As prepared for delivery.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

I’m pleased to address you on behalf of the UN system on how localizing the SDGs is at the centre of 2030 Agenda achievement.

Localisation means… making the SDGs real for everyone, everywhere.

It is about devising policies, channelling funds, and taking actions so that the SDGs become a reality for all communities and individuals.

It is a key strategy to advance inclusion; by ensuring that the needs of those who are being left behind are reflected in local strategies and budgets.

The UN and the major associations of local governments have helped train over 1,000 public servants from over 50 countries in mainstreaming the SDGs into local development plans.  

We also help making these processes more participatory, transparent, and accountable.
 
Localisation means… unleashing leadership and ingenuity.

From hamlets to metropolises. From blossoming economies to crisis settings. Local governments are often the first responders and represent enduring and responsive institutions to which people can turn for predictable support.

Mayors and Governors are embracing the SDGs as the way to articulate integrated policies, by mobilizing businesses and civil society, because the participation of all stakeholders is crucial.

According to the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments, 65% of the SDG targets will not be reached without them.

The UN is partnering with national and local governments to tackle complexity more effectively: from supporting local planning processes in all 22 Cape Verdean municipalities; to developing an online SDG tracking system for over 5,570 cities in Brazil.

Localisation means… connecting the dots across development challenges.

Meeting the 2030 Agenda calls for a shift to integrated and whole-of-government approaches to sustainable development.

It is particularly at the local level where integration can be put to practice, with SDG localization translating global goals into practical action across sectors – directly determining the trajectory towards sustainability.  

The UN is fully committed to support the localization of the SDGs.

Under Local2030 we will bring together leaders from national, regional, and local governments, and other stakeholders, to collaboratively develop and implement solutions that advance the SDGs at the local level.

Together we are committed to do development differently where it matters most, where the SDGs come to life – at the local level.