeke, etc.). This is the result of continued support to local governments from the Walloon, Brussels and Flemish LGAs — respectively UVCW, Brulocalis, and VVSG.56 VVSG partnered with the regional government to support localization projects in 20 pilot municipalities and develop a strong advocacy and 56 Awareness-raising campaigns (e.g. VVSG ‘local awareness campaign: 66 municipalities have signed the SDG engagement declaration. heroes’ on the SDGs, the SDG Voices programme They are working on a software system that enables municipalities to link the indicators in partnership with CSOs) of their policy plans to the SDGs. The 2030 Agenda is remarkably widespread in have boosted pooling and exchange of good practice Flanders through multi-stakeholder platforms (e.g. De Shift). and supported local plans. Taking advantage of the local elections of October 2018, VVSG developed a number of In Denmark, both the regional and local government associations — DR, KL — and the recommendations, including Danish Government agreed on the need to establish partnerships across society to ‘discussing the SDGs to convince party members achieve the SDGs.57 Many municipalities are now transitioning from the Agenda 21 to the and the citizenship about the importance of the 2030 SDGs framework. KL, in particular, presented a guide to support municipalities in this Agenda’. process. In 2017 the Municipality of Copenhagen, amongst others, decided to develop 57 Both regions and municipalities are already an SDG action plan. working to promote a circular economy and sustainable procurement. Since 2017, in Germany, 73 local governments have signed the charter on ‘The 2030 KL has presented a guide for 58 municipalities on the SDGs Agenda for Sustainable Development: Building Sustainability at the Local Level’. and established a framework Moreover, 11 Länder (out of 16) have either revised their sustainable development for monitoring municipalities’ contribution to the SDGs, strategies (e.g. Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Pfalz) or developed a new strategy including the development of indicators. (e.g. Nordrhein-Westfalen and the Global Sustainable Municipality in NRW project 58 For more information, see involving 15 municipalities in this region). Many cities, such as Mannheim, Munster also: www.rgre.de. or Hannover, have managed to involve the ‘whole local administration’ in the 59 For more information, see The National Report on implementation process. The associations of LRGs — DST, DLT, DStGB and RGRE — the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals: with the support of different partners (BBSR and BSt), have developed a set of ‘SDG Autonomous chapter Local indicators for municipalities’. governments drafted by VNG, IPO and UvW. The 12 provinces use the SDGs to develop a joint vision on sustainable In the Netherlands the ‘Municipalities4GlobalGoals Campaign’ now numbers 60 agriculture. The water municipalities and is coordinated by the LGA VNG. This has fostered the inclusion authorities strive to be energy neutral in 2025. The new of the SDGs in various local political agreements (2018-2022) following the local Green Deal Sustainable GWW from 2017 agreed that by 2030, elections in March 2018, in overarching municipal strategies, in local budgeting or 50% less use will be made of primary raw materials and by even in adapting the municipal organization along the 17 goals (e.g. Utrecht, Oss and 2020 the CO2 emissions will Rheden, which were laureates of the Campaign in 2017 and 2018). Together with sub- be reduced by 20% compared to 1990. national governments (provinces and water boards), VNG drafted a chapter for the 60 Federation of Canadian annual SDG report for the Dutch Parliament.59 Municipalities has received significant funding from the federal government to support In , the LGA – SALAR - reported that ‘approximately 50% of the members capacity-building initiatives by Sweden municipal governments that is currently using the SDGs as tools in their work with sustainable development (to are indirectly supporting SDGs. varying extents).’ The association launched a communication project together with the 61 According to the mapping of the Centre for Immigration Swedish UN association to spread awareness about the SDGs. Studies, there are more than 170 sanctuary counties and cities as well as seven states Platforma, a pan-European coalition of 30 LRGs supported by the European Union, have decoupled from the national government’s policies are developing training actions and organizing pilot exercises of multi-stakeholder and are hosting refugees escaping the wars in Central dialogues on development, implemented at a national scale and enriched with a European America. perspective in Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands and Spain. A comparative analysis to highlight 62 For more information on the U.S. Cities SDG Index, see: the lessons learnt, challenges and opportunities will be published in October 2018. http://unsdsn.org/resources/ publications/us-cities-sdg- index. 35 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

NORTH AMERICAN REGION In the absence of a federal framework for SDGs in the United States and in Canada, LRGs and their associations in both countries implicitly support many of the SDGs. Canada is nonetheless in the process of developing a new framework. In Canada, the LGA — FCM — has met with members of the VNR team to discuss inputs from the local perspective. FCM has fostered awareness and exchange among members and advocated in many forums for the importance of LRGs in achieving a multi-stakeholder approach. FCM has been influential in the development of Canada’s National Housing Strategy, which highlights the SDGs and a human rights-based approach. The partnership between FCM and the Government of Canada has over the past few years helped mobilize long-term funding for sustainable infrastructures, as well as identify people living in poverty to whom resources and services can be targeted. Many Canadian cities are strongly by FAO/Jamaica) (photo Jamaica 2030' in Kingston, Experience in the Park- 'UN Day involved in the localization of the global agendas (Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver). In its international municipal programmes, it. To address climate challenges and reduce FCM addresses the SDGs through the delivery GHG emissions, states have also created of capacity building programmes focused on cap-and-trade systems, such as the Regional governance, economic growth, infrastructure Greenhouse Gas Initiative put forward by and the environment and define a set of ten states in the U.S., and the Western indicators to ensure the alignment of the Climate Initiative, which brings together programmes with the SDGs.60 American states and Canadian provinces. The In the United States, different LGAs and Sustainable Development Solutions Network networks – such as the National League of (SDSN) released the first-ever U.S. Cities SDG Cities; the National Association of Counties; Index in August 2017. The Index ranks the 100 the Conference of Mayors (ICMA); and most populous U.S. cities using Metropolitan regional governing bodies such as the Council Statistical Areas (MSAs), based on their of Governments, Regional Councils, and performance on the SDGs.62 Regional Planning Commissions — are active Finally, in Jamaica, with the support of the in the promotion of the global agendas. Ministry of Local Government and Community Informal networks such as ‘We Are Still In’ Development, five municipalities (out of 14) and U.S. Climate Mayors have emerged in have completed their Local Sustainable response to the withdrawal of the U.S Federal Development Planning, which are aligned with Government from the Paris Agreement. the national development priorities and the Over 330 mayors pledged to uphold the SDGs; and an additional two jurisdictions are Paris Agreement under the auspices of the at different stages of preparation. Some local Mayors’ National Climate Action Agenda, authorities have received funding to support and approximately 147 cities and counties implementation of various actions identified committed to reduce GHG emissions through in their plans (e.g. integration of migrants, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate emerging and sustainable cities initiative, and and Energy. The concept of ‘sanctuary cities’ risk prevention). Dialogue between national has even been rediscovered61 with respect to and local governments is improving, but migration and the challenges that come with funding is still a central problem. 36 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

LATIN AMERICA in five provinces: Azuay, Galápagos, Manabí, Napo and Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas.65 The mobilization of LRGs in other regions is Quito launched a consultative process to 63 much more fragmented. In Latin America, integrate the SDGs and the New Urban CONPES 3918 (2018). 64 Beyond Bogota and Medellin, the more active LRGs are in Brazil, Costa Agenda into its Metropolitan Development and who have a more integrated approach (including for the New Rica and the Dominican Republic. In other Land Use Plan (PMDOT) and its Disaster Risk Urban Agenda) and promote consultative processes, different countries, associations still have limited Prevention Plan (Quito Listo). This exercise is cities are implementing initiatives in different sectors involvement. In parallel, many big cities in the supported by different outreach and training related to the SDGs: energy and 66 public transport (Bucaramanga, region (Buenos Aires, Belo Horizonte, Bogotá, initiatives. The LGAs — AME and CONGOPE San Geronimo, Cartago), La Paz, Medellin, Mexico City, Montevideo, — participated and organized several events waste management and CO2 emissions (Bucaramanga, Quito, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Rosario and training sessions for municipalities and Cartagena, Medellin, Cali, Villavicencio and Bogotá and San José), as well as some intermediary provinces and were involved in the national D.C), and land ecosystems (Barranquilla, Ibague). However, or medium-sized cities (e.g. Canelones in consultation process for the VNR. CONGOPE involvement is still limited and efforts are needed to train local Uruguay, Cuenca in Ecuador, Barcarena in developed a Plan for Equality between officers. Federation of Colombia Brazil), have started to link their development Territories and Poverty Reduction which Municipalities is developing several projects to improve local strategies with the SDGs. is being implemented in the province of governance. 65 67 See also, http://www. Among the countries due to report in Cañar (2017-2022). Specific programmes, grupofaro.org/content/ods- 2018, Colombia looked to be one of the most such as the Sustainable Intermediary Cities territorio-ecuador. 66 More than 1,000 technical staff promising for the localization of the SDGs. As Programme, have been established in order working for the secretariats and municipal companies, as well as mentioned above (see Section 3.3) in the VNR to support the implementation of the New more than 400 citizen leaders participate in the training presented in 2016, the national government Urban Agenda, through the creation of urban programmes. reported a strong effort to align the SDGs with labs, knowledge management, and improved 67 According to the Main messages of Ecuador (2018), local and departmental development plans. civil society participation. CONGOPE is supporting the provincial development plans for More recently, the Federation of Colombian In Mexico, as part of the national strategy, equity and poverty reduction in several provinces such as Cañar, Municipalities — as well as cities such as 29 federated states (out of 32) have created Carchi and Imbabura. Medellin — reported that the visions and ‘Committees for monitoring and implementation 68 This platform shows progress on the implementation of the expectations of LRGs, particularly those from of the SDGs’ (OSI), a multi-stakeholder SDGs in four dimensions: society, economy, environment the peripheral areas, had not received enough mechanism which includes municipalities and and partnerships. For more information, see: www. attention. A national document published in has been in charge of the alignment of the monitoreo.cdmx.gob.mx/ March 2018 set out a new strategy to support SDGs with Regional Development Plans. About consulta/indicadoresODS. 69 See VNR of Mexico (2018). the implementation of the SDGs in Colombia 300 municipalities have also acted to establish Initially, municipalities were represented in the National as part of the peace process, with a specific similar mechanisms locally. Mexico City, for Council through CONAMM, objective to ‘territorialize’ (localize) the SDGs.63 example, created its committee in July 2017. but the 2018 report does not mention the association this The new government that will be elected in The committee fostered effective coordination time around. As regards local devleopment plans, it is reported June 2018 should ratify the strategy.64 between all government areas, identified 55 that 84% of municipal plans are not being implemented. In Dominican Republic, the LGA — FEDOMU social programmes and aligned important parts It is worth mentioning that the City Prosperity Indicators — formally adopted a statement to support the of the city’s budget to the SDGs. It also developed (CPI) developed by UN Habitat 68 to monitor the New Urban SDGs in their Congress (November 2017). They a public platform for monitoring and evaluation, Agenda have been collected participate, support training actions on the fostering transparency and accountability. in 137 municipalities in the country and in 17 districts of SDGs, and actively contribute to the National The state of Hidalgo is also an example of Mexico City. See also, Alcaldes de México, consulted on June High-Level Committee on the SDGs in charge alignment between regional plans and the 19, 2018 available at: https:// www.alcaldesdemexico.com/ of the reporting process. They are also involved SDGs. The National Council for the 2030 Agenda notas-principales/retos-de-los- municipios-para-cumplir-con- in the development of different sectoral Strategy includes, with consultative status, both la-agenda-2030-de-la-onu. initiatives (e.g. a Roadmap for SDG 2 including federated states — through the Conference of 70 See VNR of Paraguay (2018). 71 São Paulo, Barcarena, São a water and waste management programme Governors (CONAGO) — and municipalities José do Rio Preto, Paracatu, developed in collaboration with FAO; and the — via a federal institution, INAFED. INAFED São Bernardo do Campo, Alto Paraiso, 8 municipalities from preparation of the Action Plan for the New launched a programme to strengthen the the State of Minas Gerais, 54 municipalities from the State Urban Agenda) and in several programmes capacities of local governments to support of Parana, a regional Project in the State of Pernambuco and for waste management and upgrading of poor localization but with limited participation (seven in State of Piauí. See http://ods. cnm.org.br/ and https://www. neighbourhoods. In its VNR, the government states and 53 municipalities registered in May uclg.org/sites/default/files/the_ reports that a strategic agreement is in 2018). The federal government also issued a set mandala_tool.pdf. 72 The main programmes in Rio discussion with local governments. of guidelines to support SDG integration in local de Janeiro include: ’Nave do 69 Conhecimento’, implementation In Ecuador, cities such as Quito, Cuenca, and state development plans. of electronic medical records, social territories, popular Durán, Ibarra, Francisco de Orellanas and With respect to the last countries to report restaurants, PIC (an early Ambato (out of 221 municipalities) are leading this year, in Paraguay the participation of local childhood programme), public lightning, metropolitan the way. At the provincial level, the Territorios governments is weak. Nevertheless, one of the integration, slum upgrading programmes, and workshops for ODS Ecuador initiative aims to localize the SDGs key cross-cutting objectives of the National employment. 37 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

73 Osa, Esparza, Guácimo, Barva, Development Plan 2030 is ‘participatory the SDGs (at consultative level) and adopted Tilarán, Cartago, Atenas, Alajuela, Aserrí, Desamparados, Pococí local development’ and regional and urban an Action Plan at its Congress (2017) which and Mora. planning, which assumes the strengthening includes awareness-raising, support for 74 The Federal Government in Argentina is signing of municipalities. The VNR mentions several the alignment of local plans and capacities, agreements with different states (provinces) to support the training sessions and the constitution of 244 monitoring, reporting and local alliances. 2030 Agenda (14 agreements) and making efforts to support Local Development Councils and 17 Regional In 2018, it is leading a project to support the LRGs through guidelines Development Councils as ‘consultative localization of the SDGs in 12 municipalities.73 and training programmes in different regions. A network of mechanisms’ that, in principle, should facilitate In other countries, the involvement of LRGs municipal councils for the SDGs 70 was launched in 2017. Among national-local government coordination. is less advanced. In Argentina, the process regional governments, the province of Santa Fé has made In Uruguay, within the framework of the is progressing partly due to the support progress in including the SDGs in its development plan, and preparation of the VNR, the national it receives from the federal government, supporting a similar action within government is leading an effort in awareness particularly at regional level.74 Similarly, in their municipalities. However, beyond Buenos Aires and a rising, training to support the alignment of the both Peru and Honduras the LGAs and the limited number of municipalities, involvement is still limited. SDGs in local plans and workshops to foster national government are making efforts 75 In Peru, the LGAs - AMPE and dialogue between local governments and civil to promote localization in local plans.75 In ANGR - have contributed training to support the elaboration of society in all departments. The objective is to Bolivia, a joint project on the localization of the Regional and Local Development Participative Plans. Honduras has develop a roadmap for the localization of the SDGs with the Association of Municipalities of established pilot programmes for municipal level 2030 Agenda SDGs at local levels (with progress achieved in Bolivia and UNDP was launched in October projects. 9 departments). Local governments have made 2017 to assist Tarija, El Alto, Sucre, Trinidad 76 With the support of the 76 national government and UNDP, progress in the preparation of local adaptation and La Paz. municipalities are involved in programmes for food security, plans for climate change and risk prevention, At the regional level, regional networks health (78 municipalities), flood and risk prevention (120), waste as well as in the updating of tools for urban and — the Federation of Latin American Cities, management (23) and local regional planning. As highlighted previously, Municipalities and Associations (FLACMA),77 economic development. See United Nations in Bolivia (2018), cities such as Canelones are planning to use Mercociudades,78 and AL-LAS79 — adopted ODS para Vivir Bien. 77 FLACMA organized a regional the SDGs as a framework, while Montevideo action plans, created working groups on forum on the SDGs in Dominican is linking different sectoral projects with the the SDGs and organized several forums and Republic in March 2016, a Forum on the localization of the SDGs SDGs. training events.80 and a Declaración de Viña del Mar (January 2018), and a training Although Brazil is not reporting this year, the session in Belem (Brazil) in April 2018, jointly with UNDP and efforts of LRGs call for special attention. One CONGOPE. of the Brazilian LGAs — CNM — established ASIA-PACIFIC 78 Mercociudades organized a training session in Puerto Mont a comprehensive strategy to support the (Chile) in October 2017 and in November 2017 in Cordoba localization of the SDGs. With the support of In Asia, many cities are already making (Argentina). UNDP, the project ‘Localizing Brazil’ is based progress in designing policies and plans, 79 AL-LAS regularly conduct webinars on the international on advocacy, awareness raising (campaign, and in implementing projects to enhance actions of LRGs, as well as holding a face to face event on bulletins, social media) and training. CNM has urban and territorial sustainability. localization in October 2017 in Quito (Ecuador). developed different tools and guidelines for Among the countries that report this 80 All the networks participated localization, as well as a system of indicators year, a shining example is Australia, where in the first regional training workshop on the localization of at the local level aligned with the SDGs the associations of local governments — SDGs organized in June 2017 in Bolivia by UCLG and UNDP and (‘Mandala’, 28 indicators). The association, ALGA, Western Australia Local Government later in September in México. as well as the representatives of governors of Association, Council of Capital City Lord A training session was also organized by the regional network states, participate in the National Commission Mayors — several cities and the eight state/ of local governments in Central America – CAMCAYCA – in Costa for Sustainable Development Goals and in regions worked with the federal government to Rica in May 2018. Two specific forums looking at the role of different mechanisms to coordinate specific contribute to the reporting process, collecting intermediary cities in localizing the SDGs; and for Amazonian goals (e.g. health). The CNM accorded experiences at the local level. Some States such local governments (SDG 15) were the SDGs a prominent place at its annual as Victoria are delivering an integrated response also organized by UCLG and the networks, the first in Cuenca Congress and lead municipal dialogues on to the SDGs through the Plan Melbourne (Ecuador) in March 2018, and the second in Riberalta (Bolivia) in the localization of the SDGs in 16 states. 2017-2050.81 At the local level, councils have April 2018. There are SDG committees and projects to adopted different strategies. The Perth Eastern 81 The State of Victoria has introduced a bill to Parliament support localization in more than 60 cities and Metropolitan Regional Council and Melbourne which if passed could make it the first Australian state regions.71 Cities such as Rio de Janeiro have City Council are leading the way through the to implement legally binding renewable energy targets, in a bid made significant efforts to integrate the SDGs incorporation of the SDGs into their planning to reduce electricity bills as well as emissions. Entitled ‘Renewable into their plans (2017), involving the ‘whole processes, whilst Brisbane City Council has put Energy (Jobs and Investment) Bill 2017’, it will implement the city government’ in dialogue with CSOs and sustainability at the core of its planning, with a Victoria Renewable Energy Targets the private sector (through public hearings, focus on biodiversity. Fremantle has adopted (VRET) to achieve 25% renewable energy by 2020 and 40% by 2025. workshops and online consultations).72 the One Planet Fremantle Strategy, while The State of South Australia is undertaking efforts to support next In Costa Rica, the LGA — UNGL — participates cities such as Illawarra are leading a group of generation (Nextgen) renewable energy projects. actively in the High-Level Commission for 'healthy cities' in the region. A growing number 38 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

of local councils and statutory authorities decentralization’. In Sri Lanka there is a are measuring their progress against the great deal of promotion of the SDGs, with SDGs. Local authorities are using pledges, talk shows on radio and television. The action plans and grant programs, alongside association of local governments — FSLGA public information, training and networking — initiated training sessions on the SDGs in opportunities to mobilize climate change and two provinces. Following the approval of the sustainability action in their communities and National Policy and Strategy for Sustainable to build resilience and adaptation capacity. Development (NPSSD) by the Parliament, Seventy local councils across Australia, all levels of government will be required representing over 8 million people, have joined to prepare their Sustainable Development the Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership, Strategy and submit regular progress which encourages, motivates and accelerates reports.83 The focus in Vietnam is essentially local initiatives in emissions reduction and at both provincial and urban district level. In clean energy.82 January 2018, the LGA of Vietnam — ACVN On the small island of Kiribati, KILGA, the — hosted a workshop on the SDGs related to national LGA, has been particularly active in local economic development in the Mekong awareness-raising (through bulle-tins, radio Delta Region, with more meetings due to take and forums for councillors), training (for women place in 2018. In Lao PDR, every central and councillors on SDG5) and involvement in the sub-national level sector department and reporting process. In Bhutan, an awareness- agency (from provincial to district level) has raising initiative for local governments was been instructed to integrate SDGs into their carried out in 2016 and integration of the Socio-Economic Development Plans. SDGs in the ‘Sector and Local Governments LGAs from other countries not reporting this Key Results Areas’ is being implemented. year also responded to the survey. Among them, The 12th Five Year Plan has prioritized the more active included Indonesia, Japan and 'Liveability, Safety and Sustainability of Human Republic of Korea. In Indonesia, according to a Settlements Improved' as one of its National survey undertaken by the national project for Key Result Areas (NKRAs), and a Nationally the localization of the SDGs — LOCALISE (see Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) Plan Box 3.4.) — 95% of provincial governments on human settlements. Within the strategy have conducted consultations to launch defined by the central government, one of the Regional Action Plans before 4 July 2018, objectives is to achieve a ‘just, harmonious as set out by a presidential decree of August and sustainable society through enhanced 2017.84 Forty percent of local governments

! BOX 3.4.

'LOCALISE' THE SDGs IN INDONESIA

Leadership, Ownership and Capacities for Agenda 2030 Local Implementation and Stakeholders Empowerment is a joint project that was launched by UCLG ASPAC and the Association of Indonesian Municipalities (APEKSI) in the first quarter of 2018. It receives support from the EU. Building on the Presidential Decree 59 of 2017, its objective is to support the local implementation of SDGs by strengthening the capacities of local governments and their associations to plan, implement and monitor SDGs at the local level. The project involves 30 local governments (16 provinces and 14 cities) and five LGAs (APEKSI, APKASI, APPSI, ADEKSI and ADKASI). It collaborates regularly with the National Development Planning Agency and the Ministry of Home Affairs. THE ROAD MAP FOR LOCALIZING SDGs

Synchronization between local Develop action and national Setting up business Best practices plan according to development model to ﬁnance SDGs promotion Set up a local city development agendas Set up local action plan as a platform experience SDGs special agenda that match Develop a monitoring political for multi sector and exchange and task force to to the SDGs and evaluation commitment to Baseline study cross cutting issue initiated local ensure well scheme as a basis for achieve SDGs and Stakeholder partnership government coordinated reporting progress mapping to match cooperation your available institutional function and issues of SDGs 39 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

have a dedicated division dealing with the SDGs organizing forums, publications and training and several districts and municipalities have actions to disseminate the global agendas.88 already made commitments to implement It published two roadmaps, one for LRGs and the SDGs.85 However, only three provincial the other for LGAs, on the Localization of the governments have taken concrete initiatives: SDGs (in different languages); and carried 82 See also: http://www. Riau (see the HLPF report 2017), Lampung and out a regional assessment of 28 countries in cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/vision/ DKI Jakarta, which is preparing a roadmap for the region to explore whether the legal and sustainable-sydney-2030. the localization of the SDGs. institutional environment of LRGs is conducive to 83 The Western Province of Sri Lanka has already started In Japan, 34 cities and towns are involved in the localization of the 2030 Agenda.89 UNESCAP, aligning government priorities with the SDGs, as well as specific the implementation of the SDGs with the support the Seoul Metropolitan Government and CityNet projects for mainstreaming the of the national government through a number promote and support knowledge-sharing and 2030 Agenda. 84 In addition to Local Action of programmes (e.g. ‘Future city’ and ‘Eco- city-to-city cooperation for sustainable urban Plan, Indonesian Government model city’).86 Three cities (Toyama, Kitakyushu development through the Urban SDG Online through Ministry of Home Affairs launched The Minister of Home 90 and Shimokawa) are launching Voluntary Portal. UCLG ASPAC is also supporting greater Affairs Regulation No. 7 Year 2018 concerning the Preparation Local Reviews for the HLPF 2018. Many others LRG involvement in the regional mechanism and Implementation of Strategic are promoting initiatives through outreach (ASEAN) through the ASEAN Mayors Forum. Environmental Assessment (KLHS) in the preparation of campaigns aimed at local stakeholders that UNESCAP and the Asian Development Bank the Regional Medium-Term emphasize the importance of the SDGs for are implementing several projects for the Development Plan (RPJMD). 85 Among the districts: local development (e.g. Shiga and Nagano as localization of SDGs in the region. Pangkajene Islands District (Pangkep) in South Sulawesi well Sapporo, Otsu and Omihamichan). In the Province, Bojonegoro District in Philippines, the League of Cities monitors East Java Province, Kubu Raya District in West Kalimantan progress on the achievement of various global AFRICA Province, Gunung Kidul District in Yogyakarta Province, and East commitments such as the SDGs. A system In Africa, the LGAs of Benin, Togo and South Lampung District in Lampung of scorecards (Local Target) is being used to Africa are ‘frontrunners’. Benin and Togo were Province. Source, UCLG ASPAC and LOCALISE report. document baseline data for governance and encouraged by their national governments’ 86 The SDG Promotion whether development plans are aligned with commitment to report almost yearly to the Headquarters that coordinate the 2030 Agenda plans to create the SDGs. Some cities are signing specific HLPF. In Benin, the LGA — ANCB — set out a a project “SDGs Models of Local Governments” through which conventions with the Department of Interior and roadmap to support the localization of SDGs. the entire central government Local Governments (DILG) to implement SDG- In partnership with the national government, will provide extensive support to selected local governments FACES projects (e.g. Mandaluyong City in Metro the LGA also organized ten regional workshops in their SDGs implementation, then expand to other local Manila). In New Zealand, local government has for the alignment of national and local plans. The governments based on lessons independently taken the lead on a number of ANCB contributes to the consultation process learnt. For more information on the ‘Future city’ programme, see SDGs, focusing on different targets (e.g. Hutt of the VNRs as a member of the two committees http://future-city.jp/en/about. City Council, Wellington Regional Council and (steering and technical committees) created 87 The Upazila Governance Project (UZGP) and Union Rotorua Lakes Councils). by the national government to coordinate Parishad Governance Project (UPGP), within the Local In other countries, a range of conferences and monitor the SDGs, as well as creating Government Division (LGD), and workshops have taken place in the last few a 'coordination committee between local organized awareness-raising workshops on SDG localization in months: in different districts of Bangladesh, and national government’. It has launched seven districts in 2017. with the support of international cooperation benchmarking between municipalities to 88 Training sessions on the 87 SDGs were organized in Jakarta and national government; and in Pakistan, measure progress and facilitate knowledge (Indonesia) in July 2017. with the local councils’ association of Khyber exchange on good practices (through a group 89 For more information, see also: https://uclg-aspac.org/en/ Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab Provinces and the of 37 out of 77 municipalities) and supported publication/other-publications. participation of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. the constitution of committees for the follow- 90 See http://www. In the HLPF 2017 report, other LRG initiatives up of the goals at municipal level. The third urbansdgplatform.org/index. msc. have already been highlighted in countries generation local development plans (PDC) 91 See each country’s VNR. such as China, India, Nepal, Thailand and developed in 2017 have largely taken into However, the diagnostic developed jointly by the AIMF Republic of Korea. In Republic of Korea, account the SDGs and their annual investment and ANCB stressed the need 100 out of 243 LRGs created Local Councils plans (PAI), including the programmed actions to strengthen the operations of the Departmental and Local for Sustainable Development (LCSDs), inclu- and related implementation costs. The VNR Committees for follow up of the SDGs, and the need to revise ding local government and civil society shows a detailed assessment of the progress sectoral national policies to 91 improve coordination. See also: representatives with a strong environmental of different SDGs at municipal levels. In AIMF (October 2017), Etude focus. A number of local governments such Cabo Verde, a project to support localization sur la localisation des ODD en vue d’appuyer le processus de as Seoul (which adopted the SD Vision 2030), of SDGs and the development of municipal plaidoyer des autorités locales au Bénin. The document is available, Gwangju, Jeonju, Cheongju, Suwon, and the strategic sustainable development plans (in 9 in French, on the Localizing the Bupyeong District (Incheon) have voluntarily municipalities) was launched with the support SDGs platform at this address: http://localizingthesdgs.org/ established implementation strategies for of UNDP.92 In Mali, decentralization is one of the library/view/462. sustainable development at the local level. priorities of the post-crisis process. The LGA — 92 Cabo Verde, Main messages to the 2018 HLPF and answers to At the regional level, UCLG ASPAC is AMM — is active in many national committees, the UCLG Survey. 40 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

particularly in the CREDD (Strategic Africa, SALGA is supporting a national strategy to Framework for the Economic and Sustainable align local plans with the National Development Development Recovery). In December 2017, Plan 2030 and the SDGs. In other countries, as the association adopted a declaration on SDGs reported in 2017, LRGs are mobilized at regional and the global agendas during its Congress level (states, counties) in Ethiopia, Kenya, — the National Day of Municipalities — and is Nigeria, and at local level in Botswana,95 Ghana, starting to map good practice with support from Sierra Leone,96 and Uganda. In Ghana and partners. LRGs are represented in the National Uganda, the Commonwealth Local Government Steering Committee for the SDGs (the country Forum (CLGF) is supporting pilot projects to is currently moving towards ‘regionalization’). localize the SDGs. In Algeria, a new cooperation In Niger, the association is organizing a project between the Ministry of the Interior session on the SDGs during its next Congress and local governments, the EU and the UNDP in July 2018. However, even though the national entitled ‘Strengthening local actors/common government is encouraging initiatives for the development models (CapDEL)’ was officially alignment of regional and local development launched in 2017. UNDP is also supporting the plans with the National Economic and Social localization of the SDGs in several other countries Development Plan (PNDES), local governments’ (e.g. Angola). In Burundi, municipalities will

93 In Senegal, the International involvement is still weak, and the urban master initiate the alignment between national and Organization of French Speaking plans are out-dated. In Senegal, the SDGs local plans to support localization. Countries (OIF) is supporting a project on local development are integrated into the National Emergent To strengthen regional dynamics, UCLG Africa and SDGs in the regions of Thies, Kaffrine and Louga. Plan. The national government committed to is disseminating the SDGs through regional rd 94 In Egypt, the Governorate enhance decentralization (3 stage, Acte 3), meetings and assessing local governments’ of Qena agreed to pilot the fostering equal development between regions institutional environment in Africa and its localization of the SDGs as part of the framework for a strategic and urban areas. The implementation of impact on the SDGs.97 The African Academy plan for the Governorate. It will propose a methodology for how the strategy will require further efforts to of Local Authorities, created by UCLG Africa, the SDGs can be streamlined in plans at the local level. It strengthen local governments’ ability to deliver is developing a training programme on the will also provide insights at on poverty reduction, urban and territorial SDGs for all African regions.98 The regional the central level into how to implement the SDGs at different planning and management, as well as social network is also developing strong regional levels of government. services provision. There are new ongoing and international advocacy to integrate African 95 Since April 2017, four pilot projects have been deployed and mechanisms for integrated urban and regional LRGs into regional development agendas, and to should be rolled out to the rest of the country. Local governments development plans in several regions in encourage ratification by national governments are formally represented at the Senegal (e.g. Area Dakar-Thiès-Mbour), as of the ‘African Charter on the Values and National Steering Committee for the Implementation of the 2030 well as new levers of economic development Principles of Decentralization’, adopted by the Agenda. (e.g. Casamance) and new urban plans (e.g. African Union in 2014.99 The locally elected 96 In Sierra Leone, the MoFED 93 and the Ministry of Local Dakar horizon 2035). women’s network of UCLG Africa — REFELA — Government and Rural Development have engaged Since 2016 in Togo, the LGA — UCT — has organized a workshop on local women leaders the 19 local councils in Sierra adopted a plan to support the implementation and the SDGs (May 2016). Leone to integrate the SDGs into their district and municipal of the SDGs; developed guidelines for the In West Africa, the International Association development plans. alignment of municipal local plans with the of French Speaking Mayors — AIMF — 97 For more information, access UCLGA Knowledge Hub at: SDGs; and launched an initiative to support organized several national workshops at https://www.uclga.org/the- knowledge-hub. five pilot projects in municipalities. Its last the end of 2017, gathering together LRG 98 ALGA organized training Congress (November 2017) focused on the representatives to present reports on the sessions on the SDGs in SDGs. It has also carried out training for localization of the SDGs in Benin, Burkina Faso, Swakopmund (Namibia), May 2017; Johannesburg (South local officers. The national government Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Senegal. Africa), June 2017; Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), 29 May - 1 acknowledge that local governments are The conclusions presented in these papers is June 2017, in partnership with instrumental for the implementation of the globally very critical of the localization process CIFAL; and Durban (South Africa) in September 2017 and National Development Plan — aligned with the in all countries.100 March 2018. Other actions were developed with regard to local SDGs — and is committed to carrying out local finance, climate change and urban planning. elections for the first time this year. In Guinea, 94 99 The ‘African Charter on Egypt, and Sudan, the involvement of local EURASIA the Values and Principles administration is either weak or non-existent. of Decentralization, Local Governance and Local This underlines the need to strengthen 'the In Eurasia, the Government of Armenia Development’ is available online at: https://au.int/en/treaties/ decentralized government systems to support identified localization of the SDGs as the third african-charter-values-and- principles-decentralisation- state-led development' and the involvement of stage of the national strategy to nationalize local-governance-and-local. the Council of States on the 2030 Agenda. the 2030 Agenda and is working to involve 100 See also AIMF (October 2017), Other countries not reporting to the HLPF this cities in supporting local environmental action Plaidoyer des Autorités Locales…, Rapport Pays. year have recorded different actions. In South plans and evaluating their environmental 41 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

conditions (Yerevan, Hrazdan, Alaverdi and water, roads, mobility, waste management Gyumri). Twenty-three cities in Armenia among others) is hindered by Israeli zoning joined the Global Covenant of Mayors for policies and other obstacles (e.g. discriminatory Climate and Energy. Erevan and Echmiadzin planning regime), and by a lack of funding. are developing green programmes, while Goris As a result, several issues such as housing is creating a smart city project. A number of shortages, overcrowded and limited public Russian regional capital cities are part of the open spaces and poor sanitary conditions, have International Assembly of Capitals and Large had a much more acute impact. Within the Cities (IAG), which implements programmes framework of the National Policy Agenda 2017- and projects related to the SDGs. However, 2020, the national government is committed there are no LGAs in many Eurasian countries to enhance the ability of local authorities to (such as Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and provide equality and equity in access to public Uzbekistan). As reported in 2017, in Belarus services and strengthen accountability and the national government and the UN organized transparency. It developed a work plan that a ‘national tour’ — UN70 Belarus Express integrates different local government initiatives for the Sustainable Development Goals — through awareness-raising and advocacy and to popularize the global agenda. As part of the inclusion of the SDGs in local ‘Strategic this, the Executive Committee Chairman Development and Investment Plans’.101 of each region signed a Declaration of A critical issue for many Lebanese and Jor- Commitment to the Sustainable Development danian municipalities is providing support to, Goals. The National Council for Sustainable and integrating, some 1.8 million Syrian refu- Development includes representatives from gees. Jordan has a Higher National Commit- regional government bodies. In Azerbaijan, as tee for Sustainable Development, and a Coor- reported last year, the government committed dination Committee which involves working to establishing the necessary mechanisms to groups where local council representatives ensure ‘vertical and horizontal coordination’ participate. However, there is no clear meth- and to integrating the 2030 Agenda in local odology on how to incorporate and act on their plans and budget allocations. However, the feedback. involvement of LRGs is still very limited in In Iraq, multi-stakeholder workshops have Eurasian countries. recently been held, gathering together ministries and regional government representatives to discuss the 2030 Agenda. However, there is MIDDLE EAST AND WEST ASIA no institutionalized mechanism to monitor effective implementation.

