After months of hard work and collaboration, the final version of a report entitled: Towards the localisation of the SDGs has been presented by the Global Task Force and UCLG to the UN's High Level Political Forum on Monday, 15 July.

The report explores the involvement of Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) in localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Following UN guidelines, it complements the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) submitted by 143 countries to the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) during the first four year cycle of voluntary reporting. There is first-hand information from LRGs in 80 different countries, including 24 of the 47 countries reporting in 2019. It presents an overview of policies and initiatives carried out by LRGs to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

Many LRGs have policy reponsibilities in areas that affect the achievement of all SDGs and have been pro-active in strengthening their capacity to respond to challenges such as growing territorial inequalities; the impact of climate change; and the need to provide people, taking full advantage of their diversity, education, local economic development, decent work, peace and accountable local institutions.

Deputy Secretary-General Lucy Slack said: “CLGF is very proud of its contribution to this report. It is because of the depth and breadth of our membership that we have been able to provide experiential comments, direct from the heart of communities and local government. We would also like to congratulate UCLG on all their hard work in bringing this together.”

The final version of the report is available and can be read in full.