The 2018 High Level Political Forum (HLPF) was kick-started today with UN General Assembly President Miroslav Lajčák citing inequality, urban planning, mobilising finance for the SDGs and partnerships as the key reasons why the UN needs to work with local and regional government to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Positive affirmation by UN for local government

This positive affirmation was closely followed by the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed saying that the SDGs cannot be achieved on a global level only, local level engagement is crucial. 

HLPF 2018 taking place this week at the United Nations in New York City will provide a stimulating forum to drive forward efforts to achieve the 17 UN goals and CLGF is at the heart of the discussions as a member of the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments (GTF).

Local and regional governments as drivers of change

Later in the week, Secretary-General Dr Greg Munro is moderating and providing the concluding remarks at a session entitled: localising the SDGs: local and regional governments as drivers of change. This includes the presentation of the Second Global Report on the role of local and regional governments (LRGs) in the localisation of the SDGs. The report explores the extent to which LRGs are able to create and spread awareness; their involvement in the preparation of the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs); and the initiatives they have undertaken to localise the SDGs.

Bottom up initiatives leading the way

The basis for the report is the first-hand information collected by LRG networks around the world, which complements the Voluntary National Reviews of member states. Many LRGs have been frontrunners in the achievement of the Goals with bottom-up initiatives and alliances proving essential to successful implementation. The report will highlight crucial linkages with the other goals assessed this year (SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12 and 15). 

This session provides an ideal setting to illustrate the report’s findings, explore localisation in the framework of SDG implementation, and engage local stakeholders in the collection of information, data, practices and ‘stories’ from the local level.

HLPF is the United Nation’s central platform for follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda and HLPF 2018 will focus on the theme: Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies. Sustainable Development Goals 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation); 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production); 15 (Life on Land); and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) will be under in-depth review. Find out more about the event and the Global Task Force.