101 State of Palestine (2018), There is still a long way to go in terms of In Turkey, ad hoc committees have been Palestinian National Voluntary localization process in Arab countries, established to support the integration of the Review. In the State of Palestine, APLA supports where national governments do not SDGs into the preparation process for the small projects on waste and th water management. The appear to be mainstreaming SDGs into 11 National Development Plan, with the cities of Ramallah and Jericho local governance policies. In the State of participation of local authorities and a wide focus on clean environment and climate change to Palestine and Lebanon, the Prime Minister’s range of stakeholders. One of the committees develop solar energy sources. In Lebanon, the Technical Offices spearheaded the nationalization of focused on ‘local authorities and service quality’. Office of Lebanese Local Government supports the SDGs. The process was launched and The Union of Municipalities of Turkey (UMT), as projects related to local initial consultations took place at the national well as regional LGAs (e.g. Union of Marmara development, urban service management and sustainable level. To a much lesser extent, consultations Municipalities), support LRGs by organizing environmental policies. have also taken place at the regional and conferences, publications, capacity building and 102 These cities are Karesi City Council, Yalova City, local level, sometimes at the instigation training programmes about the SDGs and the Sferihisar Municipality, Adana City Council, Esenler of NGOs (for example in Lebanon). The New Urban Agenda. Some municipalities are Municipality. Moreover, the ministries (Planning, Local Government and beginning to establish working groups to link following municipalities 102 committed to include the Administrative/Political Reform) taking part their programmes to the SDGs. SDGs in their agendas: Beylikdüzü Municipality in the effort to implement the SDGs did not At a regional level, UCLG MEWA held two (Istanbul), Eyyubiye provide any information to local authorities, mapping workshops on the SDGs (Nevşehir Municipality (Sanliurfa), Tuşba Municipality (Van), who are seldom included in the dialogue. and Urla, İzmir) and translated the reference Yunus Emre Municipality 103 (Manisa), Urla Municipality The Palestinian LGA — APLA — expressed documents into both Arabic and Turkish. (İzmir), Kestel Municipality (Bursa). its willingness to have a dialogue with the They organized several campaigns in part- 103 The documents are national government in order to contribute to nership with municipalities, city councils, available online at the UCLG the process. The capacity of local authorities to NGOs and universities in the context of the UN MEWA Library: http://uclg- mewa.org/en. deliver on many of their responsibilities (potable International Days. 42 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

GLOBAL NETWORKS At the global level, the main LRG networks (SDG 13), connecting front-line cities and deploy myriad initiatives within the frame- islands with the ocean agenda (SDG 14) and work of GTF. leading the implementation of biodiversity The GTF is a coordination and consultation targets at city and other subnational level mechanism, created in 2013, which brings (SDG 15).105 With a focus on financing issues, together the major international and regional the Global Fund for Cities Development networks of local governments (24) — UCLG, (FMDV) is also coordinating the Secretariat ICLEI, C40, AIMF, Arab Towns Organizations, of the Cities Climate Finance Leadership CLGF, nrg4SD, ORU Fogar, FMDV, Platforma, Alliance and engaged in Localizing Climate UCCI, AL-LAS, AER, as well as UCLG sections Finance among other issues.106 104 Created in 2004, UCLG and members — CEMR, Cités Unies France, Other networks focus on big cities. The C40 is the world organization of CORDIAL (including Mercociudades, FLACMA, Cities connects the world’s greatest cities, LRGs and their associations, bringing together over 240,000 AL-LAS and UCCI), Metropolis, UCLG Africa, encouraging them to be bold in their climate towns, cities, regions and metropolises, and over 175 UCLG Eurasia, UCLG ASPAC, UCLG NORAM, action, leading the way towards a healthier associations of LRGs in 140 and UCLG MEWA. and more sustainable future. Mayors of the countries around the world. UCLG is organized into Each of the networks — and the GTF C40 cities are committed to delivering on the seven regional sections, one metropolitan section and one collectively — is committed to the imple- most ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement forum of regions. See: www. mentation of the 2030 Agenda, the Paris at the local level, and influencing local, uclg.org. 105 ICLEI - Local Governments Agreement on Climate Change, and the New national and global policies and markets in for Sustainability - engages Urban Agenda, as well as the Addis Ababa order to put the world on a +1.5°C pathway by with more than 1,500 cities and regions in 100 Action Agenda and the Sendai Framework for 2020. C40’s City Diplomacy Programme helps countries. Its Montreal Commitment and Strategic Action on Disaster Risk Reduction. Most of the convene the collective and individual voice of Vision 2018-2024 defines Low-Emission, Nature- networks develop capacity-building activities, cities in global discussions relating to climate based, Circular, Equitable and cooperation, research, knowledge exchange, change and sustainable urban development. People-Centred, Resilient Development as ICLEI´s five networking and advocacy. Through its Adaptation Diplomacy Project, C40 pathways to sustainability. It supports island communities The activities of the networks are comple- and partners are opening new channels for at the front line of climate mentary. UCLG,104 in close collaboration discussing faster implementation of the 2030 challenges, addresses land- based ocean pollution (SDG with its regional sections, contributed to the Sustainable Development Goals and the New 14), and contributes to the 107 implementation of global Regional Forums on Sustainable Development Urban Agenda in cities in the Global South. biodiversity targets at the city and regional level (SDG 15). organized by UN Regional Commissions. In Metropolis, the association of metropolitan See http://www.iclei.org. partnership with UNDP and UN Habitat, it areas and metrocities, is involved in learning 106 Created in 2010, the developed learning actions and best practice and training activities, as well as pilot network involves 50 cities and regions and collaborates throughout the different regions (the alignment projects around metropolitan governance. In closely with UCLG. See: http:// of local plans with the SDGs and support LGAs particular, their Policy Transfer Platform (PTP) www.fmdv.net. 107 C40 encompasses 96 cities, to contribute to the VNRs). In parallel, through is aligning all the urban experiences to SDG’s. representing 700+ million citizens and one quarter of the the Global Observatory on Decentralization Metropolis Women has promoted a specific global economy. See https:// and Local Democracy (GOLD) and the World project aligned with the implementation of www.c40.org. Observatory on Sub-National Governments SDG 5, which focuses on mapping security 108 Created in 1987, Metropolis gather 137 big cities and Finance and Investment (in partnership with in public spaces. The Metropolis Observatory metropolitan areas from all over the world. See www. OECD, AFD and UNCDF), UCLG contributes works on the promotion of governance with metropolis.org. to the monitoring and reporting processes of a metropolitan perspective, developing a 109 See http://www.aimf. asso.fr/. Founded in 1979 LRGs at the global level. system of metropolitan indicators which are as a network of French- ICLEI activities in relation to SDGs include, linked to the SDGs.108 speaking ‘Francophone’ cities, the AIMF brings together but are not limited to, promoting 100% Some networks organize themselves 294 cities in 51 countries representing more than 130 renewable energies (SDG 7); supporting urban according to a shared language. For example, million inhabitants. As already mentioned, it conducted a transitions from industrial legacy to sustainable the International Association of French- series of studies on SDG economies (SDG 9); and developing mobility- Speaking Mayors (AIMF) actively contributes localization strategies in six countries of West and friendly development strategies and monitoring to the achievement of the SDGs through Central Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea, their implementation (SDG 11). ICLEI also decentralized cooperation to improve access Ivory Coast and Senegal). contributes to the transition to a green economy to water and sanitation, health and education. The association develops decentralized cooperation by leading networks of sustainable public It also helps strengthen urban infrastructure with partner cities. Over the past five years, €11.5 million procurement (SDG 12); connecting climate to improve resilience and support adaptations has been mobilized for water action to urban development; and engaging sanitation and waste (SDGs 6 to climate change. In October 2017, it and 12) to improve the living LRGs in making Nationally Determined launched an advocacy group dedicated to conditions of more than 3 109 million inhabitants in 22 Contributions (NDCs) fit for the Paris Agreement localizing the SDGs. The Commonwealth partner cities. 43 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Section 3 findings in a nutshell Local Government Forum (CLGF) focuses The progress is remarkable but still limited. on strengthening the capacities of LGAs, Our analysis has highlighted ‘frontrunner’ building strong relationships between local cities and associations from different regions; and central government, and facilitating and some countries stand out in terms of their knowledge exchange between local growing movement of sub-national governments governments on related SDG priorities localizing the SDGs. The awareness and pedagogic efforts (local democracy, gender, sustainable cities, developed by national governments, international local economic development, local finance institutions and local government networks are etc.), as well as promoting pilot initiatives significant. However, stronger initiatives and to localize the SDGs (e.g. Ghana, Jamaica, more policy guidance is still needed to generate Rwanda, Trinidad and Tobago, Malawi).110 significant mobilization and foster real ownership The Union of Capital Cities of Ibero- of the localization of the SDGs. America (UCCI), through the Programme New national institutional mechanisms are of Integrated Cooperation between Cities, emerging or being strengthened to facilitate reporting, coordination and ensure follow- 110 Founded in 1995, CLGF fosters political dialogue and the exchange has 200 members from of experiences; develops training activities up. These trends need to increase to ensure most of the 53 countries broader involvement at all institutional levels of the Commonwealth. As on localization of SDGs and the New in the voluntary reporting process, as well as in an associated organization Urban Agenda; and promotes economic officially recognized by coordination and follow-up mechanisms. In many Commonwealth Heads development and local governance in of Government, CLGF countries, LRG involvement is still minimal or works with national and Hispanic and Portuguese speaking local governments to non-existent. support the development countries of Latin America and Africa. It The localization process is essential to the of democratic values and good local governance. collaborates with and supports networks implementation of the SDGs on the ground in cities Its most recent biennial of Latin American local governments and territories where people and communities conference focused on the resource and capacity through CORDIAL and with UCCLA and live. To close the ‘policy-implementation demands of localization and 111 loop’, national governments and international its members; ministries Euro-Latin American networks. Arab of local government, LGAs Towns Organization (ATO) works with institutions should consider further developing and individual councils adopted a ‘Statement on Arab-speaking local governments.112 tailored multilevel spaces for dialogue and policy Localizing the SDGs in the Finally, other organizations work support to ensure local and regional leaders’ Commonwealth’ (Valetta, participation and engagement. The Voluntary Malta November 2017). See: specifically with regional governments. http://www.clgf.org.uk. National Reviews (VNRs) could, as some countries 111 The Network of Regional Governments Founded in 1982, UCCI already do, systematically include a specific includes 29 big cities of for Sustainable Development — nrg4SD Latin America and the section on the progress of the SDGs at the sub- Caribbean, Andorra, — promotes a territorial approach to national level, thus monitoring the institutional Portugal and Spain. See UCCI 2030, Ciudades supporting the 2030 Agenda, assisting framework and deployment of LRG action. comprometidas con un regional governments’ efforts especially modelo de desarrollo A locally-based approach, combined with humano, justo y sostenible through the exchange of experiences and national enabling policies to support the – Haciendo locales los ODS. It capitalizes on the peer-reviews. It has also created a reference localization of the SDGs, will catalyse the active experience of cities such involvement and innovation of local leaders and as Madrid to support centre of knowledge and information on exchange of know- regions.113 ORU Fogar has collaborated enhance the potential of territories and local how and good practice stakeholders in the fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda. through the creation of with nrg4SD in the development of a report joint platforms (local Improved multilevel governance mechanism ‘Localizing the SDGs: regions paving the governments, academia, founded on the principle of subsidiarity could civil society, private way’, based on a survey which gathered sector and city networks), facilitate scaling up of sub-national innovative together with organizations information from 47 regions, in collaboration such as UNDP. For more solutions into national strategies. information, see: http:// with the University of Strathclyde and with Monitoring of the localization process requires ciudadesiberoamericanas. 114 org. the support of UNDP Art and CPMR. The disaggregated and place-based data. Extreme 112 For more information, Assembly of European Regions (AER) and poverty is local and inequalities between see: http://www.arabtowns. UCLG Regions are also active members of countries, as well as between territories and org. 115 within cities, are growing. Without localized data 113 NRG4SD was the GTF. established in 2002 and Other networks of the GTF active at it will be particularly difficult to ‘leave no one exclusively represents behind’. LRGs are launching some initiatives to regions, supporting their the regional level, as mentioned above international engagement in the brief of each region, are AL-LAS, this end, but more support and coordination is in three main fields: essential to disaggregate and localize data. sustainable development, CEMR, Cités Unies France, FLACMA, biodiversity and climate LRGs and their networks are making progress change. See: http://www. Mercociudades, PLATFORMA, UCLG Africa, and have a very strong interest in collaborating nrg4sd.org. UCLG Asia-Pacific, UCLG Eurasia and UCLG 114 See also: http://www. further with national governments and the UN to regionsunies-fogar.org. North America. support these initiatives. 115 See also: https://aer.eu. 44 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs O4 THE TRANSFORMATION TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT SOCIETIES 45 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

INTRODUCTION

The SDGs — and the New Urban Agenda — integrated and holistic responses at the are tackling many of the major challenges territorial level, with broader involvement that Local and Regional Governments of local stakeholders. (LRGs) face in the cities and territories they manage. These include a growing The following section analyses the number of slum dwellers and inadequate contribution of LRGs to the majority of the housing; uncontrolled urban sprawl SDG Goals and Targets, whose progress (with implications for urban-rural is being assessed this year by the HLPF. linkages and carbon emissions); and Special consideration is afforded SDG 11, inadequate basic services and transport given the particular relevance of its targets systems (which exacerbate pollution and for LRGs. The report summarizes the associated environmental risks, making main trends and challenges of each target cities and territories more vulnerable to for cities and territories. It illustrates disasters). LRGs also play a critical role different actions LRGs are implementing in water and energy management, and in cities and regions of varying sizes thus have a significant impact on patterns (both large and small) and with different of consumption and production and characteristics (from high, middle and terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. low-income countries) to innovate and create more sustainable solutions for These dimensions are interdependent, sustainable development; and proposes as underlined by the SDGs. With adequate some potential policy responses for both support and collaboration at every level local leaders as well as national and of government, LRGs can develop more international institutions and partners. 46 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Housing and Basic Services SDG 11.1

Over 100 million people are homeless and 881 million people live in informal settlements and slums.

Sustainable Cities Public and Communities Transport SDG 11.2 SDG 11

Daily trips via public transport currently only account for about 16% of daily Urban urban movement. Planning SDG 11.3

From 2000 to 2015, the expansion of urban land outpaced the growth of urban populations. 47 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Environmental Impact Cultural SDG 11.6 Heritage SDG 11.4 Up to two billion people do not have access to solid waste collection.

130 examples are 91% of the urban population indexed on the basis of still breathed air that did 17 SDGs, and 9 thematic not meet the WHO’s Air commitments of Culture Quality Guidelines value for 21 Actions. particulate matter (PM 2.5).

Urban Resilience SDG 11.5 Green and Public Spaces SDG 11.7 From 1990 to 2013, almost 90% of mortality attributed to internationally reported disasters occurred in low and middle-income countries. Public spaces provide a tangible opportunity for An UNISDR study surveyed inclusive governance 169 LRGs in different regions and are potential levers of the world, highlighting of change in our cities. the gap between power and responsibility. 48 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Although not a panacea, access to land 11.1 rights and the right to housing and basic ADEQUATE, SAFE AND services are generally the first line of

defence and resilience-building against AFFORDABLE HOUSING extreme poverty in risk-exposed areas, AND BASIC SERVICES, AND creating a strong fabric and solidarity SDG 11 1 between cities. UPGRADE SLUMS Moreover, access to adequate housing is at the core of the promise to ‘leave no one

and Communities SDG 11 and the New Urban Agenda represent behind’ and the effective implementation of Sustainable Cities Sustainable Cities a significant step forward in the promotion of the ‘Right to the City’ in development policies. equal rights and opportunities in cities and This is a firm commitment of LRGs, within other human settlements. This is ‘with a view the framework of the Bogota Commitments to progressively achieving the full realization adopted in Quito in 2016.6 of the right to adequate housing as a com- Building on the lessons of the MDGs’ life ponent of the right to an adequate standard cycle, Indicator 11.1 — as with all the SDGs — 2 of living, without discrimination […]’. is now universal, relevant for both developing The outcome assessment of Habitat III and developed countries. It also recognizes that highlighted the severe urban inequalities access to adequate housing depends on a set that result from a market-led response to of interrelated conditions including availability housing challenges. Today, over 100 million of services, affordability, habitability, access- people are homeless and 881 million people ibility and cultural adequacy. live in slums. Meanwhile, worldwide real- Moreover, the SDG framework and its estate and housing markets have turned into targets are also interdependent. For example, speculative assets that fuel a spiral of social progress towards Target 11.1 influences and inequalities and exclusion. is influenced by poverty alleviation (SDG Despite a decrease in the proportion of 1), access to basic services such as waste 1 We want to acknowledge the urban population living in slums (from David Satterthwaite (IIED, collection (SDG 11.6), to clean water and UK), as well as the Centre for 39% in 2000 to 30% in 2014), the absolute sanitation (SDG 6), and to electricity (SDG 7). Affordable Housing Finance in Africa (South Africa), the Asian number of residents residing in precarious In turn, these have an impact on the overall Coalition for Housing Rights and unhealthy conditions continues to grow (Malaysia), Joao Whitaker health of the population. (Brazil) and Eduardo Rojas (African countries risk tripling their slum Furthermore, patterns of residency have a (Chile), for their contribution to 3 this section. population by 2050). Urban residents in both major influence on planning for responsible 2 See Paragraph 13 a; p5 of the developed and developing countries face consumption and production of goods and New Urban Agenda (2017) A/ RES/71/256. growing problems accessing adequate and services (Goal 12). Housing strategies — 3 AfDB/OECD/UNDP, 2016. affordable housing and suffer displacements whether institutional reforms of the right to 4 4 Report of the Special and evictions at unprecedented rates. housing (SDG 16), entitlement or upgrading Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right — must also consider gender mainstreaming to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non- (SDG 5). In summary, housing policies cannot discrimination in this context, The multiple roles of housing and be addressed sectorally but as part of urban United Nations General Assembly, A/HRC/34/51, p. services in meeting the SDGs and city policies as a whole. 2. Between 1998 and 2008, forced evictions affected at LRGs face the unique challenge of least 18.6 million people. The accommodating 4.2 billion urban inhabitants number of people to have been displaced due to disasters or over the next decade and planning the The challenges of housing in local conflicts has also increased exponentially in the last social, economic and spatial integration of governance, territorial and urban decade. more than 2.5 billion new urban dwellers planning and localizing financing 5 Key Facts, World Urbanization 5 Prospects. The 2018 Revision by 2050. Pressure is particularly acute in In the past decade, many national United Nations (2018). cities in Asia and Africa, where 90% of urban governments have enshrined the right 6 See UCLG (2016) The Bogotá Commitment, the document population growth is expected to occur. to housing in their national legislation, is available online at this In 2016, housing accounted for 70% of others have agreed it is a government’s address: https://www.uclg. org/sites/default/files/bogota_ urban land use, attracting a large share of responsibility and, in some cases, courts commitment.pdf. financial investments and defining where have adopted inclusive interpretations. Key 7 OECD and UCLG (2016) Subnational Governments and how people live, work and play. This to this is acknowledgement of the different around the World – Structure and Finance. has major implications in terms of spatial contexts in which people find themselves 8 Par 34 of the Addis Ababa segregations, patterns and socio-economic and the progressive realization of this right Action Agenda and par. 15 (c), inequalities (Goal 10) within and between at the national level, but also the inherent indent (iv) of the New Urban Agenda (2017) A/RES/71/256. cities. diversity of governance arrangements, 49 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

political competences and human and projects in high-value city areas, resulting in financial resources. the eviction of urban poor households. One of the main challenges is the governance At the household level, the challenge of of policies and programmes to support affordability is two-fold. First, for both urban adequate housing. Although often designated tenants and home owners it is an income an LRG responsibility, in a sample of 60 issue, since for low-income households countries, housing and utilities represented housing is the second most important only 8.8% of total LRG expenditure.7 expenditure after food. Second, the amount Globally, the trend is for centralized and spent on decent housing is also about sectoral decision-making processes in the location and access to public services. regulation of housing and property markets Although some efforts have been made, and subsidized programmes. Competences the reality is that most of the population and powers appear to overlap or compete, hindering the autonomy of LRGs to promote, protect and be accountable for adequate A first step to planning, financing and housing. Moreover, as was recognized in the Addis building partnerships towards the Ababa Action Agenda,8 decentralization of housing responsibilities is rarely matched by ‘localization’ of the SDGs is acknowledging technical and financial support. In fact, it is the importance of local leadership often delegated to the regional rather than the municipal level. A first step to planning, financing and building partnerships towards the ‘localization’ of the SDGs is acknowledging the importance of local leadership. While there are innovative projects involving local government in housing strategies, for example in Bangladesh and India, these do not adequately take account of local governments constraints to plan and deliver basic services. A further challenge is the move from sectoral and top-down financing to more efficient investment and management across all levels of government that reflect the true picture of housing needs. At Habitat III, it was estimated that USD 929 billion was needed to improve the housing conditions of nearly one billion people living in slums or inadequate housing. This figure does not account for the 100 million homeless and 72 million displaced people settled in urban areas. Unprecedented large-scale investments are being made by national governments with a strong sectoral orientation and often a focus on economic development and job creation. But this sectoral investment framework has been limited to the upgrading of targeted areas or the construction of new residential areas. In many cases it has little regard for human rights, provision of basic services, mobility and density, the financial capacity of local actors to maintain housing stock, social cohesion and the value of real-estate over time. Moreover, the commodification

of housing has prioritized regeneration Nozella, flickr.com) by Marcos (photo Brasil in São Paulo, Municipal Market 50 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

resort to incremental and informal housing, gentrification. LRGs in cities such as which places a greater strain on sustainable Barcelona (Spain), Amsterdam (Holland), development financing strategies. Moreover, New York (United States) and Montevideo

new expansions convert rural areas into (Uruguay) among others, are taking a stand urban land. The generated land added- against gentrification (see Box 4.1.). value is critical for financing the extension The other major issue is how to plan

SDG 11 of infrastructure for basic services and effectively for inclusive and resilient minimizing the environmental footprint of societies. Available data indicate that urban growth. Much still can and must be Africa, Latin America and Asia have made

and Communities done to adapt strategies to communities' progress in improving the living conditions Sustainable Cities Sustainable Cities resources and realities. of urban households. But their approach to Though not comparable, housing shortages housing and service delivery has often been and speculative practices are also a problem piecemeal, undermining any attempt to in European countries. In 2016, 11 countries9 address accessibility to job, infrastructure registered an alarming 6% annual growth and services more holistically at the urban rate in national house price indices, which level. is likely to mask considerable variations in This, together with urban sprawl, is costly regional house price levels between capitals, for LRGs and urban dwellers, who abandon their peripheries, intermediate cities and new neighbourhoods in large numbers due small towns. In this regard, affordability to difficulties accessing employment and is also measured in terms of being able to the affordability of even partial services on afford the mortgage. land that was formerly sub-divided and not Prohibitively high prices globally translate part of the city’s formal infrastructure and into more socio-economic segregation and services. This has been the case for example in Angola, Brazil, China, Ethiopia and Mexico. The existence of planning instruments ! BOX 4.1. such as Master Plans does not guarantee the achievement of local public goals. LRGs face numerous barriers when using conventional ‘MAKE THE SHIFT’ AND THE TEN PRINCIPLES OF A urban management and planning tools, RIGHTS-BASED HOUSING STRATEGY as they lack control over the various critical dimensions in policy-making (see UCLG, along with UN Office of the United Nation High Target 11.3), financial strategies and data Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), has joined the new availability. On the one hand, for example, multi-stakeholder international movement, ‘Make the Shift’, about 13% of African capitals have private led by the Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing and the City land registered or mapped by LRGs that of Barcelona. This campaign recognizes that global challenges often don’t have adequate records of their 11 to the right to housing require a comprehensive human rights- municipal assets; whilst on the other, cities based approach. in high-income countries still know very Several UN Special Rapporteurs on Adequate Housing have little about the number of housing vacancies stressed that ‘the effective implementation of the right to in their territory. In Europe, the average adequate housing cannot be achieved without the proactive vacancy rate is around 18% including both 12 involvement of local and sub-national governments.’ The latest vacant dwelling and second homes. In report, adopted in March 2018, provides various examples Canada, the recent census shows that since of how LRGs, in partnership with other stakeholders, are 2001, the number of empty units has tripled progressively implementing each of the ten principles for a and doubled in Toronto and Vancouver rights-based housing strategy listed below: respectively. This is strongly correlated 1. Based in law and legal standards 2. Prioritize those most with short-term rental solutions for mass in need and ensure equality 3. Comprehensive and whole- tourism, speculative investments and/or of-government 4. Rights-based participation 5. Accountable unused second homes. budgeting and tax justice 6. Human rights-based goals and Having the technical capacity to ensure timelines 7. Accountability and monitoring 8. Ensuring access quality construction of housing is also a to justice 9. Clarify the obligation of private actors and regulate challenge. While many national developers financial housing and real-estate markets 10. Implement do not have the resources to meet quantitative international cooperation and assistance.10 needs, international partnerships often result in costly imports of materials, more speculation over bankable projects and less 51 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

community involvement. Furthermore, the of new affordable housing units for social regulation of building codes often only takes purposes. This mechanism, sometimes into account standardized solutions that are enforceable through national legislation, not well adapted to local environmental and has been implemented in many cities such as cultural contexts and may induce negative London (United Kingdom) where the figure impacts in the long term, such as the loss of is 25%. In Plaine Commune (France), the traditional know-how. local government is more ambitious than the Uncoordinated plans and sectoral policies national legislation and requires 40% of total in settlement upgrading, transportation housing stock to serve social purposes. and local economic development have Furthermore, cities such as Vancouver led to incomplete regeneration, isolated (Canada), Paris (France) and São Paulo neighbourhoods, massive speculation (often (Brazil) among many others, took enforceable correlated with tourism opportunities), and measures against unoccupied dwellings. eviction of long-term tenants in favour of Vancouver, in particular, is currently large-scale developments. implementing a new tax on empty homes (1% Finally, the International Scientific of the asset value) to discourage this practice. Conference on Cities and Climate Change According to the latest census, about 4.6% of in Edmonton in March 2018 pointed to the houses stood ‘empty or underutilised for the urgent need to rethink housing and more than 180 days in 2017’ in the city.13 informality. Informal settlements are often With regards to planning, several impro- located in areas where high risk of disease, vements should be mentioned. In China, accidental fire, natural hazards and pollution where ambitious housing and housing finance concentrate. This is a particular challenge programmes are underway, municipal for LRGs, which often do not provide the governments have a key role in implementing most appropriate response. However, some affordable housing policies that are consistent progress has been made. with central government guidelines. Local governments also manage land inventories and set housing regulations. The 2020 target How are housing and basic services is 35% of the urban population in subsidized policies changing? or rental housing, compared with 7% in 2010. Innovative local approaches to housing Latin America also shows considerable policy are shifting away from individual progress in devolving responsibility for the entitlements implemented by central implementation of housing programmes government entities, towards coordinated to local governments, even in highly area-focused policies through multilevel centralized countries such as Chile. governance (MLG) that include the private Programmes that best demonstrate sector and empower communities in overall neighbourhood improvement were planning and financing mechanisms. This highlighted in the run-up to the New Urban 9 According to the Eurostats Macroeconomic Imbalance evolution is strongly correlated with the Agenda. For example, Favela Bairro in Rio de Procedure Scoreboard, these improvement of local democracy and with Janeiro (Brazil) or Mejoramiento Integral de are Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, political, administrative and financial Barrios in Medellin (Colombia) are entirely Austria, Portugal, Romania, decentralization more generally. designed and financed by municipalities. Slovakia, Sweden and the UK. 10 Report of the Special As highlighted in the follow-up to the They bring improvements to wide sections Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the UN ECOSOC Forum on Financing for of the community, as well as urban services right to an adequate standard Development, LRGs are more efficient than essential for households to achieve a good of living. A/HRC/37/53 other administrative levels at coordinating a standard of living in the city. 11 Denninger K (2018) For billions without formal land territorial and partnership-led response to Arguably the most profound change in rights, the tech revolution offers new grounds for hope. sustainable development and its objectives. planning housing policies has been the Retrieved from World Bank Their policies need to be included in an implementation of a rights-based approach. Blog Development Talk. 12 FEANTSA and Fondation enhanced coordinated financing strategy National and local governments are also Abbé Pierre, An Overview of that incorporates other tiers of government shifting perspective away from the view Housing Exclusion in Europe 2015. and international donors with access to a that ‘illegal’ settlements can be reclaimed 13 This data was released in the more diverse source of development finance. and bulldozed, understanding that a large press, based on the report of the Council of Vancouver. Last In terms of improving institutional and part of the city’s population, workforce consulted on 25 May 2018: https://www.theguardian. regulatory frameworks, many LRGs with and local economic activity is located in com/world/2018/mar/08/ legal and fiscal powers are stipulating that informal settlements, albeit in risk-prone vancouver-declares-5-of- homes-empty-and-liable-for- developers ensure a minimum proportion areas such as river banks (see below 11.5). new-tax. 52 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

