Localising the Sdgs through global urban partnerships - collaborative experiences from Belgium, Portugal and their partners

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a roadmap for cities to drive significant global change. However, for cities to effectively contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda locally, they must systematically address the complexities posed by the principles of the SDGs and adapt it to their own context. Cities, acting as micro systems, with their diverse characteristics, offer valuable insights into understanding the connections and intersections between SDG principles.
Localising SDGs requires tailored approaches that take into account local priorities, challenges, and resources, and involves engaging local governments, civil society organisations, businesses, and citizens in the implementation process. By localising the SDGs, communities can more effectively address pressing social, economic, and environmental issues within their own contexts, ultimately contributing to the achievement of the broader global goals.
Participative and collaborative work between municipalities, local communities, private enterprises and various actors will be showcased to highlight the crucial need to build capacities at the local level to enhance and monitor the SDGs. This session will explore the critical role of localizing the SDGs in urban setting, focusing on the synergy between global initiatives and local actions.

Three presentations will set the stage for an engaging panel dicussion:
1. UN-Habitat’s SDG Cities Programme supports cities worldwide in integrating and localizing the SDGs. Xiaoqing Wang, Program Coordinator for Asia Pacific at UN Habitat’s SDG Localization and Local Governments team
2. The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), in collaboration with The Belgian Development Agency (Enabel), developed a localisation plan to steer SDGs in action at the local level, fostering intercity peer to peer learning to drive the SDG agenda. Abdallah Anati, APLA executive manager and Oday Al Jabari, Local Governance Expert at Enabel.
3. VVSG’s SDG Partnerships project is all about strenthening collaborative efforts between Flemish and Rwandan as well as Beninese municipalities, emphasizing peer-to-peer learning and participatory governance to localize SDGs. Sofie Dejans, international policy officer at VVSG

Following the presentations, a panel discussion will feature:
• Vítor Aleixo, Mayor of Loulé
• Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga
• Sofie Dejans, international policy officer VVSG
• Abdallah Anati, executive manager APLA
• Moderator: Joana Maria da Mota de Abreu, project coordinator sustainable cities, CESOP

The panel will address questions from the audience throughout the discussion to ensure an interactive and engaging session.