In practice, there are hundreds of cities of Coalition for Housing Rights currently work all sizes where LRGs work with grassroots with LRGs, their associations and networks in organizations and federations in informal over 30 countries. Interestingly, the majority

settlements. The first step is to improve of savers and savings group managers are participatory processes and social cohesion. women, whose active participation ensures As a result, the city benefits from timely data that their priorities and concerns are

SDG 11 and stronger community organizations that integrated into key incremental investments attract social capital to their neighbourhoods. such as sanitation or planning safe public Practices such as participatory mapping spaces.

and Communities conducted by the Zimbabwe Homeless Transform the Settlements of the Urban Sustainable Cities Sustainable Cities People’s Federation have led to in situ Poor in Uganda (TSUPU) is an example of upgrade plans being developed by the Local another initiative where five secondary Board of Epworth. Similarly, the Kenyan cities are supported by an MLG framework Homeless People’s Federation established that includes both the national government a more participatory process (Target 11.3) in and LRGs. This was then extended to the upgrading schemes in Mukuru and Huruma country’s 14 main secondary cities, ensuring with the local government of Nairobi. the urban poor participate in planning and Given the challenge to integrate households decision-making processes. In Kenya, into the formal market, the second step is the Akiba Mashinani Trust supports the to support community-led initiatives such savings schemes and housing programmes as savings groups. Members of Slum/ of the Kenyan Federation of Slum Dwellers Shack Dwellers International and the Asian (Muungano wa Wanavijiji). Both these institutions provide a platform for community networks in the cities in which they operate ! BOX 4.2. to work with local government to map slums, identify vacant land and negotiate housing CITIES FOR ADEQUATE HOUSING - LOCAL projects (both in-situ and relocated). GOVERNMENTS FOR THE 'RIGHT TO HOUSING' AND Lastly, there is much room for improvement THE 'RIGHT TO THE CITY' in municipal asset management. Cities in Uruguay have vast experience creating links and solidarity within their territories. For The 2018 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) of the United decades, national and local governments Nations to follow up on SDG Goal 11 took place in the 50th have financed and encouraged housing anniversary year of the publication of Le Droit à la Ville (Henri production through the well-known Housing Lefebvre, 1968) and two years after the New Urban Agenda of Cooperatives for Mutual Assistance, in Habitat III (Quito, 2016). order to mediate the issue of land and Signatory cities together with Leilani Farha, Special Rapporteur prevent commodification and speculative of the United Nations on Adequate Housing took part. valorization of social housing production. The HLPF addressed the growing issues that threaten the Similarly, the experience of Community Land equity and sustainability of our urban model. These included Trusts in Brussels or New York has been real-estate speculation, the financialization of housing, instrumental in prioritizing use value over touristification of historic neighbourhoods, socio-spatial exchange value and looking at housing as a segregation of the outskirts, forced evictions without offering human right rather than a commodity. alternative solutions, housing precariousness, homelessness, In Barcelona, the Provincial Council urban sprawl and informal urban enlargements without the of Barcelona, has designed the Housing requisite facilities or infrastructure. Debt Mediation Service14 with the aim of During the Forum of Local and Regional Governments (LRGs), protecting people at risk of losing their cities called for action to ‘put the right to housing and the right home through personalized legal advice in to the city at the centre’, based on the following five principles: restructuring their debt. Moreover, the City 1. More powers to better regulate the real estate market. Council signed an agreement with the Sareb, 2. More funds to improve public housing stock. the company in charge of management of 3. More tools to co-produce public-private community-driven assets that resulted from the restructuring alternative housing. of the banking system, in order to reclaim 4. An urban planning that combines adequate housing with the temporary return of 255 vacant units for quality, inclusive and sustainable neighbourhoods. urgent housing needs. A similar example can 5. A municipalist cooperation in residential strategies. be found in Ireland, where the National Asset Management Agency identified 6,575 vacant 53 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

units owned by the banks and was able to work with local authorities to allocate 2,526 of them for social housing purposes.

Local actions addressing local and global agendas Almost every aspect of housing needs the strong engagement of local governments (usually ward, district and municipal level) who are closest to the population, more accountable to them and able to collaborate with them to generate local resources for local solutions The SDGs commit to ensuring access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing

and basic services and to upgrade slums. In Ciambra) by Andrea Spain (photo Barcelona, district, in the Raval Roofs addition, the commitments and goals within the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework and the New Urban Agenda include many from individuals/households and community issues relevant to housing. But too little organizations (including their savings and attention is paid to how these ambitious their capacities to contribute to upgrading) goals and commitments will be addressed, and private sector enterprises (e.g. for by whom, and with what funds. building materials, small loans and rental We can see the benefits in many countries housing) as well as ward and municipal level of transferring or sharing responsibilities for government and higher levels of government. the implementation of housing programmes Co-production of public-private-community- to local governments, especially where there driven housing should be encouraged.15 is adequate financing and technical support Strong commitment to ‘slum’ upgrading from the central or regional government(s). is essential, recognizing how much this City governments that have developed strong can help meet many of the SDGs, as well partnerships with grassroots organizations as how much ‘slum’ residents and their and federations for upgrading, new house organizations can contribute. Addressing all construction and access to urban services, identified constraints on housing provision or have all achieved convincing results. upgrading is key, e.g. increase the supply and reduce the cost of serviced land for housing; expand high-quality public transport The way forward integrated into expanding serviced lots with The Right to Housing needs to be at the good access to employment and services; centre of the urban agenda. Housing should change inappropriate land use and building no longer be regarded as a sectoral issue. regulations and mobilize what financial Urban housing policies must be seen in a support there is to support this. comprehensive way and conceived as city To facilitate ‘co-creation’ is necessary to policies. LRGs must be placed at the heart of increase the options for enabling new ways their implementation. of owner or user organization, such as As such, housing policies and programmes cooperative user-units that will co-create need to shift away from sector-centred neighbourhoods, especially in central areas programmes financing individual entitlements with increased density and limited land and implemented by central government available. 14 The SIDH is a joint initiative entities, towards area-focused policies Finally, all urban governments need to of the Housing Agency of implemented by local governments that seek consider how to build resilience to the changes Catalonia, in collaboration with municipalities, county to finance integrated programmes designed that climate change will or may bring. Much councils and lawyer guilds. More information online at: to improve the living conditions of the entire of this is achieved by informal settlement https://www.diba. cat/es/web/ urban population. upgrading and land-use management. It benestar/sidh. 15 Drawn from Cities against The public sector needs to increase is also important that housing, and all the Gentrification; Manifesto for investments in housing policies. However, sectors that influence housing, incorporate the Right to Housing and the Right to the City, New York, housing policies need to draw on resources measures to contribute to low-carbon cities. 16th July 2018. 54 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Efficient mobility systems reduce 11.2 congestion, accidents, noise, pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,17 at the A SAFE, AFFORDABLE, same time facilitating access to education, ACCESSIBLE AND jobs, markets and a range of other essential services to ensure ‘no one is left behind’. SDG 11 SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT Accordingly, seven SDGs are linked to 16 SYSTEM FOR ALL sustainable mobility, either explicitly through transport-related targets, or via cross- and Communities

Sustainable Cities Sustainable Cities Cities play a critical role in several aspects cutting dimensions of sustainable transport of effective and sustainable mobility. These in urban and territorial policies.18 range from the provision of safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all to improving and guaranteeing road safety. Trends in expanding public transport Lack of access to transportation, especially and SDG 11.2 in peripheral urban areas in developed The 2017 Global Mobility Report19 finds that countries and marginalized neighbourhoods SDG 11.2 is still far from being met. From in developing countries, frequently 2001 to 2014, a combination of higher transit aggravates economic and social isolation use and a rapid growth in urban populations and segregation. However, with sufficient led to a 20% rise in demand for public support cities can promote inclusive and transport.20 integrated urban planning and transport Currently, daily trips via public transport policies and transform their transport account for approximately 16% of daily urban systems. Public transport is central to these movement, walking and cycling approximately policies, enhancing access for all and giving 37%, and private motorized transportation 47% particular attention to the rights of women, — about three times that of public transport. youth, people with disabilities, older persons By 2030, the target date for the SDGs, it is and other vulnerable groups. estimated that the number of daily public

FIGURE 4.1.

EVOLUTION IN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT JOURNEYS IN SAMPLE COUNTRIES 16 We want to acknowledge the Union of International Public Transports (UITP) for their contribution to this section. 250 17 18.4 bn See for reference: https:// -52% www.itdp.org/a-global-high- shift-scenario/. Billions 12.5 bn -14% 18 Global progress in reducing 15.9 bn GHG emissions (SDG 13), for +19% example, can also be achieved 49.6 bn 36.1 bn via SDG 11.2. A high shift +17% scenario to public transport, 14.5 bn walking and cycling would 41.9 bn +11% eliminate about 1.7 gigatons 13.3 bn of carbon dioxide (CO2) 30.7 bn annually - a 40% reduction of 25.6 bn urban passenger transport +51% emissions. 37.7 bn 19 The report is produced 87.0 bn by the Sustainable Mobility 17.5 bn +147% for All (SuM4All) initiative, a worldwide consortium of over 35.1 bn 50 leading organizations in the 0 transport sector. It assesses progress on sustainable 2011 2012 2013 2010 2014 2001 2007 2005 2002 2006 2009 2008 2003 mobility around the world. 2004 The document is available at: https://openknowledge. worldbank.org/bitstream/ handle/10986/28542/120500. China Bazil & Turkey East Asia Western Europe North America & ANZ Eastern Europe Eurasia (RUS+UKR) pdf?sequence=5. 20 38 countries were scrutinized. 55 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

FIGURE 4.2. transport trips could increase by 50%, reflecting both the projected growth in urban EXPECTED SCENARIOS FOR FUTURE SHARE OF population and an increase in the number of TRANSPORTATION MODES. trips made daily by each urban resident.21 This increase would primarily be in 12 developing economies, where approximately 10 90% of global population growth will occur 3.6 in the coming decades. Cities in developing 8 6.2 countries are in fact already struggling to Daily Trips (billions) Trips Daily meet increasing demand for public transport, 6 with insufficient investment to finance this 3.5 4.2 growing need. 4 Figure 4.2 shows that a business-as-usual 3.6 2.8 th 2 scenario consistent with 20 century trends 3.6 would imply a change in urban transport 1.2 1.5 patterns and a significant shift from walking 0 2015 2025 (BAU) 2025 (PTx2) and cycling to private motorized vehicles. Public transport would see only a small Public Transport Non-motorized Private motorized increase of its market share, while the Source: UITP PTx2 Scenarios. number of trips on private motorized vehicles would grow by almost 80%, making SDG 11.2 unattainable. Alternatively, doubling the share of public As an example, the rapid growth of cities transport usage worldwide, and keeping in Africa has created a highly fragmented walking and cycling stable, would make it public transport system with generally weak 21 Based on research by UITP, available at this address: possible to decouple urban mobility growth public infrastructure. Most commuters have http://www.uitp.org/MCD. from growth in its societal and environmental still to walk long distances to access public 22 See online at this address: 22 http://www.uitp.org/strategy- costs — the UITP PTx2 scenario. transport and often on unsafe, inadequate public-transport. The modal split resulting from the PTx2 roads. Those commuters who can pay for 23 Even in regions with an scenario would be more balanced, with urban public transport rely heavily on buses, midi/ established tradition of public transport services, local trips being shared almost evenly between minibuses, taxis and motorcycles, and governments are confronted with structural difficulties public transport, walking and cycling, and other means of informal transportation. to fund municipal transport private motorized vehicles. The premise is Rail commuting services are generally only companies adequately. In certain contexts, sub- not to reduce the number of trips made by available in a few major African cities. national governments contract private, public or private vehicles but rather to keep those at Informal and formal transit are in constant mixed companies to manage services delivery. In other current levels (about 3.5 billion trips per day) competition, often leading to massive contexts, even though local and to ensure all extra mobility would be congestion and serious safety and pollution governments maintain control of public transport services provided by sustainable modes of transport. issues. Informal transportation has also had (e.g. in Eurasia), central or regional governments have In doing so, this would allow us to meet the a huge impact on urban transit in the regions nonetheless been able to continuously increasing demand for urban of Latin America and Asia. Furthermore, in impose limits or control regulation by establishing transport while decreasing per capita urban Africa, up to 80% of public transport users maximum fares or regulating the issuing of licences for transport emissions by 25% (on a global rely on informal transport while SDG 11.2 different types of passenger average). refers only to formal provision, highlighting transportation. For these scenarios to be viable, decision- the urgency of calibrating global agendas 24 In Latin America, the formal transport sector is often making will need to consider the inherent with the actual demands and resources of managed by a small number of large operators (public, heterogeneity of transport and mobility in LRGs on the ground. private, and/or a combination of both). The rest of the sector different contexts. Consistency between is occupied by numerous LRGs’ competences, powers, regulation and small private operators and frequently overlaps licensing, and the inevitably diverse methods Policy responses to expanding public with informal provision. In most cities in Africa, Asia of funding of such services, will be essential transport and Latin America, small, for SDG 11.2 and several other targets of the The UN Secretary General’s High-Level informal modes of public transport (by minibus, 2030 Agenda, the National Urban Agenda, Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport scooter, tricycle and shared taxis) are central to transport and the Paris Climate Agreement to be has recommended progress in three key services. In Latin America, in the general population up met. Funding methods include user tariffs, areas to guarantee sustainable, accessible to 30% of journeys are made subsidies or co-funding via national, regional and inclusive transport. These are policy on informal transport, and a much higher proportion in or local government or cross-subsidies.23 development and implementation, financing, low-income groups. 56 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

and technological innovation.25 Local Authority is aiming for 20% of total trips to be governments have tremendous potential to by public transport by 2020 and 30% by 2030 contribute to this, given how many transport- – thus doubling the share of 15% in 2015. In

sector policy instruments are within their terms of national efforts to pursue this goal, jurisdiction.26 These include road safety, Malaysia, for example, has set a nationwide cycle and walking paths, density promotion, goal to achieve a public transport target of

SDG 11 bus rapid transit schemes,27 traffic-free 40% of all trips in urban areas by 2030.34 zones,28 ‘car-free days’,29 congestion-pricing On the other hand, public transport schemes,30 and shared-mobility platforms operation and capital investment costs have

and Communities to reduce reliance on private transport also grown significantly in the last decade Sustainable Cities Sustainable Cities and address urban pollution,31 alongside due to increased demand, higher quality ‘nationwide’ measures such as fuel taxes and expectations from customers, and the growing 25 UN SG’s High-Level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport, enhanced rail infrastructure. cost of production (chiefly labour and energy). Mobilizing Sustainable Transport for Development, 2016. In many cases, Sustainable Urban Mobility LRGs usually fund most of the gap between 26 According to the City Survey Plans (SUMPs) have provided local authorities commercial revenue and operating costs. developed by the LSE’s Going Green initiative, 63% of all policy with a clear framework for implementation In developed economies, this represents tools used for urban mobility are of sustainable urban transport systems. on average of about 50% of public transport implemented by city governments. 35 27 Curitiba was the first city to Brazil has made urban mobility plans a legal operating costs. There is no ideal specific develop a Bus Rapid Transit system obligation for 3,300 cities and a precondition ratio of financial support to fare revenue, in 1974. Curitiba’s BRT system model has already been replicated for receiving transport infrastructure but successful approaches combine the in more than 150 cities worldwide. 80% of travellers use the BRT financing; and the Ministry of Cities has development of a proper revenue strategy, system and it carries around 2 provided technical and financial assistance the earmarking of local charges for public million passengers per day. 28 Over the last decade, about 30% to many cities developing their own urban transport and partnerships with private fewer vehicles have accessed mobility plans.32 Copenhagen’s ‘long-term investors.36 In addition, new technologies London’s (United Kingdom) city centre, and 20% fewer in Lyon vision’, for example, ‘is that at least one may need new financing models. For (France). 29 Jakarta (Indonesia), for instance, third of all driven traffic in the city should instance, considering the high entry barrier has been organizing ‘car-free’ be made by bicycle, at least one third by to electric bus systems, new business and days to promote environmental awareness since 2014; São public transport, and no more than one third financing models are needed to help cities Paulo (Brazil) and Paris (France) 33 conducted similar initiatives. by car’. In Dubai, the Roads and Transport and operators to invest in these cost-effective 30 In London, since the implementation of the Congestion Charging Scheme, vehicle delays have reduced by 26% inside the charging zone and the bus fleet and ridership have increased ! BOX 4.3. significantly. The scheme has developed a net revenue of GBP 120 million, which by law has to be spent on transport improvements in London for the ten years after DIGITAL TOOLS TO BRIDGE THE FORMAL-INFORMAL implementation. DIVIDE: 'WHEREISMYTRANSPORT' 31 Helsinki (Canada) aims to make it unnecessary to own a private car by 2025. Over the past two years, residents have been able to use an WhereIsMyTransport is an open digital platform that provides information app to plan and pay for all modes of public and private transport on formally and informally run transport services in emerging cities. within the city – be it train, taxi, Launched in August 2016, it supports 20 cities in ten countries across bike, carshare or bikeshare. 32 Through its Restructuring Africa and the Middle East in providing better information about mobility. Plan for Public Transport in the Participating cities include Cape Town and Durban in South Africa, Beirut Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, the city opted for the in Lebanon and Accra in Ghana. establishment of an integrated urban transport network. This It centralizes all forms of mobility data in a platform that anyone can combines buses, underground trains and an inter-neighbourhood build on to provide transport information (e.g. feed digital signage at system with direct, circular and stops), develop software products (e.g. mobility apps for transport peripheral lines. 33 UN SDG’s High-Level Advisory users), or analyse metrics to improve transport provision (e.g. as a tool Group on Sustainable Transport, for city transport planners). p. 21. The first ‘bicycle highway’, for example, was launched in 2012 It works with transport operators, cities and governments to deliver and allows commuters to link the central district with the periphery innovations that make mobility services easier for citizens to use and can by bike. The city’s ambitious policy integrate data from even the most rudimentary operators. links transportation strategies with the promotion of renewable In 2017, it mapped the entire informal transport sector of Cape Town energyto become neutral in terms using specially developed tools, Cape Town thus becoming the world’s of CO2 emissions through a series of innovations and a climate plan. The city already reduced its first city to delineate formal and informal transport and make data emissions by 21% between 2005 openly available. and 2011 (C40 Cities, Copenhagen: CPH climate plan 2025). 57 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

low-emission alternatives.37 This includes Urban policies and public transport models such as joint procurement between systems must be developed in an integrated transit agencies to bring down the upfront way in order to achieve maximum impact. costs, and also leasing models separating Such integration needs to happen on two the battery from the bus. levels. At the policy level, joint policy design 34 SPAD – The Land Transport Finally, technological improvement and is essential to deliver a consistent urban Commission of Malaysia, 2013: National Land Public Transport developments in transport and mobility mobility system, with urban planning and Master Plan. have affected policy through sustainable transport decision-making integrated so as 35 See also: http://www.uitp.org/ sites/default/files/Financing%20 and low/zero-emission vehicles and to build more compact cities and favour mixed public%20transport.pdf. systems, geo-localized services, usage flow land use, as a way to increase accessibility. 36 The rail-plus-property development business model has and itinerary tracking, or travel and road On a practical level, improved coordination been successfully implemented in Hong Kong as a means of behaviour sensorization. Innovation has among different transport modes will create internalizing the added external economic benefits along the increased accessibility, affordability, service more appealing, efficient and user-friendly railway corridor for subsidizing rationalization, and safety (of both users and transit systems, and positively spill over in railway construction and operations. This has substantially other citizens). Global cooperation frameworks terms of shaping better user behaviour, and relieved the burden on government and released more public funds for among cities have also helped significantly in favouring sustainable, collective and public other social welfare uses. this regard. ICLEI’s Eco-Mobility Alliance and transit over polluting or inefficient private 37 See also: https://about.bnef.com/ blog/electric-buses-cities-driving- Cities for Mobility and UITP’s Expert Working options. All this can only happen under a towards-cleaner-air-lower-co2/. Groups are good examples of these trends. comprehensive and well-defined urban 38 Case study references of Guangzhou and Shanghai (China), Sustainable mobility has been an area in which mobility strategy — inevitably supported by Jakarta (Indonesia), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), and Shiraz (Iran) metropolitan cities are most likely to exchange visionary leadership, technical awareness and and workshop presentations are best practices and expertise with each other.38 the strong backing of political will across all available online: http://www. metropolis.org/agenda/urban- Ultimately, lack of availability of data levels of governance and institutional design. transportation-policy-training. More information on Metropolis’ and indicator inadequacy remain among Existing urban public transport services, International Training Institute the biggest barriers to achieving SDG 11.2. moreover, need sufficient funding just to (MITI) is available online at: http:// seoulmiti.org/. In May 2017, UITP’s Currently there is no data at the international maintain current service levels and quality: Global Public Transport Summit attracted 2,500 participants from 84 level and few national statistical agencies large-scale investments will be required in countries to exchange best practice with international experts on public are collecting information on the ‘official’ the future to upgrade and modernize existing transport up-scaling for SDG 11.2 SDG indicator, i.e. ‘the proportion of the infrastructure and fund new projects, implementation. https://uitpsummit. org/summit2017-edition/. 41 population that has convenient access to notably in fast-growing cities. In many 39 The UN Statistical Commission public transport’.39 Proxy indicators, easily places around the world, public spending has proposed that for SDG 11.2, access to public transport is aggregated and regularly reported by has shrunk, threatening public transport considered convenient when an officially recognized stop is public transport authorities and operators funding: to help ensure dependable and accessible within a distance of 500m at the local level (e.g. passenger journeys, sufficient funding for public transport, new from a reference point such as a home, school, workplace, market, mode share, vehicle-km of public transport funding avenues also need to be explored. etc. However, the capacity to report such an indicator at the local level vehicles, length of public transport lines or These include congestion and road pricing, is currently very limited and cannot easily be aggregated up to the the number of public transport stops per parking and similar charges as part of national level. See also: https:// area) would be more useful to measure SDG a diversified toolbox, complemented by unstats.un.org/sdgs/metadata/files/ Metadata-11-02-01.pdf. 11.2 implementation, especially for cities innovative sources, e.g. land-value capture 40 UITP was identified by the UN with low data collection capability.40 programmes, green bonds and transit- Statistical Commission to address the data gap and has embarked oriented development (TOD) grants, fuel/ on a project to develop a global reporting tool directly from carbon taxes and other climate-compatible public transport authorities and financial instruments. operators, useful for local, national The way forward and international reporting SDG 11.2 and sustainable mobility and Service and technology innovation is key as well as other international reporting frameworks (e.g. the transport are not attainable unless more to offering customers a top-quality mobility Global Tracking Framework of the integrated approaches, urban policies option and an enhanced journey experience SuM4All initiative). 41 Currently, global capital and public transport systems, enhanced that can help to reduce accidents, improve investment in public and private transport is between USD$1.4 governance frameworks, short and long- access and the environment. Ultimately, trillion and $2.1 trillion annually term planning, capacity-building, and the capacity of the sector needs to grow if it (see also: https://www.wri. org/sites/default/files/The_ engagement of all stakeholders are wants to respond to the ever-growing needs Trillion_Dollar_Question_II_ Tracking_Investment_Needs_in_ systematically put in place. Decentralized of urban citizens. Transport_0.pdf), but promoting framework, coordination between transport Addressing the data gap is also essential a more sustainable low-carbon pathway for urban transport will and territorial planning institutions, clear and UITP is launching a reporting tool this depend on how future capital is invested. According to these and accountable contractual relationship year for the public transport sector to track estimates, if cities were to be built around public transport, it would between local governments and service operational performance data on SDG 11.2 reduce urban infrastructure capital provider, mixed and localized financing to support national reporting and policy by more than USD$3 trillion over the next 15 years (see also: https:// instruments are critical levers. development. newclimateeconomy.report/). 58 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Policies (NUPs). LRGs must be the promoters 11.3 and key actors of these planning innovations, INCLUSIVE AND facilitating participatory approaches, with

the possibility to experiment and innovate SUSTAINABLE URBANI- as ‘labs’ of new practices to support ZATION — PARTICIPATORY, sustainability and inclusiveness. SDG 11 Global North countries, and more recently INTEGRATED AND Eastern European countries, have evolved SUSTAINABLE PLANNING over the years towards more decentralized,

and Communities participatory and ‘market-friendly’ forms Sustainable Cities Sustainable Cities AND MANAGEMENT IN ALL of planning, operating through multilevel, COUNTRIES 42 multi-sectoral and more networked systems of governance, linking planning and action through development strategies. In many global South countries such reforms have 42 We want to acknowledge “People are not just been slow and for different reasons planning the contribution of Professor Vanessa Watson, School of remains relatively centralized, top-down, Architecture, Planning and inactive recipients of Geomatics, University of bureaucratic, open to political opportunism Cape Town, South Africa, as and patrimonialism, and hampered by lack well as the inputs provided goods and services. by Prof. Tom Coppens, of capacity and resources. However, there Faculty of Design Sciences, University of Antwerp Instead, they serve are some global South countries which have (Belgium), Puvendra Akkiah made important planning innovations. (City of Durban, South Africa) UCLG Committee on Urban as real contributors The SDGs and the New Urban Agenda Strategic Planning, Regina Rau (former planner city of in the creation of offer a real opportunity to reform and Porto Alegre, Brazil). strengthen the planning role of LRGs 43 In the 2018 flagship publication, Leading change improved, humanized and their linkages to various levels and – Delivering the New Urban Agenda through Urban and networks of governance, including citizen Territorial Planning, UN cities.” participation. The basic principles adopted Habitat defines planning as ‘a decision-making Mpho Parks Tau, by the UN Governing Council of UN Habitat process aimed at realizing 44 economic, social, cultural, The Voice of Mayors, Metropolis 2014 in 2015 define guiding principles for urban and environmental goals and territorial planning within this global through the development of spatial visions, strategies framework. and plans and the application of sets of policy principles, Traditionally, city planning has focused tools, institutional and participatory mechanisms on confining urban sprawl and regulating and regulatory procedures’ land use through the application of Decentralization, or giving cities (https://unhabitat.org/ books/leading-change- norms and regulations.43 Today, the the power to act delivering-the-new-urban- agenda-through-urban- world needs to accommodate one million Clearly, the capacity of cities to plan and-territorial-planning/). This definition fully reflects new urban dwellers per week, urban in a participatory and inclusive way is the one developed in the sprawl has become far more common, strongly determined by the effectiveness UCLG Policy paper on urban strategic planning informality the dominant form of access to of decentralization already in place – Local Leaders preparing for the future of cities employment and housing in many regions, in a country. In both North and South published in 2006 (https:// and commodification of urban goods and America as well as in European countries, issuu.com/uclgcglu/docs/ urbanstrategic). services is gaining ground. Thus, planning decentralization of governance and planning 44 See UN Habitat (2015), The should concentrate mainly on guiding urban has strongly enabled LRGs to develop International Guidelines on Urban and Territorial Planning: development, integration and infrastructure flexible and strategic forms, and innovative https://unhabitat.org/books/ international-guidelines- provision. Regulation remains important, approaches to mainstream local priorities. on-urban-and-territorial- planning/. but new forms of planning are essential to In Eastern Europe, following the fall of 45 See Berrisford S and adapt to the new global context and address authoritarian governments, certain powers P McAuslan (2018), Reforming Urban Laws in Africa: a concerns such as climate change, social and were devolved to sub-national governments practical guide. African economic inclusion, spatial justice, gender but in many cases, local self-governance Centre for Cities, UN Habitat, Cities Alliance and Urban and resilience. remains limited. The region’s intermediary Landmark. Innovating in planning means being cities face big challenges, the phenomenon 46 MIT Center for Civic Media, available online at this proactive rather than regulatory. National of ‘shrinking cities’ accounting for the address: https://civic.mit.edu. governments must play a key role in creating persistence of top-down master planning, 47 Frost & Sullivan, ‘Strategic Opportunity Analysis of the the appropriate institutional environment weak implementation at the LRG level and Global Smart City Market’. (legal and regulatory frameworks), little control over market-driven urban 48 Govela, ‘City Changer Labs and Digital Civics. supported by adequate National Urban development. 59 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

In Africa, planning systems remain highly democracy can create ‘virtuous circles’ of centralized with urban planning laws mainly engagement between citizens and institutions inherited from colonial times and primarily through different mechanisms and channels under the control of a central government (e.g. neighbourhood committees and department. Some governments have assemblies, open town council meetings, committed to decentralize these laws. But councils for the elderly and youth, referenda, new laws have often been written and not e-democracy, participatory budgets and approved, or the necessary changes have planning, among others). The participation not been made to urban governance and of citizens through digital instruments is a land management legislation.45 Similarly more recent development, and the concepts in Asia, countries are in slow transition of ‘Civic Media’,46 ‘Smart Citizen’,47 and between older systems of top-down service ‘Digital Civics’48 are already gaining ground. delivery and newer decentralized systems Latin America has undoubtedly played for development policy and planning. A lack a pioneering role in the development of of clarity on devolved competences leads to participatory procedures in local planning. weak planning capacities. For effective planning, LRGs need clear definition of responsibilities, adequate human and financial resources as well as capacities and powers to enforce local decisions. Worldwide, those cities with the ! BOX 4.4. power to act have institutionalized forms of citizen and community participation. EXAMPLES OF THE EVOLUTION OF THE PLANNING Communities in particular have the potential INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK to provide local knowledge and information to improve the management of basic services City Strategic Planning was initiated in Barcelona in the to reach populations and neighbourhoods nineties, but later spread to many cities across the world. The left furthest behind. City of Johannesburg, for example, sought to create a strategy An important stimulus to positive reforms to rethink the nature of local governance. The Joburg 2040: and cultural change in planning comes Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) is both an aspirational in the form of strategic planning. This is document that defines the type of society Johannesburg seeks part of the overall objective of promoting to become by 2040, and a long-term planning instrument integrated development by combining with a set of strategic choices to guide the city’s development urban policies with economic development trajectory. It lays the foundation for multilevel, multi-scalar and management strategies. In many and integrated responses to the city’s urban challenges larger metropolitan areas, strategic plans The Plan de ordenamiento territorial (POT) was the planning have become important tools to achieve a law first developed in Colombia that later influenced laws longer-term framework for managing their in Ecuador and Bolivia. It emphasized and amplified the development. The preparatory process multidimensional and integrated nature of (spatial and socio- engages many actors, promotes dialogue, economic) planning, and contributed to the decentralization of and places key issues on the agenda of functions, highlighting the fiscal opportunities associated with decision-makers, which can contribute to the this process. That said, it has taken decades for the technical strengthening of city governance. It offers an and political capacity of municipalities to match this. opportunity to plan collaboratively through Decentralization can have negative effects. Long-term a participatory approach that includes local choices can sometimes give way to short-term interests that stakeholders and civil society. are politically more profitable for local governments. This has

been the case in many countries in Europe and North America where, for example, there has been a prolific development of Participation and inclusive shopping centres with little heed to environmental concerns. approaches to planning Learning from different experiences from Latin America Broad-based consultations and citizen and South Africa, countries such as Mozambique have since participation in local planning are key reformed their planning laws, but municipalities still have conditions for ownership and further problems implementing land-use management and regulation implementation of agreed strategies. and, even more challenging, establishing a property tax Worldwide, the trend is to increase system from scratch. stakeholder participation in local governance processes. Instruments of participatory 60 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Brazil and Bolivia institutionalized Other participatory planning experiences, participatory processes and Brazilian cities such as City Development Strategies, have were responsible for well-known innovations fostered the inclusion of vulnerable groups 49 such as participatory budgeting. In spite of in defining urban strategies in Ouagadougou this, planning is still often technocratic and (Burkina Faso) and Douala (Cameroon). sectoral and fails to deal with structural These have yielded interesting results in

SDG 11 inequalities50 and citywide issues; and terms of consensus-building and funding in some cities the property development opportunities for follow-up investments.53 sector plays an increasingly dominant role Participation in planning processes has also

and Communities (for example during the Rio Olympic Games gained ground in the Maghreb countries. Sustainable Cities Sustainable Cities in 2016). Morocco introduced such provisions in 2010, In Africa, highly centralized and top-down requiring cities to design strategic plans in planning systems tend to be less consultative. a participatory way. In Tunisia, the National Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) such as Federation of Tunisian Cities recently Slum/Shack Dwellers International have engaged in the development of participatory played an important role in promoting urban strategies in nine inland secondary community participation, particularly of cities, drawing on the experiences of the informal economic actors. They have also cities of Sousse and Sfax.54 demonstrated the benefits of fostering In Southern Asia (excluding India), there the leadership of women in co-producing is little provision for participation by elected information, as has been the case in Kenya, representatives or citizens in planning South Africa and Uganda (See Section 11.1). preparation. In East and South-eastern Asia, democratic traditions are weak and top-down planning dominates. However, new practices

49 In 2018, there are more are emerging for example in Vietnam or in than 3,000 experiences of cities such as Chengdu (see Box 4.6.). In some participatory budgeting listed in cities across 40 countries. countries federations of the urban poor — 50 In Mumbai, for example, such as the Asian Coalition for Housing Rights ! BOX 4.5. those with class and caste privileges have benefited most — are the most likely route to participation. from the opportunities offered Likewise, master planning in Eastern by participatory democracy. Zérah MH (2009) Participatory MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT Europe is strongly driven by professional Governance in Urban Management and the Shifting FORUMS IN 14 INTERMEDIARY planners and often property development Geometry of Power in Mumbai. CITIES IN UGANDA interests, with very limited citizen 51 http://www.citiesalliance. org. Cities Alliance is a global consultation. Most states have however partnership of development introduced legislation which includes the agencies, governments, In the past ten years in Uganda, NGOs, LGAs, foundations, provision for participation. at the initiative of Cities Alliance,51 private sector and knowledge In upper middle-income countries, formal institutions. It provides direct Municipal Development Forums have operational support to urban procedures for participation and stakeholder governments and serves as an been set up in the country's 14 main international platform for all involvement have existed for some time, medium-sized cities. The forums partners to engage, learn and although these have been criticized for share knowledge, expertise — bringing together public, private and resources in support of a being ‘tokenistic’ rather than empowering. common vision and advocacy. and local stakeholders to support Organized interests through lobbying and 52 For more information, the elaboration of city development see the webpage of the advocacy (which may be profit-driven) can International Observatory on strategies — are now a benchmark play an important role in planning decisions. Local Democracy: https://oidp. for participation in Uganda, and are net/en/. A growing number of cities have adopted 53 being institutionalized as part of new See UN Habitat, International participatory budgeting, open consultations, Guidelines on Urban and regulations on national urban policy. Territorial Planning – Towards transparency portals and city labs — a a compendium of inspiring Increasing dissemination of partici- practices. Available at: http:// significant evolution towards increased patory budgeting practices is also a backend.aesop-planning.eu/ citizen participation and, at times, co- uploads/gpean/un-habitat/ig_ clear sign of growing participation in utp_towards-a-compendium- creation of the urban future. of-inspiring-practices.pdf. local planning processes. According to Also in Europe and mainly because of an 54 For more information, see the Observatory on Local Democracy http://www.citiesalliance.org/ increasing body of environmental legislation, Tunisia-CP-page. (OIDP), more than 700 African munici- citizens have more judicial instruments to 55 See Cabannes Y (2018), palities currently rely on participatory Highlights on some Asian and 52 contest spatial planning decisions, which Russian Participatory Budgeting budgeting. Pioneers, DPU, IOPD, Kota in turn increases the accountability of the Kita Foundation. Available at: planning system. https://www.oidp.net/docs/ repo/doc362.pdf. 61 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Policy coordination between national and local level – a work in progress Functions relevant to planning are usually ! BOX 4.6. spread across several departments and tiers of government, as well as private and civil OBSERVATIONS AND EXAMPLES OF INNOVATIVE society sectors, and urban and rural areas. PARTICIPATORY EXPERIENCES Horizontal and vertical policy integration is vital to shaping the development of any During the last three years in Vietnam, UN Habitat has territory, guiding action at the political level worked to strengthen participatory processes to elaborate and providing strategic direction through a development strategies in five medium-sized cities, in support shared vision. However, this rarely happens. of the mission of the Association of Cities of Vietnam (ACVN). In upper middle-income countries, In one Chinese mega-city, Chengdu, participatory budgeting planning coordination and integration is being practised every year in more than 2,600 villages and generally work quite well. In urban areas, localities and 1,400 neighbourhoods. Since 2008, over 100,000 they are often placed under the authority projects budgeted for by citizens have been implemented.55 of specialized departments or agencies Participatory budgeting is only a small part of the local (such as the urban planning agencies in budget and has a limited impact on local planning. In the France in many big cities) with political U.S., some organizations have started to talk instead about and executive powers. Integration also ‘alternative budgeting’. This approach analyses budget occurs through bottom-up collaboration priorities and raises questions from civil society, rather than between municipalities on strategic issues. promoting participation in all non-essential decisions. One Conversely, top-down attempts to create of the arguments is that in the U.S., local budgets are highly new metropolitan governments have racialized. This means expenditures on police and prisons are frequently been politically and operationally high, and on infrastructure and development they are low in cumbersome, with voluntary cooperation poor areas with ethnical divides. between municipalities in many cases Barcelona City Council developed a digital infrastructure proving more effective. called Decidim.barcelona that allows different types of However, coordination between local, participatory processes to happen online. The Strategic regional and national levels remains a Plan 2015 of the city and ten districts combined face-to-face difficult exercise everywhere despite the and digital participation. More than 10,000 proposals were different modalities that have been promoted received and over 400 meetings took place around the city. in recent decades (e.g. bi-lateral State-City The platform uses free software and has been adapted and — Contrat de ville or Metropolitan Planning implemented by more than 30 governments and organizations. Contracts in France). Inspired by these experiences, other countries have also developed contracting practices between different levels of government (Colombia). In Europe, shared planning, comprehensive dialogue and joint financial responsibilities down service delivery and newer systems seem to be the keywords for the future of of decentralized development policy and national-local cooperation across levels of planning. In countries such as Vietnam, government, as part of the definition of new planning and budgeting tend to fall under national urban policies. separate ministries, and there is little In Eastern Europe, the transition from integration between plans (spatial, socio- old to new state forms has confused roles economic and developmental). and responsibilities, causing fragmentation In Africa, where most countries experience and limiting the state’s ability to control or urban spatial fragmentation, the situation is coordinate with the private sector. In most more challenging. However, some countries countries, vertical coordination is further such as South Africa are experiencing hampered by an intermediate level of progress. Building on the Integrated regional institutions involved in planning (less Development Plan introduced in 2000, common in those countries that are now EU the country is currently developing a new member states) and horizontal coordination Integrated Urban Development Framework is poor. (the ‘IUDF Implementation Framework Meanwhile, many Eastern and South- Plus’) to achieve policy, plan and budget eastern Asian countries are in a slow coordination at LRG levels and guide transition from older systems of top- management of urban areas. The Gauteng 62 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

City Region, for example, bears witness contexts where decentralization and local to the important preconditions for spatial democratization is partial and/or weak. coordination set by the IUDF. Moreover, a global initiative is

Other African countries have followed recommended to improve local (in-country) suit, for example the urban development ability to produce qualified professional programme of Burkina Faso. A pilot project to planners and researchers. The LRG

SDG 11 harmonize multiple urban planning schemes associations can be instrumental to facilitate was launched in the medium-sized town of access to leadership training and preparation Tenkodogo with encouraging results, but the in planning and financing in this matter.

and Communities experience now needs to be streamlined and Infrastructure and service planning must Sustainable Cities Sustainable Cities expanded. Similarly, in Zambia integration be aligned with land assembly and release efforts need more resources and capacity to guide economic and spatial expansion, than is currently available. especially where there are pressures for Brazil’s creation of the Ministry of Cities and growth. the National Council of Cities in 2003 stands Mechanisms to produce and maintain out among efforts to improve coordination reliable sub-national data to inform and in many countries in Latin America. It monitor planning need also to be developed. was established to coordinate vertical and Horizontal integration (joined-up planning horizontal urban development and led to and governance) should be promoted, unprecedented investment in social housing which necessitates coordination of a range units and slum upgrading programmes. of municipal departments and involves Overall, effective NUPs and institutional stakeholders. frameworks are critical to sustainable and Where they do not already exist, national integrated urban development and strong urban policies (NUPs) must be developed as national and regional development planning an overall framework for multi-scalar and (SDG 11.a).56 ‘A NUP does not replace coordinated planning. Intergovernmental local urban policies, but complements frameworks that adequately empower, them to create the necessary condition for fund and incentivize LRGs to implement sustainable development’.57 However, in integrated urban and territorial planning a majority of countries, NUPs are still at a must be established. 56 OECD/UN Habitat define NUP as the coherent set of very early stage and improved collaboration decisions from a government- led process of coordinating across different levels of government and various actors for a common vision that will promote more other stakeholders will be imperative to productive and resilient urban ensure these are feasible and to support development. their implementation at a later stage. Based 57 According to the latest data from the NUP database, of on the LRG survey collected for this report, 11.4 the 150 countries developing urban policies at the national this is still far from being the case. level, 73 are in the process CULTURE AND HERITAGE of implementation, 23 have reached the monitoring FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE, and evaluation phase, 24 are in the feasibility phase, The way forward 18 in diagnosis, and 16 in INCLUSIVE AND OPEN formulation, illustrating a Since planning is a product of the political, 58 recent increase in interest in economic and social system within which CITIES AND SOCIETIES developing or renewing NUPs. (OECD, 2017). it is embedded, there can be little chance SDG 11.4 addresses the need for greater 58 We want to acknowledge the of a quick ‘technical’ fix. Broader political efforts to protect the world’s cultural and UCLG Committee on Culture for their contribution to this and institutional reform is an essential natural heritage. This is one of the most section. precondition in those parts of the world where explicit references to cultural aspects in 59 Duxbury, N.; Hosagrahar, it is weak and ineffective. Strengthening the 2030 Agenda, together with those found J.; and Pascual, J. (2016), Why must culture be at the heart of of LRGs is a critical part of this and key to in SDGs 4.7, 8.3 and 8.9. Even if they are still sustainable development? implementing the SDGs, and in particular the relatively low-profile, the 2030 Agenda 60 Martinell, A. (2014), Cultural life, local life, article, New Urban Agenda and SDG 11.3. represents a significant step forward in Barcelona: UCLG / Global To facilitate participatory urban planning the extent to which cultural aspects are Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments. and promote integrated urban and territorial considered and included in sustainable 61 To consult the Agenda 21 approaches, the urban and territorial planning development agendas. By comparison, the for Culture (2004), the Policy Statement Culture: Fourth Pillar legal framework and regulations need to be MDGs adopted in 2000 made no precise of Sustainable Development (2010) and the ‘Culture 21: Actions’ revised and updated. This includes support references to cultural dimensions and only toolkit (2015) see the UCLG to CSOs and NGOs that are able to promote during implementation were these explored Committee on Culture website: www.agenda21culture.net. bottom-up and participatory planning in and addressed. 63 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

This progress is consistent with the growing recognition of the importance of cultural aspects, including heritage, in sustainable development as well as the specific implications these may have at the local level.59 Cultural rights are often exercised at the local level.60 Accordingly, ! BOX 4.7. local governments have a significant role in the design and implementation of cultural CIVIL SOCIETY ENGAGEMENT IN CULTURE policies. Since the adoption of Agenda 21 AND THE SDGs for Culture in 2004, LRGs have advocated the strengthening of local cultural policies and participatory governance frameworks Several international civil society networks have connected to sustainable development. actively campaigned for the acknowledgement that The 3rd UCLG World Congress, held in culture is a significant component of sustainable Mexico City in 2010, adopted a Policy development, providing evidence of this in their Statement entitled ‘Culture: Fourth Pillar of own work. In the field of heritage, the work of the Sustainable Development’. There followed International Council on Monuments and Sites the espousal of the ‘Culture 21: Actions’ (ICOMOS) is notable. Through its research, capacity- toolkit in 2015 which allowed cities across building and advocacy efforts, ICOMOS has developed the world to share a common framework a range of tools and recommendations to contribute for the operationalization of culture in their to the implementation of Target 11.4. Similarly, the approach to sustainable development, International Federation of Library Associations enabling them to innovate, evaluate and and Institutions (IFLA) has put forward tools and exchange their policies and programmes.61 recommendations to help libraries implement the In the coming years, improvement of 2030 Agenda. ICOMOS, IFLA and UCLG were among indicators and data collection mechanisms members of ‘The Future We Want Includes Culture’ — in particular relating to culture — will campaign, which advocated stronger inclusion of be essential. To this end, in 2017 and 2018 culture in the 2030 Agenda. UNESCO convened two Expert Workshops on Measuring Culture in the SDGs. These focused not only on SDG 11.4 but also other aspects, with the aim of proposing national BOX 4.8. and local indicators and methodologies which adopt a broad thematic approach. ILLUSTRATING THE LINKS BETWEEN Indeed, evidence collected by LGAs and CULTURE AND THE SDGs networks in past years suggests that cultural aspects will play a pivotal role in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, even The UCLG report ‘Culture in the Sustainable where the connection between the cultural Development Goals: A Guide for Local Action’ (2018) dimension and the SDGs is only implicit. In identifies connections between cultural aspects and 2018, the UCLG Committee on Culture will all the SDGs. These are illustrated with examples present two specific outputs to highlight from cities across the world. They emphasize the this commitment – the document ‘Culture importance of decentralization, localization and in the SDGs: A Guide for Local Action’, and participatory governance, and highlight participation the Agenda 21 for Culture Good Practice in cultural life, cultural liberties, heritage and Database (see Box 4.8.). diversity as fundamental values in their own right as well as enabling factors for other areas of sustainable development. Cultural and heritage policies in The UCLG report draws on over 130 examples of support of integrated and inclusive culture and sustainable development collected by the cities and communities UCLG Committee on Culture. These are accessible Countless cities and territories have set via the Agenda 21 for Culture Good Practice Database up and promoted policies to safeguard and (http://obs.agenda21culture.net). Examples are indexed enhance heritage and other cultural areas. by the 17 SDGs, the nine thematic commitments of The brief overview of initiatives that follows Culture 21 Actions, and a set of keywords. illustrates this commitment. 64 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Protecting tangible and intangible cultural The example of Pekalongan (Indonesia), heritage can become a driver of bottom-up identifying itself as the ‘City of Batik’, is also policy coherence led by LRGs and involving a compelling story of how local governments

increased participation of citizens and civil can foster women’s social and economic society. Several cities, such as Regensburg empowerment through cultural policies. (Germany), have adopted World Heritage In 2011, the city decided to invest in the

SDG 11 management plans62 and been successful economic potential of its cultural heritage, in involving local citizens and integrating the Batik sector, where 60% of the workers cultural heritage in policy areas such as are women. This strategic decision helped

and Communities urban planning, economic development and promote decent work, empower women Sustainable Cities Sustainable Cities tourism. Others, including those mentioned and, through them, improve the wellbeing here, have increased their efforts towards of their households. It also raised municipal the integration of heritage protection in other finances, generating increased capacity for areas of policy-making. public authorities. In the context of urbanization — which In UCLG’s Bogotá Commitment (2016), puts pressure on heritage assets — it is LRGs acknowledged culture as a vital particularly important for cities to protect element of citizenship and co-existence. cultural heritage and position culture as a key It recognized cultural diversity as a element in the renovation of historic centres prerequisite for innovation, co-responsibility and inclusive urban planning. Cities such and the peaceful resolution of internal as Cuenca (Ecuador) have acknowledged and external conflicts. Post-conflict cities, and promoted cultural assets and rights, such as Medellín (Colombia), explored the leading to effective policies of inclusive urban connections between cultural heritage, social planning and regeneration. The cultural inclusion and cohesion goals. Several other dimension of sustainable development is now local governments have implemented local acknowledged in the other policy areas that cultural policies that have been instrumental support it. Citizen involvement is particularly for gender equality and the recognition of important to ensure that heritage also retains vulnerable groups and their cultural rights its contemporary relevance. (e.g. Afro-Colombian indigenous communities The cultural dimension can also be linked or internally displaced people, among others). to poverty reduction (SDG 1) and decent Awareness-raising on diversity and employment (SDG 8) and be mainstreamed inclusion, the promotion of intercultural into a long-term vision of local sustainable and intergenerational dialogue, and the development. The Shire of Yarra Ranges integration of cultural aspects in educational (Australia), for example, was able to reconcile and lifelong learning strategies are urban attractiveness with inclusiveness. fundamental to achieving this goal. Cities Local governments mobilized local social such as Gabrovo (Bulgaria) have adopted and economic stakeholders to shift policies fostering knowledge transfer from tourism policies towards decent economic local rural communities to urban areas, opportunities for local artists and creative including the 'Welcome to the Village' businesses. Under local leadership, Yarra project, which enabled children to learn Ranges attracted funding from state and from older persons living in rural areas. federal governments to improve cultural Likewise, the city of Jeonju (South Korea) facilities, while at the same time protecting its has included the appreciation of traditional cultural and natural heritage, implementing culture in education and lifelong-learning

62 For more information, effective employability mechanisms and programmes, helping both children and please see: http:// promoting a dynamic understanding of adults understand the importance of whc.unesco.org/en/ globalstrategy/. citizens’ needs. traditional buildings, intangible heritage and other cultural dimensions of housing. Local governments are determined to be laboratories for testing effective and appropriate cultural solutions to global Local governments are determined to problems, acknowledging their positive impact be laboratories for testing effective and and sharing the lessons learned. In 2016, the city of Timbuktu (Mali) was the recipient of the appropriate cultural solutions second edition of the International Award UCLG — Mexico City — Culture 21, acknowledging its 65 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

leading role and the contribution of its cultural should promote appropriate cross- dimension in the achievement of the SDGs. departmental collaboration to design, Timbuktu presented the outstanding, lasting implement and evaluate policies and results of its strategy of socio-economic programmes where cultural aspects intersect and urban fabric reinvigoration in the city, with the economic, social, educational and much-needed after its occupation in 2012 environmental dimensions. At the same time, and 2013. The initiative strengthened local it is important to integrate a ‘cultural impact cultural heritage, defended citizens’ freedom assessment’ mechanism which allows for to maintain their cultural practices, and the preliminary consideration of the potential promoted culture as a strategy for resilience cultural implications of measures adopted in and sustainable cohabitation. different areas, such as urban regeneration, Finally, there is a clear link between transportation and mobility, and economic cultural protection and the preservation of development. ecosystems on land and in water (SDGs 14 Important evidence must be collected on the and 15). Traditional knowledge connected explicit and implicit references made to cultural to the preservation of natural resources aspects (tangible and intangible heritage, has been acknowledged by some local creativity, diversity, etc.) in national, regional governments and deserves further attention. and local sustainable development strategies, The Seed Swap Festival in Seferihisar (Turkey) designed in accordance with the SDGs. and the Ha Long Ecomuseum (Vietnam), for Lastly, it is essential to establish appropriate example, are unique cultural experiences that data collection and research mechanisms promote land and water preservation. The which contribute to a better understanding of former allows local producers to maintain the synergies between cultural aspects and traditional, low-cost agricultural practices, other areas of sustainable development. while also raising awareness about the need to preserve sustainable food production and consumption. The province of Jeju (South Korea) has committed to preserve the custom of haenyeo (women divers) as an eco- friendly sustainable fishing practice, rooted in traditional knowledge. Through preservation and promotion of such heritage, Jeju has also raised women’s status in the community.

The way forward The following proposals are drawn from city practices in alignment with the commitments of the Agenda 21 for Culture to reinforce the cultural dimension as the fourth pillar of local, national and international sustainable development strategies. The priority is to develop capacity- building programmes targeting all relevant development actors (local governments, CSOs, private actors, development agencies, etc.). The exchange of good practice on culture and local sustainable development must be fostered by local governments and CSOs at national and international level. Participatory mechanisms in local cultural policies and programmes must be adopted, enabling the cultural rights of all citizens to be exercised, recognizing the important role of CSOs and ensuring transparent, accountable policy-making. To better integrate culture in local

sustainable policies, local governments Expeditions, flickr.com) by Austronesian (photo of Korea in Jeju, Republic diver woman Haenyeo 66 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

huge responsibilities to ensure resilience 11.5 to protect the health, safety and wellbeing MAKING CITIES of their residents, as well as promote SUSTAINABLE AND sustainable development in their territories. In practice, LRGs act in key areas such RESILIENT: PROGRESS ON as urban planning (SDG 11.3), transport SDG 11 DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (SDG 11.2), energy efficiency (SDG 7.3), and strategies to prevent climate change and the (DRR) AND RESILIENCE- greenhouse effect (SDG 15). and Communities Sustainable Cities Sustainable Cities BUILDING AT THE LOCAL Resilience is the ability of a person, community or city to adapt to changing 63 LEVEL conditions and to withstand shocks while maintaining essential functions. It cannot Urban disasters are escalating, with a rising be achieved without the involvement of human and economic cost.64 It is estimated public institutions — at all levels — and local that disasters cause annual losses of USD stakeholders. Being the nearest level to local 314 billion in the built environment alone.65 communities, LRGs also have significant SDG 11.5 focuses on reducing the number of responsibilities in reducing the social and people killed or affected by urban disasters, economic impacts of disasters on vulnerable and on substantially decreasing the direct populations living in hazard-prone areas, by economic costs relative to the global Gross promoting social housing (SDG 11.1). Domestic Product (GDP) caused by disasters. The Making Cities Resilient Campaign is This includes those that are water-related, coordinated by UNISDR. Alongside other focusing particularly on protecting the poor initiatives developed by LRG networks (e.g. and people in vulnerable situations. ICLEI, UCLG), partners (100 Resilient Cities) LRGs’ role in addressing disaster risks and UN agencies (UN Habitat resilience has been increasingly acknowledged in programme) (see Box 4.9.), it promotes international commitments, in particular disaster resilience-building in cities by raising in the Sendai Framework which clearly awareness among LRGs and providing tools, highlights their part in Disaster Risk technical assistance, city-to-city support Reduction (DRR) strategies.66 LRGs have networks, and learning opportunities.67

The effort to strengthen local capacities It is essential to ensure that there is sufficient capacity to address urban crises at the local level so that LRGs can increase their urban resilience and implement DRR strategies at every stage — i.e. in their mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. ‘Area- based approaches’, tailoring responses to the specific local contexts, is central. In 2017, a UNISDR study of 151 local governments in different regions of the world highlighted the gap between power and responsibility. On average, 88% of local governments are ‘fully or partially’ responsible for undertaking risk analysis within their administrative boundaries, while only 28% of local governments report having the ‘full’ technical capacity to undertake DRR actions and 25% of local governments report ‘not having’ adequate and capable technical capacity to undertake risk analysis.68 Floods in Bangkok (photo by Brigitte Leoni, UNISDR, flickr.com) by Brigitte (photo in Bangkok Floods 67 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

! BOX 4.9.

CITIES’ RESILIENCE INITIATIVES

Making Cities Resilient (MCR) Campaign: encompassing the spatial, physical, Coordinated by UNISDR, the MCR Campaign functional and organizational dimensions supports sustainable urban development by of any human settlement. URP projects promoting resilience activities and increasing and activities are organized across three local level understanding of disaster risk. main ‘pillars’: 1) technical cooperation, 2) Launched in 2010, the campaign’s principal advocacy, and 3) knowledge. UN Habitat target groups are mayors and local hosts the Urban Resilience Hub which pools government leaders of cities and towns the contribution of partner cities, academia, of different sizes. A ten-point checklist governments, international organizations of essentials for making cities resilient and other resilience champions. The MCR serves as a guide against which cities can Campaign is a partner of the Hub, as well measure their commitment to improving as RESCCUE, Risk Nexus Initiative, Urban their resilience. Since 2015, the Campaign Resilience Institute, Post-Disaster Housing has entered a new phase with augmented and the Global Alliance for Urban Crises – all focus to support the local implementation of which connect the Hub with the main cities of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk networks (UCLG, ICLEI and C40). Reduction while the long-standing advocacy 100 Resilient Cities (100RC): 100RC was for disaster risk management and reduction created by the Rockefeller Foundation in also continues. The Disaster Resilience 2013. 100RC supports the adoption and 69 Scorecard for Cities and other tools were incorporation of resilience to include not just 63 This section was developed for local governments to assess the shocks – earthquakes, fires, floods, etc. – developed by UNISDR and UCLG. the progress of disaster resilience-building. but also the stresses that weaken the fabric of 64 Malalgoda C, The results of this assessment help prioritize a city on a day-to-day or cyclical basis. Cities Amaratunga D, and Haigh R (2016), Overcoming actions towards risk-informed development. in the 100RC network are provided with the challenges faced by local The campaign is supported by UN Habitat, resources necessary to develop a roadmap governments in creating a resilient built environment other UN organizations, the World Bank, the to resilience using four main pathways: 1) in cities, Disaster Prevention European Union, The Asian Development establish a Chief Resilience Officer in the city and Management: An International Journal, vol. Bank as well as LRG organizations (UCLG, government, 2) support the development of 25, pp. 628-648. ICLEI and CityNet). a Resilience Strategy, 3) access solutions, 65 UNISDR (2017), How To Make Cities More Resilient Resilient Cities: Created by ICLEI in 2009, services, providers and partners from A Handbook For Local Resilient Cities held its 9th Congress in Bonn private, public and NGO sectors, and 4) join Government Leaders. (Germany) in April 2018.70 ICLEI defines a global network of member cities to share 66 In its paragraph 48, p. 26. resilience strategies as those that focus on at learning and best practice. 67 Johnson C and Blackburn S (2014), Advocacy for least three components: climate resilience/ Global Alliance for Urban Crises: This is urban resilience: UNISDR’s adaptation, other natural disasters (e.g. a large platform bringing together over 65 Making Cities Resilient Campaign, Environment and earthquakes) and human-induced disasters. institutions, encompassing humanitarian Urbanization, vol. 26, pp. In 2017, 155 LRGs reported their climate and development agencies, academic 29-52. 68 UNISDR, Study on Local- adaptation or integrated plans as either bodies, LRG networks and professionals; Level Authority and Capacity completed or in progress at the 'Carbon and arose as a result of consultations held for Resilience, September 2017. Climate Registry’.71 In addition, 217 cities for the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) 69 72 See also: https://www. use the CRAFT tool to report their climate in May 2016. It implements initiatives in unisdr.org/campaign/ hazards and risks in compliance with the four areas: 1) tailoring the humanitarian resilientcities/home/ toolkitblkitem/?id=4. Global Covenant of Mayors. Collectively, response to the urban context, 2) developing 70 See also: https:// these reporting entities have announced or working on rosters of experts, 3) resilientcities2018.iclei. more than 2,000 climate adaptation actions, building the evidence base of specific org/. 71 These 155 cities and 70% of which were funded by local resources. characteristics of protracted displacement regions constitute around Urban Resilience Programme (URP): in urban areas and cost-effective responses 15% of all reporting entities at the Carbonn Climate Launched in 2016, URP is based on work for the protection of vulnerable people Registry. See also: www. started in 2012 under the City Resilience and infrastructures, and 4) ensuring that carbonn.org. Profiling Programme (CRPP). CRPP has urban resilience-building incorporates 72 See also: http://www. c40.org/programmes/ been active in 20 countries and goes beyond components on resilient response and climate-risk-adaptation- conventional approaches to ‘risk reduction’, recovery. 73 framework-and-taxonomy. 73 See also: http:// urbancrises.org/. 68 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Similarly, the analysis of the Disaster rare in almost all cities. Only 39% of local Resilience Scorecard for Cities (Scorecard) governments have a financial plan that allows in 2018 reflects the progress made by for DRR activities with a ring-fenced budget. local governments towards the Sendai Studies highlight a disproportionately high Framework targets, as well as SDG 11.5 allocation of disaster-related funds going to and 11.b.74 Overall, as shown in Figure 4.3., relief and reconstruction, while those that are ‘resilient urban development’ is the area for mitigation and risk reduction are much SDG 11 showing most progress (1.56),75 followed by lower by comparison.77 Moreover, as the case ‘risk identification’ (1.52), ‘enhancement of of Port-au-Prince (Haiti) shows, failure to ecosystems’ protective functions’ (1.49) and support fiscal capacities of secondary cities and Communities Sustainable Cities Sustainable Cities ‘disaster risk governance’ (1.46). and build a resilient system of cities increases For example, a growing number of cities the pressure on the capital city and, over time, have committed to take actions to implement hampers its capacity to deal with emergency effective DRR strategies. Some LRGs such situations.78 as Aqaba (Jordan) or Potenza (Italy) have Greater urban resilience requires more mainstreamed DRR into their local plans. efforts to build local institutional capacity. The Viewed as a model city for ‘localizing DRR’, Scorecard assessment reveals relatively low Aqaba is currently using a risk-sensitive institutional capacity in the following areas: approach to identify the most exposed data-sharing among relevant institutions; and vulnerable areas and update its Land availability of training courses covering risk Use Master Plan. Similarly, Potenza has reduction and resilience issues for all sectors; developed a Territorial Coordination Plan, and access to skills and experience to reduce approved in 2013, to incorporate directives risks and respond to identified disaster and recommendations on disaster risk scenarios. However, all regions are proactively mitigation and support local actors to develop seeking to enhance their knowledge and and promote actions that lead to resilience. learn from other local governments facing Conversely, the UNISDR study finds that similar challenges. For example, as part of ‘financial capacity for resilience’ (1.02) and its strategy to measure the city’s resilience securing a substantial budget for DRR are the performance, Lisbon Municipality (Portugal) areas that need most improvement.76 LRGs implemented a web dashboard with a GIS have limited knowledge of how to attract approach to centralize data in order to better resilience investment. Incentives to support monitor its resilience processes. resilience-building or use of insurance as Lastly, LRGs are important partners for a risk transfer mechanism are noticeably implementing initiatives to address the

FIGURE 4.3.

OVERALL PROGRESS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN DISASTER RESILIENCE AND RISK REDUCTION (BY REGIONS)

better Build back Governance resilience Preparation Infrastructural Societal capacity and response Risk identificationFinancial capacity Urban developmentNatural ecosystem Institutional capacity

Asia Africa America Arab States 69 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

post-disaster effects. Some have developed sector businesses and employers for disaster specific tools that have been shared by LGAs resilience, the Scorecard assessment shows and networks (see Box 4.9.). For example, most cities rank low. However, some progress 74 The analysis is based on the the city of Stepanavan (Armenia) used can be seen in strengthening the capacities Scorecard assessments of 169 the Local Government Self-Assessment of vulnerable groups and social networks, cities from Asia (51), Americas (48), Africa (50), and Arab States Tool (LGSAT)79 to create a City Resilience reflecting greater engagement on the part of (20), completed in 2017-2018. The Scorecard is structured around Taskforce for assessing the city’s disaster local governments to ‘leave no one behind’. the ‘Ten Essentials for Making Cities Resilient’ (MRC Campaign). resilience. The municipality was able to Encouraging the proactive involvement of The initiative was supported by identify gaps in its management capacity ‘crisis-affected populations’ has been one the European Commission. and develop a detailed City Resilience Action of the strategies that some cities — such as 75 ‘Resilient urban development’ is a part of the ‘Ten Essentials Plan which was later mainstreamed into the the District of Rimac in Lima (Peru) — have for Making Cities Resilient’of the MRC Campaign. It refers to the citywide development plan. developed. The municipality has engaged in ‘built environment’ according a participatory DRR building process to help to building regulations and context-specific scenarios. people identify seismic risk factors in their This ‘essential’ includes land zoning and management, Building a resilient local ecosystem districts. This community mapping allowed risk-aware planning, design and implementation of new of actors the municipality to increase its capacity in risk buildings, neighbourhoods and Furthermore, LRGs need support from identification and get citizens involved in risk infrastructure, and availability and application of building codes. local actors to create communities resilient plans and programmes. 76 Gaillard J.C. and Maceda E.A. to disasters and better able to address Lastly, prioritizing local municipal leadership (2009), Participatory three- dimensional mapping for disaster emergency needs. The New Urban Agenda in finding appropriate solutions to urban crises risk reduction, Community-based explicitly mentions the role of LRGs and (in line with development plans) is an issue adaptation to climate change, vol. 60, pp. 109-118. other urban actors — public and private particular to SDG 11.b’s implementation. This 77 Malalgoda C, Amaratunga — in supporting at-risk communities and targets the substantial increase in the number D, and Haigh R, overcoming challenges faced by local those prone to ‘recurrent and protracted of cities implementing integrated plans towards governments in creating a humanitarian crises’.80 In this regard, the inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and resilient built environment in cities, Disaster Prevention and island of Lanzarote (Canary Islands), which adaptation to climate change and resilience Management: An International Journal, vol. 25, pp. 628-648, is at risk from a variety of natural hazards to disasters. The Scorecard indicates that, on 2016. such as storms and flooding, elaborated average, 85% of participating LRGs have plans 78 UNDESA, UNCDF (2017), Financing sustainable urban its 2020 Sustainable Development Strategy that offer full or partial compliance with the development in the Least on the basis of an assessment of current Sendai Framework. However, only 12% of LRGs Developed Countries. vulnerabilities and challenges. More than 200 are implementing a fully integrated DRR plan 79 LG-SAT is the predecessor version of the Disaster Resilience people and 33 different sectors were involved. in accordance with the Sendai Framework and Scorecard for Cities developed The exercise enabled the municipality to all ‘Ten Essentials’. In contrast, 15% of local under the MRC Campaign. 80 Global Alliance for Urban Crisis develop eight Local Action Plans. governments do not have any plans in this (2016), Habitat III: the New Urban When it comes to engaging with private regard (see Figure 4.4.). Agenda Key Messages.

FIGURE 4.4.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROGRESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESILIENCE PLANS

No plans / compliance Stand-alone DRR plan complying with Sendai Framework Plans offering par}al compliance with Sendai Framework and addressing all of the Ten Essentials and covering some of the Ten Essentials Fully integrated DRR plan, full Sendai Framework compliance and coverage across all of the Ten Essentials

6% 6% 15% 20% 23%

54%

61% 57% 80% 63% 10%

12% 17% 30% 10% 12% 6% 4% 10% Overall Asia Africa America Arab States 70 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

The way forward 11.6 In order to achieve SDGs 11.5 and 11.b THE ENVIRONMENTAL

at the local level, the following actions can contribute to support LRGs in IMPACT OF CITIES, AIR understanding disaster resilience and QUALITY AND WASTE SDG 11 strengthening it governance, preparedness 81 and financing, with the aim to prevent, MANAGEMENT reduce impact and 'build back better'. The

and Communities Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) dimension Sustainable Cities Sustainable Cities Reducing the environmental impact of cities is should be integrated in local development inextricably linked with improving air quality plans, policies and budget, including and waste management. In 2014, 9 out of fiscal incentives, with clear roles and 10 people in urban areas were breathing air responsibilities within the local government that did not meet the WHO safety standard (e.g. monitoring, risk management, for particulate matter (PM2.5). Less than enforcement of city regulations, etc.). Local half the waste generated is currently being governments should conduct periodical collected and appropriately processed, and participatory assessments to identify up to two billion people do not have access the most common disaster risks and the to solid waste collection.82 In view of these methods to reduce their impact, updating challenges, it is no surprise then that the risk-mapping. It should also develop early 2030 Agenda contains four sub-goals that warning systems in high-risk areas. Building explicitly mention the management of air codes and zoning regulations should be pollution and solid waste: SDG 3.9, SDG 11.6, updated and better enforced to improve SDG 12.4 and SDG 12.5. rehabilitation and reconstruction standards. These targets have profound trans- The staff in charge of local DRR strategy disciplinary ramifications that transcend need to regularly receive capacity-building individual goals. Improper waste management training. and increasing air pollution can have Local disaster risk governance must catastrophic health consequences (SDG be strengthened through coalitions of 3). Man-made greenhouse gas emissions, local actors including public and private from the housing sector and black carbon partners. Awareness-raising exercises emissions — a major component of are necessary to ensure a better citizen particulate air pollution — as well as poor response to disasters, particularly from waste management have a significant impact children in schools. Communities and on climate action (SDG 13) and life on land related agencies should be more involved (SDG 15). Poor waste management also in risk assessments and identification of compromises water sources (SDG 6) and vulnerabilities. Lastly, they should be part contributes to ocean pollution (SDG 14). Local of the drafting of the Intervention and public policies based on reducing air pollution Evacuation Plan, receive briefing sessions should encompass a border perspective, and participate in exercises to ensure highlighting their interaction with other better response to disasters SDG dimensions. Providing sustainable and More efforts are necessary to identify efficient urban services, such as housing traditional and alternative funding for (SDG 11.1), transportation (SDG 11.2), energy DRR. Different tiers of governments services (SDG 7.3), green and public spaces should set up coherent mechanisms at (11.7), as well as promoting sustainable the local level as well as financial and tax consumption and production patterns (SDG 12) incentives to encourage the private sector and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems to invest in risk reduction. New investment (SDG 15) are some of the fields in which local opportunities include investing in green and and regional governments can address air blue infrastructure. Moreover, stakeholders pollution challenges in urban areas. should find innovative and responsible ways to increase viable insurance opportunities. Lastly, all stakeholders, in particular LRGs should support the implementation of the ‘Ten Essentials for Making Cities Resilient’ checklist (MRC Campaign). 71 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

FIGURE 4.5. Paying special attention to air quality In 2016, the number of premature deaths PROPORTION OF THE URBAN POPULATION LIVING IN AREAS worldwide caused by ambient (outdoor) air THAT MEET THE ANNUAL WHO AIR QUALITY GUIDELINE VALUE pollution in cities and rural territories was FOR PARTICULATE MATTER OF LESS THAN 2.5 MICROMETRES over 4.2 million, whilst 3.8 million deaths (PM2.5), 2014 (%) were attributed to poor and inefficient household energy-use practices such as solid fuels and kerosene for cooking. Sub- Australia and New Zeeland Saharan Africa, most of Asia and Oceania 100% Oceania (excluding Australia/New Zealand), have the (Excluding Australia and New Zeeland) 50% 50% highest mortality rates from air pollution. Europe and Northern America 40% 60% Alongside climate change mitigation, an Latin America and the Caribbean 15% 85% increasing number of cities are committed to developing actions to reduce air Central and Southern Asia 100% contamination. One of the most visible Eastern and South Eastern Asia 100% commitments by cities on the world stage is Sub-Saharan Africa 100% The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy,83 which has more than 7,600 Nothern Africa and Western Asia 100% cities and towns participating. The initiative has contributed to establishing standardized WORLD 10% 90% measurements to assess the impact of cities’ 0 20 40 60 80 100 actions regarding GHG emissions and air quality improvement in urban areas. Meets WHO air quality guidelines Does not meet WHO air quality guidelines Metropolitan cities have already established tools for monitoring air pollution and some of them have adopted Action Plans for Air Quality. In general, these plans have a strong focus on transport pollution, including measures to tackle inefficient fossil fuel At the same time, cities look to grow green combustion from motor vehicles (e.g. avoiding spaces. Edmonton (Canada), for example, polluting vehicles), a ban on diesel cars (Oslo - has developed the Urban Forest Management Norway), electric public transport, permanent Plan to ensure a sustainable management or temporary traffic restriction policies, of the city’s urban forest, while reducing traffic-free zones, alternate day travel, ‘car- energy costs and improving air quality for its free days’, congestion pricing schemes, as inhabitants. A comprehensive plan was also well as alternative mobility modes (cycling adopted in Buzau municipality (Romania), networks) and use of new technologies to where the development of an inventory of reduce traffic congestion (see SDG 11.2). It GHG emissions has contributed to reducing is worth mentioning cities such as Athens and monitoring energy consumption of public (Greece), Beijing (China), Bogotá (Colombia), buildings such as schools. Jakarta (Indonesia), Manila (the Philippines), Some cities of the Global South are Madrid (Spain), Mexico City (Mexico), New moving towards promoting the use of Delhi (India), Paris (France), Rome (Italy) and modern cooking fuels or renewable energy São Paulo (Brazil) among others. to reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution. To improve air quality, an integrated Indeed, local governments can be very and multi-sectoral approach is needed to effective in supporting public awareness develop consistent public policies oriented campaigns on the benefits of clean cooking, towards the improvement of quality of life for proper use and safety. The emergence of all. Reducing urban pollution also requires alternative, smaller, decentralized energy adequate urban planning and upgrading systems are creating new opportunities 81 We want to acknowledge infrastructures and services. Cities such as for local governments to address locally the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) for their Beijing, for example, began to take targeted distributed energy services in partnership contribution to this section: actions to control air pollution, relocating with communities and small enterprises. Antonis Mavropoulos, President, and Aditi Ramola, polluting industries from the urban core Rooftop solar can provide economic Technical Director. areas (more than 1,200 polluting plants development opportunities for cities through 82 ISWA-UNEP (2015). Global had been removed by the end 2016). Others the creation of local businesses and jobs. Waste Management Outlook, Summary of Decision-Makers. reduce the operations of more polluting Since November 2014, the city of Bengaluru 83 See also: http://impact. industries during the peaks of pollution. in the state of Karnataka (India) has been globalcovenantofmayors.org/. 72 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

encouraging the growth of rooftop solar PV middle income countries and 82% in upper systems through the implementation of a middle-income countries. Nearly two thirds net-metering policy.84 is sent to landfill and the remainder to open Housing conditions also have an impact dumps. Although low-income countries on health in terms of building siting and generate relatively little household waste, land use, choice of construction materials, median collection coverage is still around design features, ventilation and energy. 50%. In lower-income countries, waste SDG 11 The housing sector is responsible for disposal is often in the form of uncontrolled approximately 19% of GHG emissions and dumpsites with open burning. It is estimated approximately one third of black carbon that at least three billion people worldwide and Communities Sustainable Cities Sustainable Cities emissions. Local governments have still lack access to controlled waste disposal direct responsibilities in monitoring and facilities.86 Figure 4.6. offers an analysis by enforcing building standards. In Shenzhen region. There is also enormous variation in (China), the municipal government has service provision across and within cities, promulgated rules requiring specific green especially between slum and non-slum building standards for affordable housing areas. projects in the city. In the Global South, some of the main challenges are: i) lack of availability of data pertaining to waste generation, processing, Current trends in waste production and disposal; (ii) open dumping and burning and management of waste; (iii) weak governance issues; iv) At the global level, developing and lack of sufficient funds to adequately address developed countries face very different the waste problem, and an unwillingness challenges in waste management. In high- or inability on the part of citizens to pay for income countries, which account for half of waste management; and (v) formalizing the all waste generated, close to 100% of waste informal sector, thus providing informal is collected and between 95% and 100% sector workers with workplace safety, is under controlled disposal.85 In middle- secure and adequate pay and a dignified income countries, significant progress has livelihood. On the other hand, in high upper been made in the past few years, with around middle-income countries, where waste 64% of waste collection coverage in lower- management is usually well-developed and where per capita consumption of resources is much higher, a significant challenge for FIGURE 4.6. waste governance is to find ways to reduce unnecessary consumption and waste, and PROPORTION OF POPULATION SERVED BY MUNICIPAL to implement the 3R (or 4R) — reduce, WASTE COLLECTION, 2017 reuse, recycle (and recover) — paradigm with maximum efficiency. In these countries, Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated where a large amount of municipal solid waste is recyclable and the volume of materials subject to recycling is large, even Europe and Northern America 96.0% a small improvement in the efficiency of the Eastern and South Eastern Asia 85.0% recycling process can pay major dividends,

Latin America and the Caribbean 73.9% both economically and environmentally (see examples below). Nothern Africa and Western Asia 70.5% In terms of the governance of waste World 65.2% there are several facets, including the Oceania 48.4% (Excluding Australia and New Zeeland) laying down of institutional, financial and Small island developing states 47.2% planning frameworks, waste legislation 87 Landlocked developing countries 46.3% and regulations, and implementation.

Central and Southern Asia 41.3% While national governments typically play a central role in waste legislation Sub-Saharan Africa 40.5% and regulation, the responsibilities for Least developed countries 39.3% waste management are often assigned 0 20 40 60 80 100 to sub-national governments. Their role,

Source: UN Statistics Division, OurWorldinData.org however, can vary widely depending on the decentralization frameworks in each 73 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

country. As a public service that requires and resources on the circular economy.88 the effective coordination and integration Where waste services are sporadic or of several actors and stakeholders, and the inaccessible there are several examples seamless integration of local and national of initiatives at the local level involving laws and policies, waste management raises citizens collaborating outside existing waste several issues for MLG. The UN International management structures. For example, in Guidelines on Decentralization and Access the Indian cities of Delhi and Bengaluru, to Basic Services calls for the clarification entrepreneurs have founded collection of roles and responsibilities in the services using mobile apps whereby they organization and delivery of basic services collect certain waste streams directly from and for partnerships between stakeholders, households on demand and pay the citizens within a framework of decentralization. for the waste. In several low and middle- The increasing complexity of waste income countries, the informal sector plays management — related to urban expansion, a significant role in providing collection rising waste generation, economies of scale, and recycling infrastructure for selective technological changes, etc. — has opened waste treatment, which can affect the urban the way to different management models. geography of public service provision. As Public management (either in-house, shared cities and municipalities develop their waste or via public utilities) could be combined with management plans, they should be aware of outsourcing different parts of services to the the impact of their policies on the informal private sector. Furthermore, implementation sector and should strive to include them in of waste management often involves inter- their plans. municipal partnerships or different levels 84 World Resources Report (September 2017), Powering of government (municipalities, counties, Cities in the Global South: How Energy Access for All regions). For example, in Brazil, sub-national Inclusion through effective waste Benefits the Economy and the government authorities are responsible for management and the challenge of Environment, Washington, WRI. the implementation of waste management informality 85 According to Eurostat, the EU recycled or composted legislation, while in St. Lucia a national-level Waste management accessibility, afforda- 45% of its municipal waste in 2015, up from 25.3% in solid waste management authority has this role. bility and quality significantly impact both 2000. Eurostat, Sustainable development the EU, Monitoring city and territory inclusiveness. When Report 2017 edition. waste services are provided informally — 86 ISWA-UNEP (2015) chapter Rethinking waste management as a without sufficient guarantees in terms of 3. Hoornweg, Daniel; Bhada- Tata, Perinaz. (2012). What precondition for sustainable cities health, environmental protection, governance a Waste: A Global Review of Solid Waste Management, SDG 11.6 refers to waste management since and licensing — both socio-economic Washington, DC, World Bank it addresses the environmental impact of marginalization and segregation grow. Many reported that the average collection in high-income cities. There have been numerous initiatives LRGs are promoting strong collaborations countries is around 90%, in middle-income countries 75%, at the local level to adapt waste management with informal workers and local actors, and in low-income countries 41%. UCLG, GOLD III (2014), technologies, processes and externalities including grassroots associations and Basic Services for All in an to the requirements of sustainability and the private sector. The quality and extent Urbanizing World. resilience. These have implications for the of service provision can also impact the 87 The Strategic Planning Guide for Municipal Waste development of ‘cradle-to-cradle’ systems social dimension of adequate public service Management has created a theoretical framework of waste management, as well as the linkage delivery. In several cities around the world with six ‘institutional between sustainable waste treatment where municipalities struggle to provide functions’ involved in a waste management system, namely and the circular economy. San Francisco adequate waste collection and management the regulator, policy-maker, planner, client, operator and (United States), for example, has achieved services, the informal sector plays a very revenue collector. Wilson, D.C., A. Whiteman & A. Tormin selective waste sorting for 80% of its total important role in managing the waste of the (2001). Strategic planning waste production through its tax system, as city.89 There are examples of partnerships guide for municipal solid waste management, World Bank. well as financial incentives to lower waste between waste pickers and local Washington, DC, U.S., www. worldbank.org/urban/solid_ production. One of the measures introduced governments in many cities in the Global wm/erm/start_up.pdf. by the city is a compulsory and well- South (Dhaka in Bangladesh, Manila in the 88 See also: http://www. established organic waste recycling system Philippines, and different cities in Brazil, economiecirculaire.org/. See also UCLG, GOLD IV (2016), Co- that produces compost for the region’s Peru, Mexico and South Africa) where, for Creating the Urban Future. farmers. In Geneva (Switzerland), where the example, formal solid waste collection 89 Scheinberg, A., Wilson, D.C., Rodic-Wiersma, L. (Eds.). concept of the circular economy has already systems collect recyclables separately and 2010. Solid Waste Management been included in the canton's constitution, then provide these to waste pickers in sorting in the World’s Cities: Water and Sanitation in the World’s a collaborative platform was developed to centres (see Box 4.10.). This system has Cities 2010. United Nations Human Settlements Program allow enterprises to exchange methods developed further by waste pickers forming (UNHABITAT). 74 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

their own organizations (and in some Preserving local competences: nations national federations), for example the challenge of adequately funding the Recyclers Association of Bogotá, which waste management means they can bid for contracts from local Waste management is a key element

governments for solid waste collection, of LRGs’ competences. Maintaining an recycling, and managing waste collection efficient, affordable, accessible and from public places. Recognizing that

SDG 11 sustainable service in this field comes workers in this sector tend to represent at significant financial cost. Funding and the most marginalized in society, there are preserving the service’s inclusiveness several initiatives worldwide to incorporate and sustainability represents a significant and Communities Sustainable Cities Sustainable Cities them into the formal sector, providing them challenge for many administrations. Whilst with facilities they would otherwise lack. progress has been made in tariff collection and financing, subsidies from local, intermediate and national governments continue to be vital for a majority of LRGs, particularly in developing countries. In ! BOX 4.10. high-income countries, waste collection and management represent around 10% of local budgets (a larger part is financed PARTNERSHIPS WITH WASTE PICKERS: THE from tariffs), whereas in middle-income EXPERIENCE OF BELO HORIZONTE (BRAZIL) countries they represent around 40%92 and AND QALYUBEYA (EGYPT) in low-income countries 80%-90%. It should be noted, however, that some cities manage Belo Horizonte (Brazil) implemented a social policy to to balance the budget of their services.93 improve the structure of informal employment and raise Affordability is a significant constraint on the standard of living of the urban poor, which at the municipal solid waste management services same time led to the development of an Integrated Solid in lower-income countries. Short-term Waste Management (ISWM) strategy. In the 1990s, local solutions must be financially sustainable, legislation was changed to promote the collection of and aspirations must be tailored to what is recyclables by cooperatives of informal waste pickers. affordable. Seeing that a partnership would further improve their productivity and help meet both environmental and socio-economic goals, the city decided to further The way forward integrate the informal sector into municipal waste The following policies and actions have management. This helped achieve the four main been identified to support LRGs in reducing objectives of the ISWM namely, to increase the recycling the environmental impact of cities. The first of waste and encourage social inclusion, job creation and urgent step is to eliminate open dumping income generation. Since the introduction of this policy, and burning of waste at the local level. management of the waste sector has substantially Effective waste governance depends on improved. In 2008, around 95% of the urban population institutional frameworks being in place. and 70% of the population in informal settlements Empowered LRGs with adequate institutional (favelas) received a collection service. In 2013, around and technical capacities can ensure 600 waste pickers worked for these cooperatives, which sustainable integrated waste management. had a total of 80 sorting warehouses.90 Vertical and horizontal coordination between In Qalyubeya Governorate (Egypt), local governments, local, regional and central governments in cooperation with international agencies and the private should be improved. To ensure enforcement, sector, have developed an integrated system of solid the roles of legislator and regulator (enforcer) waste management to encourage citizen and corporate should be separate from one another. participation in reducing waste and improving the working To improve the efficiency and effectiveness conditions of waste pickers through formal contracts. of LRGs and public providers it is necessary Since 2012, approximately 80% of waste collection is to support human and technical resources now undertaken by waste pickers and collectors through and implement modern management formal contracts with the city council, which has led to systems and technologies. Coordinated better working conditions and increased employment service provision in metropolitan areas and opportunities for the urban poor.91 between neighbouring local governments can contribute to ensuring universal coverage. 75 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

All stakeholders should be engaged by LRGs encourage stakeholders to look in planning and monitoring access to, beyond the target of allocating 30% of land and quality of, services. The role played to streets and sidewalks and 20% for open by small-scale and informal workers, green spaces and public facilities. Despite particularly in informal settlements, is this, several cities are still well below these often critical and needs the support of LRGs targets.97 and service providers to better coordinate In contrast to many other areas of urban service delivery and avoid gaps in provision. policy, public spaces are entirely the An adequate business model and responsibility of local governments, either financing mechanisms can ensure long- officially or by default. They provide a unique term financial viability to guarantee and tangible opportunity for governance and universal coverage and sustainable are therefore potential levers of change in management of municipal waste systems. our cities. The interrelated issues of safety, However, in lower-income countries inclusiveness and accessibility engage LRGs an increase in current levels of public to drive development at the local level and financing remains essential. promote the ‘Right to the City’, in particular There is an imperative to reduce the for women and children, older people and amount of waste generated by tackling the persons with disabilities.98 problem at source following the R principles reduce, reuse, recycle, redesign, and re- manufacture. The best way to manage Trends in upgrading green and waste is to include prevention actions public spaces upstream. When applying the concept of the There has been a worrying trend in the circular economy to waste management, it decline in the stock of public spaces in is essential to close the material circle to cities, both in developed and, more critically, ensure that recycling and energy recovery developing countries. Land is being lost 90 Philipp Rode and Graham are compatible, since there are limits to either for real-estate speculation or by Floater (2013), Going Green. How Cities Are Leading the next recycling and at this point energy recovery privatizing public properties as a means of Economy. needs to be considered. raising finance. Privatization of public space 91 See also: http:// policytransfer.metropolis. Globally, there are no definitive figures on is also on the increase as many LRGs lack org/case-studies/integrated- community-based-solid- waste generation per capita and this must funds for operation and maintenance. A waste-management. be addressed in light of the global goals lack of adequate policies and regulations on 92 See also: http://www. and their requirements.94 urban parcelling has resulted in densification worldbank.org/en/topic/ urbandevelopment/brief/solid- of the city without due environmental and waste-management. social balance. The ever-growing complexity 93 Hoornweg and Bhada-Tata (2012). See also: UCLG, GOLD of contemporary cities, with segregation, III (2014). unsafe dynamics and uneven distribution of 94 UNEP and ISWA (2015). public resources to name a few, has a direct 95 We want to acknowledge impact on public spaces — spaces that are Regina Rau, architect and 11.7 urban planner, former director needed to cope with the current challenges of planning of the city of Porto Alegre (Brazil), for her UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO cities are facing. contribution to this section. Public and green spaces play a 96 Resolution 23/4 on SAFE, INCLUSIVE AND Sustainable Urban fundamental role in strategies for gender Development through Access ACCESSIBLE GREEN AND equality (SDG 5), to facilitate mobility to Public Spaces, followed by the creation of a Global PUBLIC SPACES95 (SDG 11.2), for mitigating and adapting to Programme on Public Space. the effects of climate change (SDG 13), as 97 Among the charters, the International Charters for well as helping reduce the risks posed by Walking was adopted by The cities’ public spaces have assumed natural hazards (SDG 11.5) and threats to members of UCLG at the Rabat World Congress in 2013; great relevance in the global agendas, in public health (SDG 3). As examples show, UCLG also contributed to the second edition of the Charter particular the SDGs and the New Urban the potential of green belts is increasingly of Public Space dealing with Agenda, as they are primarily areas for being used in many city projects. Green the creation and management of these areas (2015). The exchange, urban life, social inclusion and areas are useful for introducing walking Culture 21 Action Toolkit rd and the Global Public Space citizenry. The 23 Governing Council of and cycling lanes, creating incentives to Toolkit also provide key policy UN-Habitat adopted a specific initiative to use other forms of urban mobility and insights. address the issue of public space.96 Many 98 These examples are promoting citizens’ health and overall presented in the UCLG Public charters and toolkits designed and adopted urban life quality. Space Policy Framework (2016). 76 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Public spaces such as plazas, streets, increase the surface area and the quality of parks and inner block areas are increasingly green in the 311 municipalities it includes. being appropriated by users, either by In cities that bear the scars of spatial and spontaneous community movements, or ethnic segregation, such as Johannesburg through local government incentives and (South Africa), public spaces reconnect recreational programmes. The success of urban areas to recreational spaces and allow such activities is testimony to the need for for freedom of movement. As a result of the SDG 11 community life and a sense of belonging spatial legacy of Apartheid, parks and public and identity which is somehow lost in the facilities were all concentrated in higher- contemporary urban world, especially in big income neighbourhoods, while townships and Communities Sustainable Cities Sustainable Cities cities. Another interesting development is remained dense areas with almost no open the use of public buildings, such as libraries, green spaces. The ‘Corridors of Freedom’ museums and city councils, to develop illustrate this new vision of making public organized activities open to the public (see space inclusive, particularly in poorer areas, Section SDG 11.4). and improving living conditions in former townships. While Apartheid policies created the green areas between townships for the Examples of alternative policies purposes of segregation, the 'Corridors of to public spaces Freedom' look to link them. In recent years we have seen a remarkable A critical dimension of SDG 11.7 is ‘safe rise in the number of cities, particularly in and inclusive public spaces’. All over the the Global South, that have managed to use world women and girls are subject to sexual public space as a key lever of change for harassment and violence in many forms urban development. Cities are using public when using public spaces. Public policies spaces to make their environment safer and should promote, from the design phase, crime-free, to improve mobility and access the reduction of gender inequalities. to basic services, to stimulate economic Vienna (Austria) and Delhi (India) illustrate activities, to preserve historical and cultural how studies and citizen participation can assets or to facilitate urban renewal and lead to identifying the need for gender- inclusiveness. sensitive policies to reduce urban violence New modalities of planning are being and inequalities in both sports and leisure developed to create and protect public opportunities of public spaces. An audit in spaces. For example, in the Province of the city of Delhi (2013) concluded that poor Santa Fé (Argentina), the regional planning lighting, lack of well-maintained public office uses ’Basic Plans’ to support toilets and no pavements on the streets medium-sized cities with limited technical make women and girls feel unsafe in public and/or regulatory instruments with urban surroundings. By reducing the number development processes and ensure of dark areas in public spaces, the city territorial equality through the adequate use contributed to a reduction in crime and other of public space. The Basic Plan programme unsafe situations for women. In Vienna, two was implemented in the city of Santa Fé, parks in the fifth district were rearranged and capital of the province, and in five other cities redesigned in a participatory way, integrating to ensure a territorial balance.99 Likewise, proper lighting and clear and open common the Provincial Council of Barcelona has areas. The city now intends to improve parks created Urban Green Strategic Plans100 to in all 23 city districts following gender- specific guidelines, which demonstrates the transferability of such policies. Public facilities are levers for equal access to culture and leisure space for all. In 1998 In recent years, we have seen a remarkable Bogotá (Colombia) introduced an initiative rise in the number of cities, particularly in called Biblored Capital Network of Public Libraries, comprising three complementary the Global South, that have managed to use levels of libraries: metropolitan, local and public space as a key lever of change for neighbourhood, all in different districts of the city. The network is a key part of the city’s urban development development strategy to create a new social fabric offering cultural, recreational and 77 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

educational places (including computers The way forward and access to the Internet) with free access The percentage of open public spaces in for citizens. built-up areas needs to be preserved and To overcome the precarious nature increased. The average share of built-up of public spaces in slums and informal areas dedicated to open space for public settlements, the city of São Paulo (Brazil) use must increase and public spaces developed a strategy to improve public should become accessible and safe for spaces in informal settlements. This all. Robust regulation is needed to protect redefined the nature of public areas and public spaces as part of urban policies. It is created a new concept of architecture and imperative to develop and enforce laws and planning in such settlements in order to regulations to preserve and protect public expand their social and cultural functions. space and ensure that it is well managed. The policy accommodated a wide range Public space should be developed or re- of activities and events accessible to all evaluated as part of city-wide strategies. residents. The initiative has inspired the Public space development should be seen city of Durban (South Africa) to adapt its as a driver of sustainable, inclusive and housing policy programmes to deliver not equitable cities. It could also be a lever for only residential units to the poor, but also local economic development opportunities meaningful public spaces to inspire the for small and medium enterprises — e.g. development of community life. public markets — to become active in the Finally, safe, accessible and green spaces urban economy, and foster rural-urban play a fundamental role in strategies for linkages and shorter economic circuits. It mitigating and adapting to the effects of must be registered as a municipal asset climate change, and they also help to reduce and investments must include funding for the risks posed by natural hazards and its operation and maintenance. threats to public health.101 This has been Partnerships need to be built with proven by resilience strategies in cities hit communities, civil society, entrepreneurs by earthquakes. In Kathmandu (Nepal), and academia. People need to be given residents found safety in all 83 open spaces the power to act and civil society can of the Kathmandu valley. complement the actions of LRGs by taking There is also a growing trend to use ownership of public spaces and supporting public spaces as sustainable drainage their ongoing maintenance. Gender equality systems, solar temperature moderators, is a central dimension of public space. It cooling corridors, wind shelters and wildlife is imperative to improve the safety and habitats. The city of Melbourne (Australia), comfort of women and girls in public for example, coordinated its Urban Forestry spaces and enable their participation in Strategy (SDG 15) and Open Space Strategy public life. Quality public spaces such as to manage extreme hot weather. The libraries and parks can supplement housing objective is to cool the city’s temperature by as study and recreational spaces for the up to 4°C by 2040 and to reduce energy use urban poor, promoting social inclusion. and carbon emissions (SDG 7) as a result. Moreover, it is vital to ensure the mobility It was also able to increase permeability and inclusion of the elderly and those of the streets, increase rainfall capture with physical disabilities so that they can and improve the efficiency of municipal participate. Lastly, contributing to the safety 102 irrigation systems. and physical activity of children and young 99 These cities are Las Toscas, Sunchales, Santo people must be a priority. Tomé, Casilda and Villa Cañas. See also: https:// desarrollourbanoyterritorial. duot.upc.edu/ca/content/ plan-base-en-ciudades- intermedias. 100 See also: https://verd-urba. diba.cat. 101 This issue was highlighted in the IIED and IIED America Safe, accessible and green spaces play a fundamental role Latina paper prepared for the IPCC, March 2018. in strategies for mitigating and adapting to the effects of 102 See also Metropolis policy transfer platform: https:// policytransfer.metropolis. climate change org/case-studies/4-c-cooler- melbourne. 78 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all SDG 6

Clean water and sanitation

844 million people around the world still lack basic access to water services, 2.3 billion people lack access to sanitation, and 892 million people continue to practice open defaecation.

“Safe and clean water and sanitation is a human right, essential to the attainment of decent living conditions and all other human rights” UNGA Resolution A/RES/64/292 79 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Overall, progress in achieving SDG 6 is sustainable food policies. There is also a difficult to assess accurately due to limited need to achieve a rights-based approach data, particularly at the sub-national level. to sustainable urban development, with 103 See ECOSOC (2018), Progress towards the Sustainable The sharp increase in demand for water inclusive solutions building on efforts to Development Goals, Report to the Secretary General. and sanitation linked to urban growth, achieve gender equality and reduce socio- E/2018/64. compounded by the effects of climate economic and spatial inequalities. 104 UN Water (2018) SDG 6 change leading to urban warming, puts great Synthesis report on Water and Sanitation (unedited version pressure on LRGs. The 2018 UN Secretary available). General Report on progress towards the The challenge of managing water 105 Resolution A/RES/64/292. United Nations General SDGs mentions that 844 million people lack and sanitation Assembly, July 2010. even basic access to water services level Cities do not function in isolation. The 106 UN Water (2018) SDG 6 Synthesis report on Water and of access to water services and 2.3 billion availability of water, and access to it, depend Sanitation (unedited version people still lack access to basic sanitation.103 on the natural resources, ecosystems, river available). Without additional effort and partnerships, basins and city systems they are embedded in. 107 OECD (2015), Principles on water governance, http://www. universal access to basic sanitation will not Thus, the governance of water and sanitation oecd.org/cfe/regional-policy/ 104 OECD-Principles-on-Water- be achieved by 2030. policies involves a wide range of actors Governance-brochure.pdf. Safe and clean water and sanitation is a at central, intermediate and local levels. 108 UCLG, GOLD III (2014) provides human right, essential to the attainment of Coordination across levels of government a regional assessment of the local public provision of basic decent living conditions and all other human and sectoral agencies is required to design services. In Europe, public 105 107 provision remains dominant, rights. At a global level, rural areas lag consistent development plans. either direct, in partnership with other public authorities or the furthest behind, particularly in Central In many regions, LRGs are responsible through public undertakings Asia, Southern Asia and Sub-Saharan for the provision of basic services, including (except in France and in England and Wales). The water market Africa. Coverage in cities, including in Least potable water and sanitation, while central is highly fragmented. Tens of thousands of private operators Developed Countries (LDCs), is higher due governments are responsible for regulation provide water and sanitation to to shared sanitation facilities such as pit and bulk water supply. While responsibility just a quarter of the European population. In Eurasia – latrines. Regions such as Latin America is often assigned to local governments Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Belarus and Russia – water have made progress in the last two decades (at least officially), their delivery role has supply and sanitation providers are owned by municipal and through slum and neighbourhood upgrading evolved in the last few decades. The range higher-tier governments. In programmes. Still, most of the deficits are of management models varies considerably Latin America, around a third of countries have direct municipal still concentrated in informal settlements, between countries. With some exceptions, systems for water supply and sanitation, in the form of local and urban sprawl (formal and informal) in a majority of countries in Europe, Eurasia, public companies providing remains a key challenge to protecting Latin America and North America, as well services in urban areas (i.e. over 2,000 in Mexico, 200 in Ecuador, water-related ecosystems. as in OECD countries in the Asia-Pacific 50 provincial level municipal service operators in Peru, In Asia and Sub-Saharan African there has region, urban water and sanitation services and 14 municipally owned or cooperative operators in Bolivia). been a decline in access to such services in are usually managed by public authorities Regional governments also play urban areas, leaving the population exposed through public utilities or special purpose an important role in providing water services in Argentina, to waterborne diseases and vulnerable authorities, generally owned by local or Chile, Brazil, Mexico and 106 108 Venezuela. In other countries, to hazards. Given that almost 90% of regional authorities. In Sub-Saharan national utilities dominate (Costa urban population growth is happening in Africa, for example, 35% of LRGs are in Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay these regions, this challenge needs to be charge of water delivery.109 In many sub- and Uruguay). addressed urgently. Even where countries regions, the use of private operators through 109 UCLG, GOLD III (2014). About a third of African countries are on track to achieve the SDG 6 targets, collaborations between the public and (primarily Francophone) retain a single national water there are disparities between and within private sector has been promoted. utility, and the remaining two regions and cities. The monitoring system However, the promise of more Public- thirds (primarily Anglophone) have undertaken some form does not include data on the extent of water Private Partnerships (PPP) in middle and of decentralization to local jurisdictions. Hundreds of and sanitation provision by city or district. low-income countries has not been fully utilities have been established by Despite the limited data available globally, realized,110 and new models are now being central governments to collect and distribute bulk water. there is evidence of growing inadequacies implemented to try to reduce the complexity 110 Philippe Marin (2009), in urban areas, especially in informal of arrangements for LRGs and increase Public-Private Partnerships for Urban Water Utilities – A Review settlements. transparency and accountability to citizens. of Experiences in Developing Countries, PPIAF/World Bank, There is an urgent need to achieve SDG A recent study also highlights the need Washington. 6 in an increasingly urbanized world, as for further research on the re-emergence 111 A full list of 267 case studies a prerequisite to achieving SDG 11 and of ‘re-municipalization’, which presents of water re-municipalization is available in Reclaiming Public the ‘Right to the City’ as outlined in the clear opportunities in terms of political Services: How cities and citizens 111 are turning back privatisation New Urban Agenda. It has a strong and leadership. (2017), edited by Satoko immediate impact on health (particularly Sustainability in water and sanitation Kishimoto and Olivier Petitjean available at www.tni.org/ children’s health), access to education and also implies the adoption of integrated reclaiming-public-services. 80 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

urban management, including an inter- of current trends in urban development, municipal or metropolitan approach, as secondary cities in LDCs face these challenges well as a territorial perspective rather than the most. a strictly sectoral approach. Failure to take An increasing number of cities are investing immediate action to build a more collaborative in water capture through green infrastructure, and inclusive framework at the appropriate experimenting with permeable pathways,

SDG 6 territorial level will lead to a deterioration in urban agriculture and improved forestry plans the environment that will be hard to reverse.112 (SDG 15). China, for example, is investing in The New Urban Agenda estimates that adapting urban infrastructure in 30 ‘sponge building sustainable cities and communities cities’, for example Shanghai and Nanning. The Ensure availability Ensure will require USD 7.5 trillion investment in goal is that by 2020, 80% of China’s urban areas water infrastructure by 2030 to meet existing will absorb and reuse at least 70% of rainwater. deficiencies and cope with future demand. In In 2015, the city of Rajkot (India) installed a water and sanitation for all and sanitation for water the Asia-Pacific region alone, it is estimated Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System that more than USD 800 billion will be necessary (DTS) in the Jilla Garden neighbourhoods in and sustainable management of and sustainable management of for the period 2016–2030 to respond to water order to reduce the number of inhabitants not and sanitation issues in the region.113 In this connected to existing sewage infrastructure context, clearly the mobilization of increased (which stood at 40%). When not connected financial resources is vital. But, as UN Water untreated sewage is discharged into points out, the establishment of innovative neighbourhood streams, which flow into the institutional arrangements between all actors Aji River, posing ecological harm both to the involved, and the strengthening of the technical surrounding communities and biodiversity. and organizational capacities of LRGs or their Today, the system treats sewage from 236 facilities, should also be major priorities.114 households, saving 4,000 kWh of electricity

(SDG 7) and reducing GHG emissions by 15 t CO2e per year (SDG 11.6).116 How policies are changing With regards to inclusion of diverse 112 In most Latin American countries, water resource The challenge in implementing an effective needs, LRGs have a key role in enabling management can involve river basin organisations, rights-based approach is to balance cost- experimentation. The co-production of context- local and regional effectiveness with the inclusion of diversity. An specific solutions is at the heart of realizing decentralized units of governments, as well as increasing number of cities around the world a rights-based approach that encompasses central and regional water agencies. See Akhmouch, view wastewater as a resource, including a all diverse needs — density patterns, gender, A. (2012), Water Governance in Latin America and the financial one. The aim has been to find social people with disabilities, specific knowledge Caribbean: A Multi-Level and technical solutions based on long-term of indigenous people, among others — and Approach, OECD Regional Development Working strategies to localize financing and develop provides affordable solutions over time. Papers, 2012/04. domestic resources, including community- Gender challenges are particularly 113 ADB (2017), Meeting Asia’s Infrastructure Needs. This led funds. This has increased efficiency by important when it comes to access to clean estimate is based on 2015 reducing losses in municipal distribution and safe water and sanitation. Women and prices and includes climate- adjusted policies. to households,115 enforcing fiscal and tariff girls literally carry the burden of water 114 World Water Council policies and leveraging wastewater reuse to scarcity, walking long distances (more than (2018), Start with Water, putting water on local action plan the most efficient sewage systems. the 30-minute threshold of the SDG indicator) agendas to support global change. Cities are also held directly accountable in to reach collective facilities. Making these 115 According to UN Water, the event of water stress. This has been the trips, they are exposed to the risk of physical worldwide, municipal case in Brisbane (Australia), Cape Town (South violence and exhaustion due to the weight distribution networks account for 12% of withdrawals. Africa), São Paulo (Brazil), Rome (Italy) and and the heat. Improving access to water and 116 See also: http://www. Jakarta (Indonesia), among others. Moreover, sanitation is often the tipping point for girls iclei.org/fileadmin/ PUBLICATIONS/ Jakarta developed a Water Management attending primary and secondary schools. Case_Stories/1._LEDS/ Strategy for 2030, which included a project Personal hygiene, particularly for women, is ICLEIUrbanLEDS_case_ story_Rajkot_2016.pdf. to reduce urban flooding and improve water also a key issue, as is helping them access 117 These examples are storage capacity. This initiative led to the public spaces and employment while avoiding presented in Evans Banana, Patrick Chikoti, relocation of around 3,000 inhabitants away recurrent public shame and fear. Chisomo Harawa, Gordon from the reservoir banks, transforming them In many low and middle-income countries, McGranahan, Diana Mitlin, Stella Stephen, into parks and public open spaces. where infrastructure for basic services takes Noah Schermbrucker, Farirai Shumba, and Anna Many LRGs are struggling with ill-defined a long time to reach poor neighbourhoods Walnycki, Sharing reflections on inclusive sanitation, responsibilities and a lack of resources to and informal settlements, many inhabitants Environment and Urbanization improve inadequate infrastructures and depend on informal providers or community Vol 27, Issue 1, pp. 19-34, (2015). insufficient technologies. In the context provision. The role of local governments 81 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

in regulating and overseeing these small resources and promotes integrated urban providers is crucial because of potential water practices and energy efficiency, consequences for human safety and the making use of technology when possible. environment. Upgrading programmes in • Strengthen water governance through informal settlements is key to improving basic cooperation between different institutional service provision and increased coverage for levels and the management capacities urban populations; and local governments of LRGs to improve universal affordable can support and collaborate with NGOs, access to water and sanitation. communities and small providers to • Strengthen and increase decentralized develop affordable alternatives in these funding and innovative finance mechanisms areas. In this context, LRGs in partnership for water and sanitation projects to address with communities such as members of the existing deficits in provision and Shack/Slums Dwellers International, have increased demand in urban areas. in many cases been successful in reducing • Promote urban water resilience through the gaps in provision and finding affordable, planning risk and climate change adaptation safe and sustainable solutions. Innovative and mitigation strategies and protection of sanitation projects have, for example, been sensitive areas. tested in Chinhoyi (Zimbabwe), Dar es • Support mechanisms guaranteeing Salaam (Tanzania) and Blantyre (Malawi), minimum access levels (social tariffs, demonstrating the significant potential of cross-subsidies and safety nets) to make these collaborative approaches.117 basic services affordable to all members of Water also provides opportunity for more society. international collaboration among LRGs. The • Improve the collection and improvement Oudin-Santini Law, adopted in 2005 in France, of local data on water service access and illustrates how decentralized cooperation quality, to identify local needs and priorities can improve access to water and sanitation and monitor service delivery. by allowing French LRGs to dedicate one percent of their water and sanitation budget to international development programmes in related fields.

Political commitment of LRGs to water and sanitation There has been some progress since LRGs approved the Istanbul Water Consensus in 2009 in the spirit of promoting sustainable development and the cultural, historic and traditional values of water. In 2015, the Daegu- Gyeongbuk Water Action for Sustainable Cities and Regions was adopted, calling on stakeholders to establish closer links between water management and urban planning design and development, as well as other relevant sectors of urban management. The most recent declaration made by LRGs and their associations and networks during the 2018 World Water Forum in Brasilia puts forward the following critical recommendations: • Promote sensitive integrated water practices, taking into account basic human rights and services as well as gender approaches, putting sanitation and access to quality water at the top of the water agenda. • Bring forward legislation that enables

fair, efficient and sustainable use of water flickr.com) by Aristocrats-hat, (photo Zimbabwe Caves, Chinhoyi 82 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all SDG 7

Affordable and clean energy

Cities account for about 70% of global energy consumption and related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 3 billion people are still cooking with polluting fuel and stove combinations. “Progress in every area of sustainable energy falls short of what is needed to achieve energy access for all and to meet targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency” UN Secretary General Report 2017 83 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Today, cities account for about 70% of global to make 15% of their roof surface area energy consumption and related GHG ‘solar-ready’. The legislation has been in emissions.118 LRGs have a critical role to play effect since 1 January 2017 and will assist in shifting the world to a more sustainable the city in its ambitious goal of meeting 100% energy mix, capable of supporting human of its electrical demand through renewable and economic development in the long sources.121 term. Access to affordable, reliable and Because LRGs often do direct service sustainable energy is a cross-cutting issue provision for underserved populations, that has implications for human development they are in a unique position to identify across a range of SDGs,119 including poverty synergies between clean or efficient eradication (SDG 1), health (SDG 3), gender energy programmes and inclusivity. For (SDG 5) and decent job creation (SDG 8). Over example, in Buenos Aires (Argentina), the the next two decades, the vast majority of city’s environmental protection agency has urban growth is expected to be in developing provided solar thermal heaters to CSOs that countries and, in many places, demand for provide shelter to homeless people. The energy is already outpacing supply. Creating programme also provides training in ins- an enabling environment to support clean tallation and maintenance to plumbers and energy generation, improve energy access local staff. This project aims to decrease the and enhance resource efficiency is crucial energy costs for organizations working with for both the long-term wellbeing of urban vulnerable groups, promote environmental populations and for reducing global GHG education, and increase social inclusion emissions. through professional and technical training courses, while also promoting renewable energy and reducing GHG emissions.122 Ensure universal access to Although there is a global shift towards affordable, reliable and modern more local energy systems, national energy services (SDG 7.1) and and state governments continue to have increase the share of renewables in an important role to play in financing, the energy mix (SDG 7.2) operating and regulating energy supply. Many factors that influence energy access First, national governments should create and affordability are outside the scope of the wider political environment that allows LRGs’ control, particularly when national the private sector (including both financiers authorities control energy generation and and developers) to invest confidently in grid infrastructure. However, LRGs typically renewable energy projects. This requires have greater influence on local policies regulatory certainty and transparent pricing related to electrification coverage, subsidy models. Second, national governments 118 We want to acknowledge the joint contribution by or incentive programmes that promote can improve the project economics of C40 and the Coalition for Urban Transitions: Alfredo renewable energy systems and energy saving renewable energy investments by putting in Redondo, Claire Markgraf, or efficiency regulations. place a substantive and transparent set of Sarah Colenbrander, Markus Berensson, and Emmanuelle The overall reliability of energy is fiscal incentives and targets. For example, Pinault. ICLEI also often dependent on redundancy within a national governments may offer higher contributed to this section. 119 African Progress Report given energy system or availability of the feed-in tariffs for renewable technologies (2015) Power, people, planet decentralized generation technologies that than for conventional energy systems. - Seizing Africa's energy and climate opportunities. serve as primary or back-up sources of Algeria, Brazil, Germany and Thailand, 120 IEA, Energy Access energy.120 Cities and LRGs are helping to drive among others, introduced feed-in tariffs Outlook (2017) From Poverty decentralized energy generation models. for solar photovoltaic panels, which helped to Prosperity. 121 C40 Cities Climate For example, in April 2016, San Francisco producers achieve economies of scale and Leadership Group (2018). C40 City Success Examples. became the first major U.S. city to approve technological learning. Today, rooftop solar http://www.c40.org/case_ legislation requiring rooftop solar on new PV is often economically attractive without studies. buildings. The legislation requires solar subsidies. 122 Ibid. panels or solar water heaters to be installed Though demand for clean, renewable 123 See also: International 123 Energy Agency (2017). on top of all residential and commercial energy sources is increasing worldwide, Renewables 2017: Analysis and Forecasts to 2022 Executive buildings below ten storeys in height. The LRGs are playing a greater role in driving Summary. IEA Market Report city mandate is a significant expansion of demand to the levels necessary to meet both Series. . 84 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Double the global rate of National governments have an even more improvement in energy efficiency important role to play in introducing (SDG 7.3) efficiency standards for vehicles, lighting National or state governments are typically and appliances, as these policies can be responsible for introducing building codes. difficult to enforce at the city scale. This can systematically enhance energy Where national governments have not

SDG 7 efficiency across a region, including smaller introduced or enforced efficiency targets, urban areas that might not have the capacity LRGs can also influence energy efficiency to design and enforce ambitious efficiency through policy interventions. Green public standards. Building codes in China and procurement policies in buildings and India, for example, are helping to reduce transport are particularly important at the modern energy for all modern energy for

reliable, sustainable and reliable, both the energy bills and carbon footprints municipal scale, as this strategy can build of all new construction. Where the building local capacities to deliver more efficient Ensure access to affordable, affordable, to access Ensure stock is already largely established, as in options. Europe, national governments can play a key The adoption of efficient building codes and role in improving access to low-cost capital. regulation of appliances often has the added This can incentivize households and firms to benefit of reducing energy costs. Some retrofit buildings to improve their efficiency. municipal governments have made these types of regulation a key part of their energy strategies. For example, in 2012, Seoul (Republic of Korea) introduced One Less ! BOX 4.11. Nuclear Power Plant, a programme which aims to increase energy independence, renewable energy generation and energy CITIES MAKING PUBLIC COMMITMENTS ON CLIMATE efficiency. To date, Seoul has saved energy AND ENERGY equivalent to one nuclear power plant by requiring new buildings to generate up to 20% of their energy consumption; Cities are also linking into global movements that promote both the establishment of a civic fund for the climate and energy considerations. For example, the Global expansion of solar power generation; 100% Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) is a climate- LED lighting deployment for public buildings focused initiative with nearly 7,600 city and local government by 2018, and low-interest loans for building signatories. Each signatory to GCoM commits to taking action retrofits available to tenants and contractors on mitigation, adaptation, and access to sustainable energy. as well as dwellers.124 Recognizing that cities around the world are at different stages Other cities have found the use of smart of development and face different energy-related needs, technologies key to monitoring and tracking actions that cities take may differ from region to region and their progress. Cape Town (South Africa) require different metrics to measure progress. For example, initiated energy efficiency improvements some may focus on addressing lack of adequate energy access in municipal buildings in 2009, and has for low-income residents while others may choose to commit implemented a smart metering programme to improving per capita electrification, increasing the share of to verify the resulting electricity savings. By renewables in a local energy mix, advocating for energy reform 2015, the city had installed about 500 smart at different levels of government and other actions that seek to meters within municipal facilities but still ensure a more sustainable future. found it challenging to manually extract, 133 100%RE Cities & Regions Network brings together leading analyse and monitor all the data from these cities, towns and regions that are driving the transition towards meters for reporting purposes. In 2015, the 100% renewable energy in a global community of practice in city’s internal departments collaborated order to facilitate peer learning and accelerate progress. The to integrate all municipal information and network is built on ICLEI´s engagement with the International electricity data systems to develop an 134 135 Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), REN21 Network, and automated energy management system, the 136 Local Renewables Conference since 2007 and connects to the ‘SmartFacility’ application. This interprets 137 Global 100% Renewable Energy Campaign. In addition to its the facility’s electricity consumption data in pioneering 15+ cities and regions including Vancouver (Canada) a friendly, accessible manner, illustrating and Tshwane (South Africa), the Network also supports national the data on a dashboard for internal end and regional initiatives, for example Japanese cities committing users and the public.125 138 139 to 100%RE or 150 U.S. Mayors endorsing 100% Clean Power. Some cities have developed monitoring models that push local actors towards energy- 85 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

smart behaviour change. For example, part of a wider city plan to cut GHG emissions Singapore requires annual mandatory by 80% by 2050. The plan includes three submission of building information and energy approaches: reduce energy use, increase consumption data for commercial buildings. the use of renewable energy and increase It uses this data to perform benchmarking the supply of renewable energy across the 124 See also: C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (2018). C40 exercises and shares the results with building city. It calls for electricity, thermal energy City Success Examples. http:// owners so that they know how well their and transportation to be renewable by 2050 www.c40.org/case_studies. 125 building is performing. In 2016 the city went and has just adopted the intermediate goal of Ibid. 126 Ibid. further and introduced voluntary disclosure 55% renewable energy by 2030.128 127 More information on of building energy data for the first time. In late As part of the strategy to double the regional energy policies and actions in Baden-Württemberg 2017, Singapore received ministerial approval rate of efficiency improvements under is available online at this address: http://energiewende. to update the regulation to require mandatory Sustainable Energy For All, the Building baden-wuerttemberg.de/ public disclosure of building information and Efficiency Accelerator (BEA)129 supports en/all-articles/basics/ energy-transition-in-baden- energy consumption data, citing successful public commitments at the city, regional wuerttemberg/. examples of this in cities such as Boston, and national levels. As of 2017, the BEA had 128 See also: C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (2018). C40 Washington D.C., San Francisco (U.S.) and reached out to more than 250 cities and City Success Examples. http:// Tokyo (Japan).126 regions such as Santa Rosa (Philippines), www.c40.org/case_studies. 129 See also: http:// LRGs around the world are making public with support from city networks such as buildingefficiencyaccelerator. commitments to provide more sustainable, ICLEI and C40, together with 70 businesses, org/. 130 secure and affordable energy in their national governments and NGOs. It provides Ibid. 131 See also: http://www. jurisdictions. For example, many Länder in tools, expertise and technical capabilities to districtenergyincities.org/. Germany are making energy a top strategic sub-national governments who commit to 132 Ibid. priority. Baden-Württemberg has devised implementing and reporting on measures 133 See also: http://www.iclei. org/index.php?id=3339. a strategy for climate protection and energy designed to improve efficiency.130 134 See also: http://www.irena. supply up to the year 2050, aiming for a 50% Another example is the Global District org/. reduction in energy consumption, an 80% Energy in Cities (DES) Initiative,131 launched 135 See also: http://www.ren21. net/. quota for renewable energy sources and in September 2014 as the implementing 136 See also: http://www.local- a 90% reduction in emissions of GHGs.127 mechanism for the Sustainable Energy renewables-conference.org/ freiburg-and-basel-2018/ In the Netherlands, water authorities are for All (SEforALL) Energy Efficiency home/. striving to be energy neutral by 2025, and Accelerator Platform. The DES Initiative is 137 See also: http://www. a national network of 29 regions has been a multi-stakeholder partnership and pool go100re.net/. 138 See also: http://www. established to allow cooperation between of expertise that promotes the transfer of iclei.org/details/article/ japanese-cities-and-regions- local authorities, network operators and policy, finance and technical know-how, rally-behind-100-percent- companies in regional energy strategies. engaging with more than 45 champion renewable-energy.html. 132 139 See also: https:// Vancouver (Canada) was one of the first in cities, such as Gothenburg (Sweden), www.sierraclub.org/ the world to issue a detailed plan in 2014 to which utilizes energy from the Gota River compass/2017/09/milestone- 150-mayors-endorse-100- achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050 — for cooling and biogas for heating. clean-energy.

Construction site at night, Singapore (photo by Kai Morgener, flickr.com) by Kai Morgener, (photo at night, Singapore site Construction 86 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

SDG 12

Sustainable consumption and production The many supply chains that connect cities mean that GHG emissions reductions in other parts of the country and around the world will reduce the GHG emissions of cities and vice versa.

“Achieving Goal 12 requires a strong national framework for sustainable consumption and production that is integrated into national and sectoral plans [...]” UN SG Report 2018 87 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Cities and territories are key to achieving Consumption-based emissions are driven sustainable patterns140 of production and by complex factors such as the carbon consumption. Given that in high-income efficiency of global economic supply chains consumer cities, GHG emissions are largely and consumer behaviour that is beyond the driven by consumption patterns, a growing reach of any individual local government. number of LRGs are now taking action to However, LRGs, and particularly large cities, promote sustainable public procurement and are focal points for the global consumer sustainable lifestyles among their residents. economy, and decisions taken in these locations have the potential to reverberate around the world. For example, most of Understanding the carbon footprint the consumption-based GHG emissions of of consumption in cities and 79 cities analysed by the C40 Cities Climate territories (SDG 12.2)141 Leadership Group are traded: almost Cities rely heavily on the supply of imported two thirds of consumption-based GHG goods and services from outside their emissions (2.2 out of 3.5 gigatonnes of CO2) physical boundaries. The GHG emissions are imported from regions outside the cities. associated with these supply chains are This highlights that consumption activities of significant, particularly for LRGs in Europe, residents in a local government area has a North America and Oceania. significant impact on the generation of GHG Using a consumption-based approach, it is emissions beyond its boundaries. Through possible to capture direct and life-cycle GHG collaboration between LRGs, as well as emissions of goods and services (including through partnerships between LRGs, industry those from raw materials, manufacturing, and civil society, LRGs can take action to distribution, retail and disposal) and allocate increase the resource efficiency of production GHG emissions to the final consumers of as well as the nature of consumption. those goods and services, rather than to the original producers of the GHG emissions. Utilities, housing and capital (business Taking action to reduce investment in physical assets such as consumption-related GHG emissions infrastructure, construction and machinery, The first step in managing consumption transportation, food supply, and government emissions is to measure them. It is therefore services) contribute most to consumption- crucial that LRGs map their consumption- based GHG emissions, although with related emissions. Once an LRG has a firm significant regional variation. understanding of the source of consumption- Given the complexity of global supply chains, related emissions, it can take adequate the production of goods and services in a actions through strategic measures such as specific location is often driven by consumer sustainable public procurement, consumer demand elsewhere. Cities are centres of both information, standards, labels, taxes and production and consumption. Therefore, subsidies. emissions of which local governments are The many supply chains that connect cities directly responsible increase substantially mean that GHG emissions reductions in other when one takes into account the extent to parts of the country and around the world will which local consumption contributes to reduce the GHG emissions of cities and vice emissions. When switching to a consumption- versa. It is crucial therefore that the focus based approach, some high-income, service is on collaboration, knowledge-sharing and economy cities in the Global North see an learning between cities, and between local increase in emissions by as much as 400%. and regional authorities and their national LRGs are therefore starting to include the counterparts. LRG networks can facilitate consumption-based perspective when plan- these outcomes by identifying both city- ning how to reduce their total climate impact. to-city and territory-to-territory linkages, 140 We want to acknowledge the joint contribution by C40 and the Coalition for Urban Transitions: Alfredo Redondo, Claire Markgraf, When switching to a consumption-based approach, some Sarah Colebrander, Markus Berensson, and Emmanuelle high-income, service economy cities in the Global North Pinault. ICLEI also contributed to this section. 141 See also: C40 (2018). see an increase in emissions by as much as 400% Consumption-based GHG emissions of C40 cities. 88 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

in terms of the supply and consumption of Copenhagen (Denmark) is supporting goods and services. With this knowledge, circular economy approaches based on local governments and other stakeholders analysis highlighting that transition to can work together and coordinate efforts a more efficient use of resources has (e.g. further research, better policies, economic benefits, while reducing the city’s

SDG 12 joined-up action for greater impact) to carbon footprint. Key considerations for the reduce consumption-related GHGs. local government are better understanding While LRGs may not have much direct how residents eat, what they buy, how they

consumption and and consumption influence over the carbon intensity of power live and transport themselves. Amsterdam Ensure sustainable sustainable Ensure

production patterns production used in the manufacturing process of an (the Netherlands) is also a pioneer of imported product, or whether that product the circular economy and has tied other is transported by train or truck, as end users consumption-based policies to this and centres of innovation and change, they concept. At the moment, the city is running do have many opportunities to transform 23 circular economy approaches and has residents’ lifestyles into more sustainable updated its waste strategy and deepened ones to help reduce consumption-based its understanding of waste streams, whilst GHG emissions. This can be achieved through improving metropolitan collaboration on the a combination of resource productivity circular economy in order to tackle material strategies and consumer policies, targeting streams at a larger scale. carbon-intensive consumption categories In Madrid (Spain), the local government has and life-cycle phases with the highest found that consumption-based emissions are emissions, and supporting shifts in useful when evaluating policies and action consumption to goods and services with plans focused on, for example, responsible lower emissions, including through public consumption, environmental taxation and procurement. the environmental footprint of products. Since 2017, the city has had an action plan on Sustainable Consumption, focusing on 142 See also: http://www. greendeals.nl/english/green- Promoting sustainable five strategic areas: food and drink; energy, deal-approach/. procurement and lifestyles in cities transport and waste; an ethical approach to 143 See also: http://urbact.eu/ diet-green-planet-0, http:// (SDG 12.7 and 12.8) finance and insurance; tourism, recreation urbact.eu/agri-urban. Many LRGs are already implementing and culture; and other assorted goods and 144 See also: http://www. oneplanetnetwork.org/sites/ measures to reduce supply chain GHG services. At the scale of medium-sized cities, default/files/10yfp-spp- principles.pdf. emissions. To accelerate and scale the municipality of Mollet del Vallès (Spain) 145 See also: http://web.unep. such efforts, however, requires greater is another example of promoting responsible org/10yfp/programmes/ sustainable-public- understanding of how LRGs can most consumption and production of food for procurement. effectively target transboundary GHG local canteens through the ‘Diet for a Green 146 See also: http://iclei-europe. 143 org/topics/sustainable- emissions. This will vary between authorities Planet’ and ‘Agri-Urban’ initiatives. Both procurement. depending, amongst other factors, on their are developed within the framework of the 147 See also: http://glcn-on-sp. org/home/. consumption-based GHG emissions profile, URBACT programme of the European Union. 148 For more information, see governance structure and ability to act. Oslo (Norway) is developing a new climate the Dutch Public Procurement Expertise Centre as well as the In the Netherlands, the new Green Deal strategy in 2018 for reducing consumption. It Investment agenda 'Towards a sustainable Netherlands' Sustainable GWW of 2017 gathers LRGs, will assess measures that can contribute to IPO, VNG and the Association national government and the private sector, a reduction of Oslo’s total carbon footprint. of Water Boards, published in March 2017. and commits them to reusing building The city is also promoting a programme on 149 See also: https:// and demolition material by processing it life-cycle emissions in, for example, building drive.google.com/file/ d/17Fhd9yy1MlVfxUjzfjDXK743- into filler material in groundwork, road materials and has initiated action to offer vCVaaEO/view. and waterways construction. The Noord- more vegetarian meals in canteens across 150 See also: http:// talkofthecities.iclei.org/ Holland province, for example, wants to the Norwegian capital. dunedin-new-zealand-has- divested-from-fossil-fuels- make its real-estate, infrastructure and 700 Paris (France) is looking at upstream here-is-why-and-how/. km of provincial roads completely circular emissions from energy consumption and 151 See also: http://www.iclei. org/details/article/berlin- in terms of replacement and maintenance. emissions associated with food, construction becomes-7th-western-city-to- divest-from-fossil-fuels.html. It has agreed that by 2030, use of primary and transport outside Paris, including 152 See also: http://www1. raw materials will be reduced by 50%, there aviation. The goal is to reduce out-boundary nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/ news/022-18/climate-action- will be clean bus transport by 2025 and by emissions by 75% by 2050, compared to the mayor-comptroller-trustees- 2020 CO emissions will be reduced by 20% baseline year of 2004. Furthermore, the first-in-the-nation-goal-divest- 2 from#/0. compared to 1990.142 city has developed a sustainable food plan 89 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

that aims to save 17,000 tCO2/year by using public procurement to increase the share of sustainable food in the city’s municipal ! BOX 4.12. canteens. A carbon menu application allows people to find out the emissions produced by SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (SPP) their plate of food. London (United Kingdom) INITIATIVES has also opted to focus its consumption- related policies on food, since so little of what Londoners consume is produced in the city, as Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP)144 is defined well as set targets for reducing waste. as a process whereby public organizations meet their In Stockholm (Sweden), the city government needs for goods, services, works and utilities in a way is providing more vegetarian food in schools, that achieves value-for-money on a whole life cycle together with disseminating information on basis, in terms of generating benefits not only to the consumption-based emissions to residents. organization but also to society and the economy, Beyond the food sector, the city has also whilst significantly reducing negative impacts on the performed life-cycle analyses of construction environment. The 10 Year Framework Programme materials and building processes to develop (10YFP) on SPP145 is a global multi-stakeholder a better understanding of embodied energy platform that supports the implementation of SPP within the built environment. around the world. The programme builds synergies Portland, Oregon on the west coast of between diverse partners to achieve the SDG target the U.S., has developed an analytical model on SPP. using economic data on final demand from households, governments and businesses, Procura+ and Global Lead City Network on to improve local governments’ understanding Sustainable Public Procurement of consumption-related emissions. Based Since 1996, ICLEI has been promoting and on that deeper analysis, an effort to reduce implementing the principles of SPP among its the city’s total carbon footprint is underway. members, particularly in Europe.146 These efforts Local climate action aims to promote low- have been led primarily by early pioneers such as carbon consumption choices: repair, reuse, Kolding (Denmark), Gothenburg (Sweden), Zurich rent, share durable goods, along with the (Switzerland), and Barcelona (Spain) and extended mandatory deconstruction of older homes. to recent achievers such as Helsinki (Finland) and Ghent (Belgium). The process in Europe is progressed through Procura+ initiatives, including networks, Advocating an end to fossil-fuel forums, platforms and annual conferences. In subsidies (SDG 12.c) April 2015, ICLEI launched the Global Lead City LRGs take action not just locally to achieve Network (GLCN) on Sustainable Procurement,147 in SDG12, but also collectively at the global collaboration with Seoul Metropolitan Government, level to achieve Target 12.c. Through the extending this to 14 other cities worldwide. The ‘Urban 20 Joint Statement’ supported by C40 most recent efforts from the GLCN network include and UCLG and published in April 2018, 20 Warsaw (Poland) purchasing 130 new e-buses (10% Mayors from the G20 countries have called of Warsaw’s fleet) – the largest project of its kind in on their national leaders to end fossil-fuel Central and Eastern Europe - and Malmö (Sweden) subsidies by 2020.149 starting to chair the Procura+ Network in Europe. Pioneering local governments have also been actively involved in promoting the Socially responsible procurement divestment of investments away from fossil In late 2016, dozens of municipalities, provinces, water fuels. Following the examples of Dunedin (New boards and ministries signed the Socially Responsible Zealand)150 in 2014 and Berlin (Germany)151 Procurement Manifesto 2016-2020, whereby they in 2016, New York City (U.S.)152 announced in voluntarily aspire to higher environmental standards. January 2018 a goal to divest pension funds Together, municipalities, provinces and water boards from fossil-fuel reserve owners within five spend EUR 28 billion per year on investments, years. This would make it the first major U.S. procurement, maintenance and tenders. As part of the pension plan to do so. New York City is also common investment agenda, they have now committed filing a lawsuit against five of the largest to opt wherever possible for energy neutral, climate fossil-fuel companies, seeking damages to proof and circular solutions, starting in 2018.148 help protect the city from climate change. 90 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems – halt biodiversity loss SDG 15

Life on land

In 2015, forests covered about 4 billion hectares or 31% of the world’s land area. The rate of forest loss has been cut by 25% in the period 2000-2005. “Cities and regions directly influence the condition and preservation of terrestrial ecosystems and communities. Today, around 1.6 billion people directly depend on forests for their livelihood, including indigenous communities” 91 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

In collaboration with local, national and supranational stakeholders, LRGs can help preserve and restore life on land, through territorial planning, awareness-raising and efforts to enhance resilience

Cities and regions directly influence the Policy initiatives to protect urban condition and preservation of terrestrial ecosystems and promote sustainable ecosystems and communities. Today, use of terrestrial resources around 1.6 billion people directly depend This shift towards planning for ‘urban on forests for their livelihood, including green growth’ is imperative, not only to indigenous communities. Biodiversity is a secure sustainable ecosystem services and broad concept, cutting across many other resource flows, but also to ensure resilience SDGs. All forms of life depend upon in the face of climate change. In recent years, biodiversity for their existence.153 Globally, various global agreements such as the 74% of the poor are directly affected by land UN Convention to Combat Desertification degradation.154 (UNCCD) and the UN Convention on Biological It is well-recognized that biodiversity and Diversity, as well as spaces such as the UN ecosystems generate, mediate and underpin Forum on Forests, have acknowledged numerous resource flows into cities such as and institutionalized the participation of food, water, energy, health and livelihood LRGs. The Global Partnership on LRGs needs. The correlation between local, and Biodiversity proposed in 2007 is one of regional and sustainable development has the most successful cases for engagement been acknowledged in the SDGs and the New of LRGs in global processes. It provides Urban Agenda, with a special focus on urban- support to cities’ sustainable management rural interlinkages and value chains. Public of biodiversity resources, and assistance to policies on biodiversity conservation are key them to implement practices coordinated contributors to improvements in water quality with national, regional and international (SDG 6), reducing the environmental impact biodiversity strategies and agendas. of cities (SDG 11.6), but also strengthening In 2017, this international dialogue evolved into urban resilience to climate change (SDG 13). concrete collaborations. This was ahead of Based on their different responsibilities the release of the UNCCD flagship publication and capacities and in close collaboration ‘Global Land Outlook’ which contained a 153 We want to acknowledge 156 the contribution of ICLEI and with local, national and supranational specific chapter on urbanization. These nrg4SD for this section. stakeholders, LRGs can provide a holistic collaborations include: 154 See also: https:// www.un.org/ view of how to preserve and restore life • a dedicated session by ICLEI and the sustainabledevelopment/ on land, through territorial planning, UNCCD Secretariat at the 2017 Resilient biodiversity/. 157 155 See also: http://www.fao. awareness-raising and efforts to enhance Cities Congress, which also saw the org/sustainable-development- the resilience of forests and combat land release of ICLEI´s Briefing Sheet158 on goals/indicators/forestarea/ en/. degradation. In this regard, they can help land degradation and cities, integrated 156 See also: https://global- localize SDG 15’s targets by focusing on sustainable land management, guidelines land-outlook.squarespace. com/the-outlook/#the-bokk. the areas of forestry, desertification and for compact city planning and smart 157 See also. http:// biodiversity. These also reflect the global growth, landscape level approach and resilientcities2017.iclei.org/ index.php?id=1102. agendas derived from the Earth Summit in rural-urban partnerships as potential 158 See also: http://www.iclei. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. options for local governments to address org/briefingsheets.html. 92 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

resilience, food-water security and In 2010, at the UN International Year on migration challenges of desertification in Biodiversity in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, cities and regions; Japan, the Aichi/Nagoya ‘Declaration on • specific consultations hosted by UCLG159 Local Authorities and Biodiversity’ was and UNCCD Secretariat as part of D'A2017 adopted and the ‘2011-2020 CBD Plan of — Désertif'Actions 2017 International Action on Cities, Local Authorities and Summit160 of non-state actors on land Biodiversity’ established. This strategic SDG 15 degradation and climate change in local plan defined 20 ambitious targets, territories, organized by Association Climate collectively known as the Aichi Biodiversity Chance in Strasbourg on 27-28 June 2017; Targets. These demonstrated the tangible • the first Minister-Mayor Roundtable161 at the contributions LRGs can make through local Protect, restore and and restore Protect, UNCCD 13th Conference of Parties in Ordos, actions. These were presented by the Sub-

promote sustainable use sustainable use promote China, in September 2017, which included National Governments Advisory Committee of terrestrial ecosystems of terrestrial the Mayors of Bonn (Germany), Strasbourg to the Convention on Biological Diversity. (France), Quelimane, (Mozambique) and The ‘Nagoya Plan of Action’ was further Ordos (China) as speakers. supported by additional initiatives such as Singapore Index on Cities’ Biodiversity, Cities and Biodiversity Outlook, URBIO (Urban Biodiversity and Design Network), and nrg4SD’s emerging Learning Platform for Regions for Biodiversity. At every CBD COP in BOX 4.13. ! 2012, 2014, 2016, Global Biodiversity Summit of Cities and Sub-National Governments INTERACT-BIO were held as part of the official COP agenda, concluding with respective declarations and COP decisions to strengthen the INTERACT-Bio is a four-year project implementation of the Nagoya Plan. designed to improve the utilization Most recently, in 2017, the ‘Guidelines for and management of nature within an Integrated Approach to the Development fast-growing cities and surrounding and Implementation of National, Subnational regions. It aims to provide expanding and Local Biodiversity Strategies and Action urban communities in the Global South Plans and its Compendium Volume’162 were with nature-based solutions and their launched to support the sub-national and associated long-term benefits. local implementation of National Biodiversity Supported by the International Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), and Climate Initiative (IKI) Fund of the to coordinate planning, governance and German Government (BMU), the monitoring mechanisms between different project will be implemented in nine levels of government. cities and their regions in Brazil, Through the adoption of laws and India and Tanzania to support regulations directed at industries, LRGs can mainstreaming biodiversity into implement sustainable urban development. core sub-national government Moreover, the development of National functions. These include spatial Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans planning, land-use management, (NBSAPs) under the framework of the 159 See also: https://www.uclg. org/fr/node/27530. local economic development and Convention on Biological Diversity has 160 See also: https://www. infrastructure design. become a key policy tool for many LRGs to uclg.org/en/media/news/ international-summit-non- This will set participating cities plan sub-national biodiversity strategies. state-actors-desertification and regions on a more resilient The Fatick Region in Senegal has for and http://www.desertif- actions.fr/. and sustainable path. As well as instance developed an ‘Integrated Regional 161 See also: http://enb.iisd. contributing to SDG 15.5, the project is Development Plan 2012-2018’ which used org/desert/cop13/12sep.html. 162 See also: http://www. expected to provide a concrete practical an ecosystem approach to meet the Aichi cbc.iclei.org/project/bsap- example of the implementation of SDG Targets at the regional level. The transfer guidelines/. 11.a, and demonstrate good practice of environmental and natural resource 163 Nrg4SD, Government of Québec (2016), Sub-national for synergies across SDG 11, 13 and 15. management powers to the regions enabled governments in action for biodiversity. Case studies. Fatick to design and monitor its biodiversity, 164 Ibid. safeguarding efforts to protect wildlife in 93 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

particular. As of today, 33 forests are being has established a network of protected developed and 100 villages are involved in areas by creating 206 natural reserves forest management.163 covering more than 21,000 hectares on Some regions and provinces have been private lands.164 Likewise, the Province of very involved with the conservation and Lam Dong (Vietnam) established a system restoration of ecosystems, including through of forest-basedecosystem payments. The the establishment of protected areas and system helped to improve the quality of life policies to combat fires, invasive alien for more than 40,000 rural poor and provides species and soil erosion. As part of efforts instrumental support in the preservation of to protect 17% of its land mass and interior more than 200,000 hectares of forest. fresh water areas by 2020, Quebec (Canada) Pongour waterfall, Lam Dong, Vietnam (photo by Binh Huynh, flickr.com) Lam Dong, Vietnam (photo waterfall, Pongour 94 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Cross-cutting issues: Leaving no one behind

Local and Regional Governments put the 'Right to the City' at the centre of urban and territorial governance to include ‘those who are furthest behind’ and co-create sustainable and resilient societies. "‘Leaving no one behind’ is about how cities can be a space for ‘opportunities for all’, for sharing universal rights, values and objectives... By acknowledging diversity and active participation, LRGs help reduce poverty and inequalities and efficiently design policies which take into account each group’s specificities" 95 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

The following section describes initiatives of securing access to basic services for all taken by LRGs to ensure that the principle inhabitants and safeguarding citizens’ rights, to leave no one behind has been enshrined but also promoting sustainable development in sustainable development strategies at for generations to come. the local and regional level.165 It gives an Inclusion policies are designed to satisfy overview of the efforts catalysed by LRGs both material needs for a dignified life and associations from around the world, in and those related to social connections. line with the Bogotá Commitment and Action LRGs are also focusing their resources on Agenda, approved in Bogotá in 2016. fighting discrimination in all its forms. For At the local level which is closest to example, the city of Pikine (Senegal) has communities, daily challenges include created a ‘Human Rights Office’ for women tackling socio-spatial exclusion, integrating who have experienced sexual violence. In migrants as well as the most marginalized Seoul (Republic of Korea), the metropolitan groups, preventing urban violence, fighting government has created a system of human discrimination and protecting social rights rights governance, complete with a municipal and justice for all. The New Urban Agenda division and various ombudsmen in charge integrates migration into the strategic of protecting the rights of minorities.168 planning and management of cities and Housing strategies are also a safeguard for national urban systems, at the same time human rights, particularly in urban extensions affirming the universality of human rights where inequalities are growing, or in places regardless of the length of stay or legal where people are being evicted through status.166 Hence in their efforts to promote gentrification processes (for more details see a human rights-based approach to include SDG 11.1). The acknowledgment of the rights ‘those who are furthest behind’, LRGs are of homeless people is an important issue in instrumental in the localization of global the implementation of the New Urban Agenda agendas. and has been followed by the adoption of the ‘Homeless Bill of Rights’ by six European cities.169 The city of Lisbon (Portugal) is Putting the ‘Right to the City’ at tackling discrimination against social groups the centre of urban and territorial such as Roma people, Afro-descendant or governance LGBTI communities through the SOMOS ‘Leaving no one behind’ is about how cities programme. This is a comprehensive policy can be a space for ‘opportunities for all’, based on a strong collaboration with local civil for sharing universal rights, values and society, carrying out numerous actions in the 165 We want to acknowledge objectives. But it is also about acknowledging fields of education, awareness and training of the UCLG Committee on Social Inclusion and participatory the diversity of inhabitants and their contexts local officials. Democracy and the UCLG team on MC2CM migration and creating specific solutions through Similarly, the recognition of cultural rights programme for their inputs on their active participation. LRGs help reduce tends to play a crucial role in strengthening this cross-cutting section. 166 Par. 38 of the New Urban poverty and inequalities by identifying the local social cohesion of several groups Agenda approved in Quito in deprivation and efficiently targeting outreach such as indigenous or ethnic minorities. The October 2016. 170 167 See UN-Habitat 2016 World policies which take into account each group’s city of Medellin (Colombia) implemented Cities Report. specificities. The challenge is to make a long-term cultural plan. This aimed to 168 More information available at: https://www.uclg-cisdp. cities and territories a common good and consolidate a culture of peace and democratic org/en/news/latest-news/ implement new ways of guaranteeing human participation, recognizing cultural rights for seoul-municipal-government- division-works-mainstream- rights and participatory democracy towards vulnerable groups such as Afro-Columbian, rights-approach-local-public. economic redistribution, cultural recognition indigenous, LGBTI or internally displaced 169 This initiative is fostered by cities and civil society, namely and political representation of all citizens. populations. Yopougon, a suburb of Adibjan FEANTSA and Housing Rights 167 Watch. According to FEANTSA, As noted by UN-Habitat (2016), ‘75% of (Côte d’Ivoire), promotes cultural citizenship these cities are Barcelona, the world’s cities have higher levels of income among the local youth in a post-crisis context Mostoles and four Estonian municipalities. Additional inequalities than two decades ago’ while ’too through participatory programmes that information available at: http://www.feantsa.org/ many cities today fail to make sustainable aim to foster inter-culturalism and social en/campaign/2017/11/21/ space for all, not just physically, but also in the cohesion. The role of many cities in the homeless-bill-of-rights. 170 More information available civic, socio-economic and cultural dimensions recognition of LGTBI communities through a at: http://agenda21culture. attached to collective space.’ Addressing range of initiatives — e.g. Gay Pride events — net/sites/default/files/files/ good_practices/medellin- social exclusion at the local level is a matter is well known globally. eng_def.pdf. 96 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Raising awareness of the benefits ongoing policy since 2008 to train unem of inclusion of migrants in local ployed mothers with a migration background governance and living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods Thus far, data monitoring has captured to become mentors and support newcomers the regional distribution of migrants and in overcoming bureaucratic and cultural

confirmed a rapid growth in migration obstacles. The project, recipient of the processes, especially in developing countries. Metropolis 2008 award, has now been In 2016, over 80% of the world’s refugees and replicated in several other cities in Europe. asylum-seekers were living in developing The city of Madrid (Spain) has also focused on countries.171 By the end of 2016, globally access of migrants to decent labour as a way refugees and asylum-seekers were estimated to promote their integration into the territory, to total 22.5 million people, representing 10% build their capacities and provide them with Cross-cutting issue – issue – Cross-cutting leaving no one behind leaving of all international migrants.172 vocational training in order to contribute to The process leading to the 2030 Agenda the city’s development. Within the periphery represented an important step forward, of Paris, with the support of Plaine-Commune acknowledging that cities are increasingly one (France), the city of Stains is embarking on of the principal determinants of migration. an institutional partnership with a national The SDGs also recognize migrants as a programme to professionalize street workers vulnerable group and highlight the particular in the field of car repairing. Meanwhile the city challenges they face with regards to mobility of Saint-Denis is piloting a street food project or inclusion (once they reach their destination with migrant women selling corn and African which in most cases is urban). UNHCR dishes to passers-by. However, issues related collected disaggregated data on people and to the migratory presence in a territory are not location at sub-national level as part of the clearly delineated in the SDGs. global framework, and was able to do this for Regulatory and financial barriers have approximately 63% of the target population, often restricted local governments’ capacity with the data confirming that 60% of refugees and means to provide equal access to rights are indeed living in urban areas.173 and basic services for all, including migrants LRGs have raised global awareness of the and refugees. Nonetheless, some cities are instrumental role migrants can play in the already implementing specific public policies development of both their host and origin cities. supporting migrant inclusion at the local The Mediterranean City2City Migration level, giving priority to women and children (MC2CM) programme, for example, has tried as rights holders.174 Since 2005, the region 171 According to the UNHCR (2017), Forced Displacement in to show the responsibility local governments of the Marche (Italy) in partnership with 2016, Global Trends. have dealing on a daily basis with migration civil society has been promoting access to 172 In 2017, the number of international migrants issues within their competencies and maternal care. This particular provision has worldwide accounted for 3.4% capacities. Through peer-to-peer learning been a key challenge for integration policies of the world’s population, a total of 258 million people, and nurtured dialogue, cities are building in Europe, since it also requires innovative surpassing the annual world population growth rate. United bridges to engage with local stakeholders and solutions for multi-cultural mediation. Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, support both migrants and host communities LRGs often operate at the edge of their Population Division (2017). in sustainable development strategies. The competences to deliver on their commitments. International Migration Report 2017: Highlights (ST/ESA/ programme also develops City Migration This was the case with Sanctuary Cities — SER.A/404). Profiles with key assessments such as the Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal in Canada, 173 UNHCR (2018), The Global Report 2017. evolving public perception of migration and a concept shared with some other cities in 174 According to the available integration. the U.S. In Europe, building on the initiative data collected, roughly 51% of the global refugee population in particular of Barcelona and Madrid are under 18-year-olds (Spain), a network of Ciudades Refugio and women represent 47 to 49% the same population. How do cities support migrants’ ('Refuge Cities') has been established World Migration Report 2018 (International Organization for inclusion at local level? and a resolution adopted by the Council of Migration 2017). Cities can greatly facilitate the contribution of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) 175 The Mechelen Declaration was adopted in November migrants to sustainable cities, communities that challenges national frameworks. Cities 2017. and inhabitants of the territory. But a poorly can choose to mainstream human rights- 176 See also: www.clgf.org.uk/ rwanda. negotiated inclusion policy can easily lead to based approaches within the framework of 177 See www.ralga.rw/spip. vulnerability, exclusion, marginalization and the ‘Right to the City’, rather than confining php?page=article&id_ article=168; and www.clgf. social conflict. The city of Berlin (Germany), them to a strictly technical definition, thus org.uk/whats-new/news/ learning from the experiences of the city formalizing part of the UN commitment to localising-the-sdgs-in- rwanda. of Utrecht (the Netherlands), has had an ‘leave no one behind’. 97 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Likewise, many mayoral declarations refugees, which has benefited Jordanian have reinforced cities’ commitments to citizens, created jobs and built up the capacity reconcile attractiveness with inclusiveness of public servants. and promote the dignity of migrants. In regions where there is an ongoing or Among these, the outstanding Mechelen recent refugee crisis, cities need national Declaration175 captured the voice of mayors government support in order to plan for the and governors in the development of a Global additional pressure of inflows of migrants Compact on Migration, in partnership with on urban infrastructure, as well as the IOM and UN-Habitat. operation and maintenance of systems that sustain their access to public services. Lastly, the international community has a What do cities need to better support fundamental role to play in supporting local migrant inclusion at the local level? governments’ capacity-building, cooperation As already mentioned, monitoring global and dialogue between cities. The Network of migration at the sub-national level has Educating Cities, for example, disseminates proved difficult. The exact effect of migration a 'Municipal Prevention Plan against in many countries of Sub-Saharan Africa and Discrimination' for employers, in order to help South-eastern Asia remains mostly under them reach out to populations with a migration the radar. Yet this is where the majority of background, as well as newcomers and diverse current population flows are occurring. Lack ethnic and religious groups in general. of evidence is due to obsolete census data and it is a hard task accounting for ‘floating’ populations (people that move from rural to urban areas, and vice versa, on a seasonal or semi-permanent basis). In the regions described above, as well as in the Middle East and Western Asia, the role of ! BOX 4.14. intermediary cities within a system of cities is instrumental in maximizing the opportunities DEMYSTIFYING THE SDGs IN AFRICA presented by migration. This is particularly AND THE CARIBBEAN true of rural and urban interlinkages. Within this, there is a need to enhance MLG In Dominica, Jamaica and Trinidad Tobago, among mechanisms to strengthen dialogue between others, LGAs are engaging their membership to bring spheres of government and improve the together LRG sector stakeholders to support pilot inclusion of migrants with the support of civil programmes tailored to the specific national and local society as well as the private sector. Inclusion contexts to explore how localizing the SDGs can be of migrants is a win-win for all stakeholders part of the national planning and reporting processes. involved in the territory. In Africa, this is also the case in many country and, in An example of national government particular, in Ghana, Malawi and Rwanda. For example, coordination can be found in Sweden where, the Rwandan Association of Local Government coordinated by the national level, LRGs, Authorities (RALGA) are working with the CLGF176 on civil society and the private sector work in an EU-funded project to strengthening LRGs’ role as partnership to fast track employment of a partner in development which aims to foster inter- migrants and closely match job markets with governmental dialogue on how best the localization host cities. The pilot project was conducted of the SDGs can be pursued to ensure no one is left in partnership with the city of Stockholm and behind.177 Through this project the SDGs are adapted the Swedish Association of Local Authorities to three pilot districts’ realities, needs, priorities and and Regions (SALAR). Another example can aspirations and mainstreamed into their own short and be found in Jordan. Here, the international mid-term development plans. In Bugesera, Gicumbi community (the French Development and Ruhango districts, the councils are leading on Agency and the Red Cross) have contributed awareness raising and networking in a process of financially to support the city of Amman demystifying the SDGs in an ambitious and people in enhancing social cohesion of Syrian oriented planning process. This is helping inform the refugees, in partnership with local civil development of a national roadmap and factsheet for society. The city government has fostered SDGs localization in Rwanda. improved access to healthcare and social, employment and cultural opportunities for 98 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs O5 MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION

This section analyses initiatives generated However, there is encouraging progress. by countries and their LRGs in order to In Spain, LRGs’ strong involvement in the mobilize adequate and effective means preparation of the National Action Plan for the of implementation of the SDGs at the SDGs, especially through their LGA, FEMP, local level. It focuses specifically on five led to their full integration in the national dimensions: policy reform; LRG financing; SDGs coordination mechanisms and to the capacity-building initiatives; monitoring; commitment to include SDGs in Presidential and international cooperation. and Sectoral Conferences of Regional Governments, which have been essential for policy coordination. But without broader reforms that ensure real buy-in at the LRG 5.1 level, these efforts will remain tokenistic. INSTITUTIONAL In this regard, in Mexico, the creation in 2017 of the National Council for the 2030 FRAMEWORKS AND POLICY Agenda for Sustainable Development was REFORMS a promising move towards dialogue and alignment across federal, state and municipal Effective policies and collaborative MLG levels, while also including civil society, the are essential to empower LRGs in the private sector and academia. The reform of implementation process. They should be national planning and budgetary processes integral parts of national implementation in February 2018 went a step further. The frameworks for the 2030 Agenda. This scope of the initiative, however, was limited report summarizes different institutional by weak local government involvement. The mechanisms for coordination and follow-up peculiar electoral conjuncture in 2018 may of the SDGs at the national level (see Section have ultimately reduced such involvement 3.3), as well as various initiatives to align even more. A strong political push and national and local development strategies. transformation at the institutional level are LRG participation in these mechanisms, needed to foster localization. Mobilization, however, is still limited to 39 out of the 99 real empowerment of local officers, and countries that reported to the HLPF in more resources and capacities for LRGs are the last three years. At this stage, ‘whole- all needed to move forwards. of-government’ or MLG approaches are Coordination at the territorial level is functioning more as horizontal inter-agency also fundamental. With this in sight, some or inter-ministerial collaboration, rather countries (e.g. Mali, Benin and Togo) are than vertical communication and integration establishing or strengthening institutional of different levels of government. mechanisms at regional and local level. 99 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

Mali created regional development agencies Other countries have demonstrated a longer tradition of decentralization.3 In 1 For example, LGAs asked in all its regions — as well as in the District for the reform of the Órgano of Bamako — to assist the local authorities many cases, assessing the real impact of Colegiado de Administración y Decisión managing royalty with project management. Similarly, the reforms remains a difficult task, due either revenues in Colombia. In April to delays in application, or contradictory 2018, Resolution No.1084 gave national government in Paraguay set up 550 municipalities greater local and regional development councils as regulation, or insufficient support for autonomy on investment 4 projects within the framework ‘consultative mechanisms’ for cross-level implementation. In Senegal and Niger, of the Final Agreement for the End of Conflict and Peace- coordination. In Paraguay, however, the fact while institutional reforms are mentioned, Building. that the national LGA was not aware of such an AIMF-led assessment reveals limited LRG 2 ‘Decentralization’ is mentioned as a principal or key developments demonstrates how national involvement. Similar challenges can be seen lever by Bhutan, Benin, Cabo in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Verde, Ecuador, Mali, Namibia, governments must involve local leaders Romania, Senegal, Togo, in the entire process — from definition to Mali. In Mali, for example, where the political and Uruguay. ‘Subsidiarity’ is mentioned by Poland and implementation and evaluation — to ensure situation is volatile, the 2016 national action Latvia. ‘Territorialization of plan mentions decentralization as a priority strategies’ is mentioned by local ownership and strengthen mutual Colombia, Paraguay, Poland, confidence and accountability. to improve the transfer of competences and Senegal and Uruguay. Since 2015, Jamaica too has been A specific kind of joint multilevel resources to LRGs. However, the national promoting various local government reform. collaboration via objective-based 'contracts' LGA estimates that roughly 50% of local 3 Ecuador, Colombia and, to a or agreements — defining common development plans could be implemented by lesser extent, the Dominican LRGs under current conditions. Regardless Republic have been developing priorities and co-financing investments in decentralization policies for of context, however, reforms of this kind will the last few decades. Australia, a specific geographic area — has also been Canada, Spain and Switzerland a useful means of improved cooperation. In inevitably take time. also have a strong track record of decentralization initiatives. Australia, the federal government is using Finally, according to the surveys analysed 4 The VNR of Senegal (2018) ‘City Deals’ to bring together their three in this report, LRGs in most countries still shows important initiatives are consider the institutional framework to being taken through effective levels of government and deliver long-term implementation of the Act III of outcomes for cities and regions, e.g. the be far from free of obstacles. Accordingly, Decentralization regulation. many have been advocating for effective 5 Similar conclusions are Western Sydney City Deal already provides drawn from the Assessments the basis for a 20-year-long agreement. institutional reform, improved coordination of the Institutional Environment 5 of Local Governments for Africa Likewise, Colombia is promoting contracts and more effective MLG. and the Asia-Pacific region. These were developed by between cities or regions (Departments) and UCLG Africa in 2012 and 2016, with the support of Cities the national government to align national Alliance (available online at: and local priorities. Colombian LGAs have http://www.citiesalliance.org/ node/5799), and by UCLG- questioned some of the mechanisms for 5.2 ASPAC in 2018, with the support of Cities Alliance and resource mobilization, which sometimes HOW TO FINANCE UNDP (available online at: introduce new conditions and obstacles http://www.citiesalliance.org/ node/6518). 1 THE LOCALIZING PROCESS for local authority projects. Contradictory 6 Spain is considered a quasi- policies and a lack of policy coherence can federal country. Among the five non-unitary countries, there undermine confidence and deter the active Another reliable indicator for effective imple- is a 30% difference between the highest scoring country, participation of local leaders. mentation is the mobilization of adequate re- Canada, in which LRGs account for 76.5% of public spending Multi-annual strategic plans, which are sources to support the localization process. and the lowest scoring country, updated and revised on a cyclical basis, help Australia, in which LRGs Financing was the top priority for most account for 46.6%. In federal many countries to redefine their planning LGAs in their survey responses. An overview countries, the percentage of municipal spending is far lower in collaboration with local levels, as well as of LRG finance in a sample of 28 countries than that of regional levels: renegotiate indicators and promote more 7% in Mexico, 13% in Spain, (out of 47 reporting to the HLPF this year) and 20% in both Canada and result-oriented approaches. Bhutan has shows a large divide both between countries Switzerland. See also: OECD and UCLG (2016) Sub-national established its national strategy to build ‘a and between regional and local tiers. Data Governments around the World – just, harmonious and sustainable society show that in the five federal or quasi-federal Structure and Finance. 7 From highest to lowest: with enhanced decentralization.’ With its countries of the sample, LRGs account for Colombia, Poland, Latvia, 12th Five Year Plan 2018 — 2023, the country Romania and Lithuania. 56% of total public spending and on average Among the 23 countries whose focuses on ‘consolidation, coordination and their revenues represent 57% of national levels of LRG expenditure and revenue fall below world collaboration’ and adopts the SDGs as a public accounts. These percentages drop to average, LRGs amounted to between 10% and 19% of the mechanism to monitor progress in Local 13% and 14% respectively in the 23 remaining national public budget in a first Government Key Result Areas. 6 sub-group of seven countries: unitary countries. The share of total public Cabo Verde, Slovakia, Hungary, In the 2018 VNRs, 15 out of 47 countries spending and revenues by LRGs is above the Albania, Ecuador, Mali, and the State of Palestine; and to below mention decentralization as an ‘important world average in only five unitary countries 10% in a second sub-group of challenge’ or consider the need to 7 11 countries: Armenia, Ireland, of the sample (19% and 18.8% respectively). Paraguay, Senegal, Greece, ‘territorialize’ their policies and adopt a Globally, resources available for local Benin, Dominican Republic, the 2 Republic of Congo, Jamaica, place-based approach to ensure localization. governments to assume their competences Malta and Guinea. 100 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

in the localization process remain extremely Other countries report on both new and limited. existing sectoral programmes to finance As part of the follow-up on the Addis specific initiatives in support of LRGs. 8 See IATF (2018), Financing Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA), a specific Greece is planning to allocate EUR 7 billion for Development: Progress and Prospects. section of the ‘2018 Progress Report on in 2019-2020 for administrative reforms and 9 Latvia reports new tax Financing for Development’ addressed the LRG investment programmes. Senegal is reforms aimed at ensuring issue of sub-national development finance. mobilizing USD 9.5 million for sustainable sufficient and predictable tax revenues to finance This highlighted the need to strengthen cities. Other national governments are state and local government institutional and fiscal frameworks to targeting subsidies for sectoral investments, commitments. Togo reports on its initiative to boost empower LRGs to act autonomously within yet this is often ad hoc funding. Many LRGs’ finance management their competences and possibilities.8 financing proposals do not provide reliable capacities (e.g. enhancing taxpayer files), and to create Several countries are reporting on the information on the management of potential an Observatory on Local financial assessments they carried out to funding and, most importantly, whether Finances. The VNR of Mexico (2017) announced reforms to estimate the cost of localizing the SDGs (e.g. this would eventually be accessible to local support local taxes, but this Benin, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay). In governments to upscale their capacities and is not mentioned in the 2018 report. Moreover, in its answer Benin, the assessment is still taking place maintain new infrastructures. to the UCLG Survey, the LGA and aims to integrate all financial sources Few VNRs (e.g. Armenia, Latvia and Togo) from the Dominican Republic calls for the creation of an (domestic and international), and identify major refer to concrete proposals that directly economic and property tax. gaps. The LGA has played a key role supporting address the main pillars of sub-national 10 In its framework of its members in the alignment of budgets in a finance — i.e. taxes and transfers, asset decentralization policies, Mali 9 committed to an increase third generation of local development plans management and borrowing. Likewise, in transfers to local levels, and negotiate budget support from the national it is important to improve access to, and reaching 30% of the national budget in 2018 (in 2016, it government. Uruguay created a National availability of, shared revenues between was 16.7%). In their answers Portal for Budget Transparency to facilitate the national and sub-national governments to the UCLG Survey, Republic of Central Africa, Vietnam follow-up of SDG commitments in budgets and through enhanced and transparent and Sri Lanka underline is also piloting initiatives to support LRGs in transfers in order to strengthen local that transferred funds have 10 decreased or regulation is not this task. At the global level, efforts to tighten budgets (e.g. Mali). being respected. the link between planning, policy-making and In the follow-up process to the AAAA, 11 Paul Smoke (November budget allocation processes across different several local resource mobilization initiatives 2017) Policies, Reforms and Strategies for Enhancing Sub- levels of government are urgently needed to for urban development — e.g. land-value national Development Finance, better support LRG finances and policies. In capture actions in Brazil and Colombia Informal Note for the 2018 IATF Report, Coordinated particular, earmarked or conditioned grants — stand out as innovative ways of funding by New York University, in should be limited since they are a constraint strategies compatible with the principle collaboration with UCLG, 11 UNCDF and UN-Habitat. on LRGs’ capacity to respond to local priorities of ‘leaving no one behind’. These are of localization. often the starting point to increasing LRGs’ Ministerial Roundtable 1, ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development, April 2018, Development, on Financing for Forum 1, ECOSOC Roundtable Ministerial Sheakoski) by UCLG/Joel (photo York New 101 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

creditworthiness and their ability to access long-term financing. Thus, many LRGs have fought to be able to issue municipal bonds 5.3 and, eventually, ‘green’ municipal bonds. CAPACITY-BUILDING For example, the city of Johannesburg and INITIATIVES more recently Mexico City became the first cities in Africa and Latin America to achieve An effective institutional framework for the this goal. In 2017 however, mapping by the localization of the SDGs depends on human Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance capacities. Public servants need to be trained revealed a lack of visibility of funding and in the new integrated framework and thematic financing options for sub-national tiers of scope covered by the SDGs. This degree of governance.12 The Basque Government has commitment is essential to internalize new, recently developed a new Sustainability Bond inclusive and participatory methods, as well Framework, under which it issues multiple as the principles underpinning a truly rights- sustainability bonds to support regional based approach. programmers aligned with SDGs.13 Most surveyed countries have emphasized In more general terms however, many the need to adequately train their staff across countries — especially lower middle and national and local administrations for the low-income — simply do not have the right implementation of the SDGs. In the past few conditions to foster LRG borrowing and months, LRGs and international institutions funding. For sub-national credit markets to have carried out specific training initiatives work effectively, incremental development for local officers in all world regions. UCLG and the support of the national government and its regional sections reported in 2017 remain essential. This has been the pattern alone over 25 training sessions, involving in many high-income countries, and recently more than 500 local officers and leaders also in several middle-income ones, such from cities in Africa, Asia, Europe and as Brazil, Mexico and South Africa. More Latin America. Most global and regional effective municipal development funds or networks (e.g. AIMF, CLGF, ICLEI, Metropolis, banks could play a key role in providing Platforma and UCCI) and several national resources and developing creditworthiness, LGAs have been developing similar initiatives as well as mobilizing private finance. (for more information, see also Section 3.4). Multilateral and national development banks Various national governments are also should find ways to lend more to LRGs; and redoubling their efforts: among those local access to climate-related financing reporting in 2018, the Greek Government should also be facilitated. has engaged its National School of Public Finally, LRGs have pointed out a persistent Administration and Local Government lack of clarity on fiscal and financial reforms, (EKDDA), while Mexico is acting mostly despite international commitments relying through the National Institute for Federalism on localization processes. Thus, LRGs in and Municipal Development (INAFED). In several regions of the world — e.g. Brazil, their answers to the UCLG survey, the LRGs Lebanon and New Zealand — emphasize of Benin, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Colombia, that little or no national funding is allocated Jamaica, Mali, Peru, Sri Lanka, Togo, to the localization of the SDGs. Cities (e.g. Uruguay and Vietnam, among others, said Rio de Janeiro and Medellin) have also they have been training public servants, in been vocal about seeking alternative ways partnership with national and international to fund the implementation of the global institutions. agendas as it becomes increasingly clear Dissemination of information about that conventional approaches to revenue the SDGs and related national strategies mobilization are inadequate. UCLG and builds on diverse methods and tools. These OECD, with the support of the French include local and regional workshops, ‘rapid 12 Starting with the lack of Development Agency (AFD), have joined integrated assessments’ to mainstream the materials in languages other forces with UNCDF to create the World SDGs in local plans (UNDP), and several than English. Observatory of Sub-National Government other actions to promote local planning, 13 See also: www.euskadi. eus/gobierno-vasco/-/ Finance and Investments. This is to better public services, climate-change mitigation noticia/2018/presentacion- monitor LRGs’ finances. The Observatory’s and adaption, urban resilience and gender publica-del-bono-sostenible- 14 14 euskadi/. OECD and UCLG pilot study was published in 2016. equality. There is also a plethora of guidelines, (2016). manuals, webpages (e.g. LocalizingtheSDGs. 14 OECD and UCLG (2016). 102 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

org) and templates that promote and define assistance of the Bertelsmann Foundation, 15 See UCLG (2017) and UNPAN tools and initiatives for SDG mobilization, created an assessment model whose (2018) p. 49. alignment and participatory monitoring. indicators stem directly from the requirements, 16 Paragraph 77, Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Moreover, SDG localization has been targets and indicators of the SDGs. In the same sustainable development, United Nations, General Assembly, A/ integrated in certain countries’ strategies period, CEMR-CCRE, in collaboration with the RES/70/1. for the modernization of their public French Ministry of Housing, has developed the 17 Roughly a third of UN-proposed indicators have no widely available administration — e.g. Latvia, Colombia, Lao Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities data or internationally-agreed PDR, Mali, Mexico, Senegal, and Togo.15 (RFSC), a monitoring tool to assist cities in the methodology. 18 Within the framework of SDG 16, ‘open implementation of urban SDGs.21 In Brazil, CNM UNPAN (2018). 19 This challenge was identified in government’ as well as anti-corruption has developed a Mandala of SDGs, with its own most surveyed countries. In Latin America, for example, according policies are also receiving attention (e.g. measurement and reporting on 28 indicators at to ECLAC’s 2nd Regional Annual Report (2018), only about 45% of Latvia, Spain). municipal level, easily visualized using a radar all indicators are being monitored LRGs in several countries from all chart. Other initiatives are planned for 2018 in at the national level. Since SDGs 11 and 12 both have strong continents agree, to varying degrees, Belgium and the Netherlands, with the support territorial components, to date they are among the SDGs where that further training is needed to localize of VVSG (the Flemish LGA) and VNG (the Dutch less data is being produced and the SDGs. This is particularly the case in LGA) respectively. analysed. 20 See UCLG (2017), Section 5.3.2, lower middle and low-income countries Various cities are developing their own and UNPAN (2018). where LRGs suffer from a chronic lack of monitoring initiatives: Utrecht, in the 21 The RFSC identifies five key dimensions and 30 22 professionals and well-trained officers. Netherlands; Winnipeg, in Canada; objectives/indicators to assess city performance in spatial Mexico City, which created the Monitoreo organization, governance, society, CDMX, an initiative acknowledged by Cities environment and the economy. See also: www.rfsc.eu/european- Alliance as one of the five best practices challenges/. 22 For Utrecht, see Section 3.4. For to strengthen local voices in the reviewing Winnipeg, the 4th edition of the Our 5.4 process in 2018;23 and Rio de Janeiro, City: A Peg Report on Sustainability report evaluates progress by where Casa Fluminense developed the SDG linking the city’s wellbeing with PRIORITIZING the SDGs, according to the Metropolitan Observatory (METRODS), with indicator system of the Peg online community (https://peg.tracking- CO-PRODUCTION OF DATA support from the Sustainable Development progress.org). The report is also Solutions Network (SDSN).24 As part of the available online. AND LOCAL MONITORING 23 The other four winners were urban contribution to the climate-change a network of 19 Colombian mitigation agenda, global networks have also cities Ciudades cómo vamos; #weResilient, including the 100 How to develop reliable monitoring, eval- set up systems and databases to monitor municipalities of the Province of Potenza in Italy; the City uation and reporting tools to guarantee LRGs’ carbon emissions and footprint — e.g. Footprint Project (SASA-Servicios SDG implementation at sub-national level Ambientales S.A.) across Latin ICLEI’s Carbonn Climate Registry (involving America; and the Marunda Urban remains an open question.16 To respond to 83 countries), and the GPC Interactive Resilience in Action project, led by Cordaid, with slum dwellers 25 the challenges posed by the current global Dashboard, developed by C40. in Indonesia. See also: www. 17 citiesalliance.org/beyond-sdg11- system of indicators, several countries have Other international institutions have winners. For Mexico City’s suggested monitoring SDG implementation adopted similar approaches, with city Monitoreo, see: http://www. monitoreo.cdmx.gob.mx. at the sub-national level. This would be performance and the monitoring of SDG 11 at 24 The project also received the coordinated with central governments through support of the CNM and the ABM the centre of this. UN-Habitat has developed – two LGAs in Brazil – as well the establishment of dedicated sub-national its City Prosperity Index, which monitors 450 as Cities Alliance, ITDP and the GIZ. It aims to support peripheral monitoring or joint, multilevel structures and cities worldwide. It has also spearheaded the cities in metropolitan areas to 18 take informed decisions with data mechanisms. Mexico has been an example in Global Sample of Cities database, covering aligned with the SDGs. this regard: its VNR disaggregates indicators 200 municipalities with 100,000 inhabitants 25 See also: http://carbonn.org/ 26 and http://www.c40.org/other/ at the federated state level and, for specific or more. Both of these are being used to gpc-dashboard. indicators, even at municipal level. However, report on the SDG 11 to the HLPF. Other 26 The CPI is a composite index based on six dimensions over 15 this is hindered by inadequate adaption and examples include the World Council on City sub-dimensions with 72 urban 27 indicators, which are designed disaggregation of data at the local level in Data, and the SDSN reporting initiative to to be contextually specific and the current system.19 To generate true local ‘Leave No U.S. City Behind’.28 globally comparable. UN-Habitat is also leading the Global Sample of ownership of the SDGs within a transparent LRGs are aware of the huge volume Cities in partnership with New York University and the Lincoln Institute and accountable system, it will be essential of information that their activities and of Land Policy. See also: UN- for indicators, data collection and monitoring Habitat (2016), The Fundamental competences can bring to the development of Urbanization Evidence for Policy to be led at the local level of new public and private development Making, Annex 2. 27 WCCD collects and organizes Since 2016, many LRGs have made progress initiatives. They have been shown to be willing relevant urban development data in sub-national monitoring.20 For example (see to build partnerships to collect, systematize on 100 socio-economic indicators (46 are defined as ‘core’) in about Section 3.4), the most relevant German LGAs, and build on their knowledge. Such an 250 (mostly large) cities. 84 cities are either certified or processing in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of ambitious agenda will need the support of their application. Territorial Research and with the technical international partners and UN agencies. 28 See Section 3.4.

103 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

FIGURE 5.1.

ODA DISBURSEMENTS FOR URBAN PROJECTS (LOW-COST HOUSING, HOUSING POLICY, URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT), 2002-2015

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

ODA disbursements constant prices (2015 USD millions) USD disbursementsODA constant prices (2015 LDCs, Total LMICs, Total UMICs, Total

Sources: OECD Creditor Reporting System, 2017. LDCs (Least Developed Countries), LMICs (Lower-Middle Income Countries) and UMICs (Upper-Middle Income Countries) based on UN DESA, UNCDF (2017) Financing for Sustainable Urban Development in the Least Developed Countries, p. 115, figure 6.1.

various LGAs report in their survey answers). 5.5 Thus, LRGs are disincentivized to align their programmes and projects with the SDGs. INTERNATIONAL Development banks and international AND DECENTRALIZED donors need to develop criteria that are inclusive of the LRGs; build up operating COOPERATION and reporting capacities; and catalyse further investment so that multilevel and The international community can play multi-sectoral partnerships can be built a fundamental role in supporting LRGs at the territorial level. Several networks — in the localization of the SDGs. A quick e.g. the Cities Climate Finance Leadership overview of sectoral ODA in 2015 shows that Alliance or the Global Covenant of Mayors disbursements to support decentralization for Climate Change and Energy — provide efforts have grown steadily in the last decade, context-specific support for LRGs to improve especially to lower middle-income countries. project preparation and financial structuring, Moreover, despite some volatility, total ODA for mobilize long-term financing, and internalize projects at the urban level — including urban adequate financial strategies. development and management, housing The OECD recently evaluated that policy, and administrative management — Decentralized Development Cooperation has more than doubled in the last ten years. (DDC) led by LRGs amounted to USD 1.7 However, data for 2015 show a decrease billion in 2005, reaching USD 1.9 billion in in total bilateral and multilateral ODA 2015.30 International solidarity between LRGs disbursements for urban projects. The share across the world has been instrumental to of ODA for urban projects as part of total ODA development, and the principles of reciprocity to least developed countries peaked in 2015, and universality have further contributed. but is still less than 1%.29 Decentralized cooperation has been key Donor support is instrumental in to efforts to localize the SDGs and to adapt encouraging partners to engage with the progressive approaches and secure adequate global agendas, and important efforts have territorial strategies and partnerships that been made to report on investments within truly engage and involve LRGs throughout 29 UNDESA, UNCDF (2017). the SDG framework. Yet many donors still do the whole process. 30 OECD (2018), Reshaping Decentralised Development not explicitly tie their funding to the SDGs (as Co-operation. 104 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs O6 CONCLUSIONS AND WAY FORWARD

The second report on the ‘Localization sustainability. They are protecting heritage of the SDGs’ presents a comprehensive and promoting creativity for all. The cities in summary of the progress made by Local these regions and areas are driving new forms and Regional Governments (LRGs) of urbanism that promote new opportunities, worldwide. It complements the information social inclusion, new patterns of consumption presented in the ‘Main Messages’ and the and production, as well as urban-rural Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) from linkages and environmental sustainability. the perspective of LRGs in 99 countries.1 However, systemic global trends could It also shows the diversity of actions and undermine much of the progress promoted by innovative approaches to localize the six LRGs in their territories. goals assessed by the HLPF under the theme ‘Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies’. Furthermore, it Critical global trends explains SDG 11 and provides an in-depth and sub-national governments assessment of the initiatives that are The report flags many of the global working towards ‘sustainable cities and constraints that directly impact LRGs and communities’. explores how they address these challenges. It also makes a general call to action to the international community to undertake the Visionary local and regional leaders necessary measures to accommodate the champion policy changes ‘one million’ new urban dwellers per week The report showcases how cities and that it is estimated will reach existing cities, regions are fostering alternative policies. large and small, in the coming years. It is Countries where LRGs benefit from an expected that 2.5 billion people or more will enabling institutional framework can play a be living in cities by 2050. This urban growth key developmental role — e.g. by supporting will be concentrated particularly in Sub- affordable housing policies, effective mobility Saharan Africa and South Asia.. The report systems, more sustainable use of water highlights the fact that sustainable provision and energy, integrated waste management, of basic services and harmonious urban and participatory planning approaches development will be extremely challenging. It that protect public space and include risk posits supporting adequate urbanization and prevention. Many LRGs are committed implementing the New Urban Agenda as the to promote culture as the fourth pillar of main ‘accelerators’ of the 2030 Agenda, which 105 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

is key to sustainable urban development. Improvement of LRGs’ involvement Climate change and the increasing impact of in the VNRs and institutional natural and man-made disasters are among mechanisms for coordination and key global threats. At the same time, the follow-up commodification of urban services worldwide Less than half of the VNR consultations and particularly the evolution of real-estate and one third of the follow-up mechanisms markets are exacerbating the housing crisis, in 99 countries involve local governments. which is now affecting newcomers and The achievement of the SDGs will require existing residents alike. As a result, spatial collaboration within and between governments segregation and inequalities are growing. ‘to a level that has not been seen before’.2 Current levels of involvement are clearly insufficient and threaten to become an An expanding global movement of unbridgeable gap for the achievement of the involved LRGs goals. Cities, both large and small, as well as regions National governments and UN institutions and their associations at the national, regional need to further develop multilevel spaces for and international level are championing a dialogue and joint action. These must ensure ‘localization movement’. Large cities have been the participation and engagement of local particularly vocal in calling for transformation. and regional leaders, both in the reporting This raises awareness of the links between process through the VNRs and in the local action and the global agenda, while national and global follow-up institutional at the same time strengthening action and mechanisms, with adapted agendas and aligning policies and action plans with the 17 policy support. LGAs. SNGs, cities and regions are leading the localization process in many countries (e.g. Australia, Brazil, Canada, Spain, as well as most Northern and Western European New institutional frameworks for countries). They have also been proactive in collaborative governance establishing multilevel and multi-stakeholder Coordination between administrations and partnerships to catalyse the localization spheres of government remains a critical process (e.g. Benin, Costa Rica, Indonesia, issue. Moreover, the transformation of Korea, Japan and South Africa). institutions takes time and effort.3 In countries with strong centralized planning These challenges necessitate new govern- traditions, SNGs usually follow the guidelines ance systems that provide more strategic from national governments (e.g. Armenia, and integrated solutions at all levels. Indeed, China and Vietnam) or adopt a more ‘passive top-down sectoral policies, poor coordination by default’ approach, particularly in countries between spheres of government, and where the local administration has limited or insufficient access to financing for local no formal autonomy. investments persist. This undermines 1 In total, 112 countries reported between 2016 and Despite these trends, outreach is still efforts to address the socio-economic and 2018 (22 in 2016, 43 in 2017 and 47 in 2018). The total (99) limited. It is important to recognize that the environmental dimensions of sustainable records a country once even development more holistically at the urban though it has reported twice vast majority of LRGs are either not acquainted (the case with nine countries), with the SDGs or perceive the 2030 Agenda and territorial levels. or three times (one country). Countries with no information to be yet another external ‘burden’, and an Progress towards more collaborative were removed 4 countries governance requires better spaces for dialogue (Bahamas, Hungary, Namibia, ‘internationally imposed agenda’. Republic of Congo). Global, regional and national organizations between different levels of administration. It 2 United Nations, 2018, also necessitates respect of the principle of Working Together: Integration, of LRGs, including specialized thematic institutions and the networks, are increasing their efforts to subsidiarity, fully acknowledging the critical Sustainable Development Goals, World Public Sector raise awareness to mobilize and guide their role and responsibilities of LRGs in urban Report 2018, Division for Public Administration and constituency. Clear high-level political support and regional planning and local development, Development Management, and in overcoming institutional blockages and Department of Economic and at the global level and the commitment Social Affairs, (DPADM), ofnational governments are critical to improving shared financing. New York. fostering greater action at the local level. Many countries acknowledge the role of 3 However, the ambition of more collaborative governance The report calls for clear and unequivocal LRGs, and yet their VNRs or national strategies is fully integrated in SDGs’ holistic approach (cf. SDG actions to empower LRGs and to develop do not always demonstrate a clear strategy 16.6 and 16.7 develop effective for the ‘localization’ or ‘territorialization’ of accountable, transparent and collaborative governance approaches as an participative institutions and integral part of the national framework for the SDGs. The SDGs are an opportunity to SDG 17.14 enhanced policy coherence). implementation. catalyse both local sustainable development 106 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

as well as a more inclusive and resilient proposing a re-think of municipal financing urban development. to provide them with sufficient capacities, enabling regulatory frameworks and institutional incentives to function effectively. Localization of the SDGs can only Moreover, at the global level, while an be scaled up as an integral part of increasing amount of funds are available for national strategies urban infrastructure, they are failing to reach Effective localization (or a territorial-based LRGs and those territories most in need. approach) entails integrated planning From the perspective of LRGs, there is a lack efforts linking national, regional and local of visibility about the funding and financing development strategies, aligned with the options available to them. More efforts by SDGs. Whilst many VNRs reproduce a ‘top- international institutions are needed to down’ vision, emphasizing the inclusion of understand the potential diversity of LRGs, national priorities on the SDGs in local plans, and to build partnerships and catalyse few VNRs stress the need for scaling up investments in sustainable long-term local local innovative actions and local priorities financial projects. aligned with the SDGs in national strategies. Nevertheless, LRGs are moving towards full alignment of their plans and strategies ‘Make the Shift’: a rights-based with the 2030 Agenda. On the one hand, approach at the centre of local agendas decentralized governance fosters flexible The implementation of the ‘Right to the City’ and strategic forms of regional and urban acknowledged in the Habitat III outcome planning to mainstream local priorities. document is an important vehicle for linking On the other, in countries with weak local the implementation of SDGs with a rights- governance, urban planning modalities — based approach. The development of urban where they do exist — remain top-down and planning and particular local policies are hamper local capacities for implementation. important levers to delivering on the core The SDGs and the New Urban Agenda offer promise to ‘leave no one behind’. Such a real opportunity to reform and strengthen policies combine the right to housing and the the role of LRGs in planning and to promote rights of women with inclusion strategies, them as key drivers for the localization of giving particular attention to youth, people the 2030 Agenda, thus broadening and with disabilities, older persons, migrants empowering local stakeholder involvement. and other vulnerable groups. The initiatives National Urban Policies (NUPs) can help that have been shown to protect the right build a more collaborative framework of migrants create new forms of solidarity to develop cross-sectoral and coherent within the urban fabric. All these actions approaches to guide sustainable urban contribute to a broader understanding of development. While important to ensure governance based on the co-creation and their development, NUPs cannot and protection of the commons. should not replace local urban policies. The report highlights cities as leading a call Improved collaboration across different to action to ‘put the right to housing and the levels of government and stakeholders Right to the City as an unequivocal necessity is imperative to creating ownership and to comply with the SDGs’. It showcases the supporting implementation at a later stage. support of global networks for the ‘Make the Shift’ campaign, promoted by the UN Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing, LRG Financing the localization of the networks, and civil society. SDGs: a pending issue The ‘2018 Progress Report on Financing for Participation to co-create cities and Development’, in line with the Addis Ababa territories Action Agenda (paragraph 34), highlights the Instruments of participatory democracy at need to strengthen institutional and fiscal the local level are expanding. The report frameworks to empower LRGs to act within presents a diversity of existing mechanisms their competences. This means a more and channels, including digital instruments integrated framework for LRGs’ planning that create ‘virtuous circles’ of engagement and financing. Across the world, LRGs are between citizens and institutions. However, 107 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

it also warns that citizen participation can be limited to a consultative role (public surveys, workshops, forums and polls) ✱ when the decision-making process is mainly controlled by political and administrative authorities or driven by economic development interests. A WAY FORWARD To move forward, participation is needed to frame a new paradigm for sustainable development: the ‘co-creation’ of cities and Within the framework of their global commitment territories based on a stronger involvement to the achievement of the Sustainable Development of local actors throughout the process. Goals (SDGs) and other global agendas through localization, the Local and Regional Government (LRG) networks gathered in the GTF to commit to: The need for disaggregated data to feed into bottom-up monitoring Monitoring of the localization process requires disaggregated and place-based 1. data. Extreme poverty is localized and Strengthening awareness, policy commitment inequalities between countries, as well as and ownership among LRGs and their partners between territories and within cities, are to expand their involvement in the localization widening. Without localized data, it will be process. particularly difficult to ensure that ‘no one is left behind’. LRGs are launching initiatives 2. to collect data on the ground, but stronger Supporting the proactive involvement of LRGs in support and coordination are essential to the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) process in disaggregate and localize data. the countries that will report in 2019, as well as their collaboration with the institutional mechanisms for coordination and follow-up in each country. International cooperation focusing on, and led by, LRGs As this report shows, the alignment of 3. international development cooperation with Ensuring the active participation of LRGs in the the 2030 Agenda is laborious and has not yet Regional Forums on Sustainable Development, reached local levels. The efforts of LRGs and organized by the UN Regional Commissions, to their associations involved in international provide regional inputs to the HLPF. development cooperation are significant and productive. However, to enhance and upscale these practices, there needs to be a clearer 4. focus on enabling policy frameworks for Promoting and supporting the development of decentralized cooperation, as well as much tools for LRGs’ self-assessment on the alignment greater support for the involvement of LRGs of their development plans and strategies with the in general development cooperation plans. SDGs to foster the localization process. 5. Promoting Voluntary Local Review at city and regional levels, and recording and monitoring these reviews through the annual LRGs’ report to the HLPF. 6. Promoting international cooperation and peer- to-peer exchange of knowledge for localization through city-to-city and decentralized cooperation, aligned with the SDGs. 108 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

GTF MEMBERS AND PARTNERS CALL FOR: 1. 4. Fostering the integration of specific Paying specific attention to local solutions references (or a section on LRGs’ actions) and actions in the Quadrennial Global in the VNRs to monitor the implementation Sustainable Development Report to be of the SDGs at sub-national levels in each released in 2019. country, as is already the case in some countries. 5. Promoting the implementation of the 2. New Urban Agenda as a key cornerstone Including specific follow-up processes to and accelerator of the localization and the VNRs and developing the HLPF as a achievement of the SDGs. space for further identification and exchange of successful practices. 6. Rallying LRGs to lead an international 3. coalition for the implementation of SDG 11, Enhancing the presence and spaces for linking all stakeholders to the localization dialogue between LRGs and national process. governments in the context of the HLPF, in particular by supporting existing efforts promoted by the GTF such as the Local and Regional Governments Forum, Local 2030 and the Localizing the SDGs platform. 109 TOWARDS THE LOCALIZATION OF THE SDGs

The members of the GTF further commit to continue to contribute to the mapping of LRGs’ initiatives and perspectives that will enhance the collective Annual Report of LRGs to the HLPF Member networks of the Global Taskforce:

With special contributions from: C40, ICLEI, CLGF, AIMF, International Union of Public Transport (UITP), International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), IIED, OIDP and UCLG's Committee on Culture and the Committee on Social Inclusion, Participatory Democracy and Human Rights (CISDP)

Facilitated by: Supported by: