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PLATFORMA24

TONHAUSER Boris
In EU budget, EU budget, EU enlargement and eastern partnership, Local democracy, Local democracy, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Press, Publications

Global Europe 2028–2034

Global Europe - position paper

Local and regional governments at the heart of “Global Europe 2028–2034”: our Policy position

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As the European Union prepares its next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, the Global Europe instrument will define the EU’s external action for the years ahead — encompassing development cooperation, humanitarian aid, enlargement support and Global Gateway. Discover PLATFORMA detailed policy position outlining how this strategic instrument should be shaped to foster sustainable global partnerships and advance inclusive governance.

At a time marked by intersecting global crises — from climate breakdown and shrinking development funds to geopolitical instability — the role of local and regional governments (LRGs) is more critical than ever. PLATFORMA’s paper is thus anchored in the belief that effective global action starts from the ground up.

Local and regional governments as co-decision-makers, implementers and partners

PLATFORMA’s position starts from a stark reality: despite their proximity to citizens and deep knowledge of local contexts, LRGs remain under-recognised in EU external action frameworks. The coalition calls for the Global Europe instrument to move beyond symbolic references to “local authorities” and embed mechanisms that genuinely empower LRGs as co-decision-makers, implementers and partners in EU external policies.

Key recommendations

The Policy Paper makes 9 key recommendations to EU decision makers:

  1. Strengthen multilevel governance in Global Europe and place local and regional governments in the driving seat of territorial development
  2. Pair flexibility and simplification with ambitious official development assistance targets, and enhance accountability and transparency mechanisms
  3. Unlock Global Gateway’s potential through the involvement of local and regional governments
  4. Foster EU delegations’ engagement with local and regional governments
  5. Recognise and empower local and regional governments as unique and effective development partners in fragile contexts
  6. Advance the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals to achieve decarbonised societies and climate justice
  7. Involve citizens through Global Citizenship Education as a key component of decentralised development cooperation
  8. Foster inclusive and participatory local governance: empower youth, women, and disadvantaged and underrepresented groups
  9. Strengthen local governance through the EU Eastern neighbourhood and enlargement strategy

Through these recommendations, PLATFORMA aims to improve the current proposal for the Global Europe instrument, so that it fully recognises, acknowledges, and supports the contribution of local and regional governments to EU external action, notably through decentralised cooperation as a development aid modality.

PLATFORMA also calls on the European Commission to issue an updated Communication on the structured involvement of local and regional governments and their associations in the new (geo)strategic approach to EU external action.

Read the full Policy position

For more information, contact:

TONHAUSER Boris
In Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Press, Publications

Local voices at the UN for sustainable development

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Local and regional leaders at the United Nations: getting local SDG actions onto the fast track

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More than 30 local and regional European leaders are heading to New York to advocate for their vital role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Among them is Clifford Galea Vella Maslennikov, President of the Tramuntana Region (Malta) and a member of the CEMR-PLATFORMA Young Elected Officials Committee. He also signs the foreword of this year’s study on SDG localisation.

Galea Vella Maslennikov sends a strong and hopeful message:

“I firmly believe that localising the SDGs through inclusive processes that engage all levels of government, and all sectors of society […] is in fact the key to building a more inclusive, just, and sustainable future for all.”

This year’s report includes contributions from 31 associations of local and regional governments and puts forward nine key recommendations to the United Nations, the European Union, and EU Member States.

Local governments in dialogue with Member States

In recent years, the United Nations has increasingly acknowledged the essential role of local action in advancing global sustainability, including through various HLPF initiatives. However, the degree of involvement of local and regional governments – and their associations – in national SDG reporting processes still varies significantly from one country to another.

This year, Malta is one of 37 countries presenting a Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the HLPF. Three other countries with membership within CEMR – Bulgaria, Finland, and Germany – will also present their VNRs. Our latest study provides insights into how these four nations have involved local authorities in shaping their national SDG reports.

It also gives details about the progress made in achieving the five SDGs under review this year: SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), SDG 5 (Gender equality), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG 14 (Life below water), and DSG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).  

Over 30 local and regional leaders representing Europe

Next week, PLATFORMA and CEMR, in collaboration with the Global Task Force of Local and Regional Governments (GTF), will represent European cities and regions at the HLPF, under the auspices of the UN.

Their participation aims to fast-track the localisation of the SDGs and ensure that local voices are not only heard, but also acted upon.

Here are some of the events they will attend:

  • 15 July, Local and Regional Governments’ Networking Hub, with the launch of the GTF Annual Report “Towards the Localization of the SDGs”, by the GTF and UCLG
  • 16 July, 8th Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda, by UCLG, GTF, UN-DESA, the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General, UN Habitat, UNDP, Local2030
  • 17 July, EU delegation – local leaders breakfast meeting, by CEMR and PLATFORMA
  • 17 July, HLPF Official Session on Localisation: “Transformation from the ground up: Acting at local level”, by UN
  • 18 July, VNR Lab on Local and Regional Governments engagement in VNR/VLR processes, by UN-DESA, UN-Habitat, and UCLG

For more information, contact:

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva
In Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Press, Publications

Europe engagement in localising SDGs

Localising SDGs study - News

European Mayors strengthening their engagement at UN High-Level Political Forum

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A delegation of European Mayors and councillors is heading to New York to defend the key role of local and regional governments in United Nations intergovernmental bodies during the upcoming High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) (8-17 July).

This year, HLPF will focus on “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises” and is held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council.

Once again, European Mayors and councillors will make they voice heard and present how the local level can deliver sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions.

Among them are:

  • Véronique Bertholle, Vice Mayor on European and International Relations, City of Strasbourg (France), PLATFORMA spokesperson
  • Francine Farrugia, Local Councillor in the locality of Siggiewi (Malta), member of CEMR-PLATFORMA Young Elected Officials Committee
  • Clare Hart, Vice-President Montpellier Métropole, President of Crisis and Rehabilitation Group, Cités Unies France
  • Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scotland, UK (COSLA), Spokesperson for Environment and Economy, CEMR Spokesperson on SDGs
  • Nicole Unterseh, Mayor City of Bonn (Germany), Deutscher Städtetag
  • …

Mayors and councillors will actively participate in several meetings, including the Local2030 Coalition Special Event “Unlocking transformative change through the localisation of the six SDG transitions” on 10 June, during which Francine Farrugia will officially present the CEMR-PLATFORMA 2024 annual study on SDGs.

This year, the study European Territories Localise the SDGs – The time for impact is running out gathers 46 responses from associations of local and regional governments, representing 31 European countries.

In the Foreword, Tengiz Mtvarelishvili, Chair of Telavi City Council in Georgia, and PLATFORMA Spokesperson, warns about delays in implementing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “But there’s hope: local and regional governments are on the front lines, closest to citizens, and uniquely positioned to find tailored solutions”, he says.

Eva Baños de Guisasola, PLATFORMA Advisor on SDGs, Global Agendas and Climate, and Federica Bordelot, CEMR Director of Policy and Impact, will moderate several sessions.

To strengthen the voice of local and regional governments, PLATFORMA and CEMR are joining forces with the Global Task Force of Local and Regional Governments (GTF) led by UCLG.

This year, HLPF will be followed by the UN Summit of the Future, also in New York on 22-23 September, where local and regional governments will gather during an Action weekend ahead of the meeting.

Discover the study:

Check the agenda of the Global Task Force of Local and Regional Governments (GTF)

For more information, contact:

TONHAUSER Boris
In Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Press, Publications

Study on SDGs localisation

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Discover our new study on progress made by local governments in promoting the Global Goals

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The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and PLATFORMA are releasing today (12 July) their annual study on the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a United Nations special event in New York. The study is presented by CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen at the 6th Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda, organised in the framework of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), the United Nations annual event on the SDGs.

The report collects data from 41 associations of local and regional governments from greater Europe and makes seven recommendations. As estimates show, 65% of the 169 targets underpinning the 17 SDGs cannot be achieved without the involvement of local and regional governments.

One more time, this report resonates as a strong call to national and European institutions to further recognise and include in their reports progress made by municipalities and regions in achieving the SDGs. More than ever, decentralised cooperation and partnerships are crucial instruments to achieve the 2030 Agenda at the local and regional levels.

“We are fast approaching the halfway point on the road to the 2030 Agenda and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), meaning there are only six summers left!” warns Gunn Marit Helgesen, CEMR President, in the foreword of the study.

The 6th Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda is organised by UN DESA, the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments (GTF), UN-Habitat, UNDP and Local 2030.

Mayors have a say

This year, the European delegation of local and regional governments is composed of several mayors and councillors:

  • Gunn Marit Helgesen, CEMR President and Councillor of Vestfold and Telemark, President of the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS)
  • Magda Kostava, Member of Kutaisi Municipal Council, Georgia (NALAG), member of the CEMR Young elected officials committee
  • Wim Dries, VVSG President and Mayor of the City of Genk
  • Luisa Salgueiro, President of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP) and Mayor of Matosinhos, Portugal
  • Manueal Alvares, Councillor in the Municipality of Matosinhos, Portugal
  • Stephan Neher, Mayor, City of Rottenburg am Neckar, Germany
  • Anne-Marie Jean, Vice-President of Eurométropole de Strasbourg (CUF)
  • André Viola, Councillor, Department of Aude (AFCCRE)

Fabrizio Rossi, CEMR Secretary General, Emilia Saiz, UCLG Secretary General, Lucy Slack, CLGF Secretary General, Unai Tellería, Delegate of the Basque Government (Spain) in the United States, Leen Verbeek and Mathieu Mori, respectively President and Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Congress of Europe are also attending HLPF and parallel dedicated to local and regional governments.

More information:

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GURI Durmish
In Bridges of Trust, Bridges of Trust, Circular Cities and Regions Initiative, Circular Cities and Regions Initiative, EU Covenant of Mayors, EU Covenant of Mayors, Green City Accord [closed project], Green City Accord [closed project], IncluCities [closed project], Inclucities [closed project], Living-in.EU, Living-in.EU, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Press, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications, Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities, Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities

CEMR projects overview  

CEMR’s externally funded projects foster cooperation, innovation, and sustainability across Europe 

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Through its externally funded activities, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) brings local and regional leaders together to exchange ideas, test solutions, and build stronger communities. These projects are more than initiatives: they are platforms where municipalities and regions collaborate on Europe’s most pressing challenges, from climate action to equality, from digitalisation to democratic participation. 

Overview of Projects 
CEMR’s portfolio of externally funded projects reflects its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusion: 

  • Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities (RFSC) – Supporting sustainable cities with a practical tool to plan and assess policies. 
  • IncluCities – Advancing migrant integration through peer learning among municipalities. 
  • Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) – Driving circular economy solutions for cities and regions. 
  • Green City Accord – Helping European cities commit to ambitious environmental goals. 
  • Covenant of Mayors – Uniting local leaders in climate and energy action. 
  • PLATFORMA – Strengthening international partnerships and decentralised cooperation. 
  • Bridges of Trust – Building ties between Ukrainian and European municipalities. 
  • EPSU (Local Digital) – Supporting local administrations in navigating digital transitions. 
  • EPSU (Third-Party Violence) – Tackling violence against public service workers. 
  • Go.Li.EU – Promoting youth engagement and European citizenship. 

Together, these projects illustrate how CEMR channels external resources into meaningful action. By bridging local realities with European priorities, they not only empower municipalities and regions but also shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for all. 

Read the study here 

For more information, contact: 

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva
In Climate, Energy, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Press, Publications

Territorial leaders in action at the COP 27

Climate - News Section

10 key points to prevent the inexorable march toward utter climate disaster

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It’s now or never. We must gear up for climate action and advance the Sustainable Development Goals on the ground. This is the core message that PLAFTORMA and CEMR will bring to the COP27 taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

In a joint position, PLATFORMA and CEMR put forward 10 key points for delegates and representatives from the UN, the EU and national governments who will sit around the COP27 negotiation table. Among the important points raised in the position are the need for a supportive regulatory and governance framework to implement subnational climate action, and the need for sustainable subnational financing.

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TONHAUSER Boris
In Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Press, Publications

Annual report on SDGs goes digital

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Our annual report on the SDGs goes digital at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)

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Available for the first time in an online format, PLATFORMA and CEMR have just published their fifth annual study on the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Released on the occasion of the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York, discover this innovative publication today on local-sdgs.eu

This study gathers the most recent information on how and to what extent associations and networks of local and regional governments have been involved in the localisation of the SDGs, both in Europe and with their global peers, and in particular during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s survey therefore, included questions on the SDGs’ implementation since 2015 and the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. In the last two sections, there were also additional questions regarding Voluntary Subnational Reviews (VSR) and decentralised cooperation.

It gathers 63 answers from 28 European countries, 37 associations of local and regional governments and 18 municipalities and regions.

Main recommendations

Six main recommendations came out of this study, targeting EU institutions, national governments and local and regional governments and their national associations:

  1. The European Commission should report regularly on any progress made in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the EU level and indicate how the different levels of governance have contributed to this process.
  2. We encourage associations of local and regional governments to actively take part in the Voluntary Subnational Reviews (VSR) process.
  3. Local and regional governments (LRGs) are calling for the firm recognition and inclusion by national governments of the role of LRGs and their associations in the monitoring and reporting of progress in the implementation of SDGs at the national level.
  4. European states and the EU need to strengthen their dialogue with the subnational levels and include them in any relevant high-level delegation meetings.
  5. Strengthen international cooperation to achieve the 2030 Agenda at the local and regional levels
  6. There is still a need to localise and territorialise the SDGs, through the deployment of appropriate funds and resources

This study will be presented by a PLATFORMA-CEMR delegation at different events during the second week of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) taking place in New York between 5 and 15 July 2022.

This delegation is composed of:

  • Fabrizio Rossi, CEMR Secretary General
  • José Hila, Mayor of Palma de Mallorca (Spain, FEMP)
  • Hannah-Lea Braun, Member of Maichingen Council (Sindelfingen, Germany) and the CEMR Young Elected Officials Committee
  • Luis Salaya, Mayor of Cáceres (Spain, FEMP)
  • Valérie Dumontet, Vice-President of Aude Region, (France, Cités Unies France)
  • Pilar Díaz, Mayor of Espluges de Llobregat, Deputy to the Presidency, Delegate for International Relations at the Diputació de Barcelona (Spain, Barcelona Provincial Council – DIBA)
  • Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague (Netherlands, VNG International)

Directors, advisers and technicians from CEMR, the City of Paris, DIBA, FEMP, the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS), UCLG and VNG International are also attending HLPF this year.

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For more information, contact:

BANOS DE GUISASOLA Eva
In Climate, Energy, Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Press, Publications

Paris agreement at the local level

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Glasgow Climate Pact calls for “multilevel and cooperative action”

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“Disappointment” was a word on the lips of many at the closing on the COP26 UN climate conference in Glasgow in Saturday (13 November). The outcomes leave open many questions regarding national governments’ commitments. Local and regional governments were able however to effectively mobilise during the conference. Thanks to their advocacy efforts, the importance of municipalities, regions and “multilevel and cooperative action” is recognised in the new Glasgow Climate Pact.

“We, local and regional governments, should be proud that the Glasgow final agreement includes the multilevel cooperative model as a way forward to achieve the Paris Agreement objectives”, said CEMR Secretary General Frédéric Vallier, who was present at the COP. “This is a real achievement for municipalities and regions, regardless of the conference’smixed overall results.”

The final text has been signed off by 197 countries (from the big emitters such as China and the United States to the small island nations). It aims to keep global temperatures at 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century, the aspiration of the Paris Agreement, but fails to be more ambitious.

Room for improvement

Reacting on social media, Léonore Moncond’huy, Mayor of Poitiers (France), spokesperson of PLATFORMA and representative of Cités Unies France said: “The Glasgow Pact does not at all measure up to the climate emergency. While it was supposed to ‘save the 1.5 ° C target’, it is once again mortgaging our future by subjecting it to states’ diluted and disingenuous commitments. Without immediate action, soon + 2.7 °C.”

Earlier last week, Moncond’huy met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and UN Executive Director Maimunah Sharif in Glasgow, expressing the need to support local governments as frontline workers on climate challenges. Her arguments were later echoed in plenary by Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London: “The involvement of cities now is like day and night … nothing compared with the past.”

Local and regional governments and their associations were widely mobilised. CEMR, PLATFORMA and the Global Task Force led by UCLG were well represented at COP26 and co-organised numerous side events and bilateral meetings.

Enabling local climate action

The Glasgow Climate Pact recognises “the urgent need for multilevel and cooperative action” as well as the important role of local and regional governments in realising the Paris Agreement. As highlighted by Steven Heddle, Member of Orkney Islands Council (COSLA) and CEMR spokesperson on territorial development, this will require facilitating local governments’ access to climate finance.

“Local governments need revenue, resources and long-term loans. With these tools, we can contribute more to the objective of reducing emissions before 2050”, said Ronan Dantec, CEMR spokesperson on climate, French senator and president of Climate Chance, during one of the sessions.

The Pact includes many other provisions, such as developed countries agreeing to double funding for climate adaptation and a first global commitment to cut methane emissions by 2030.

What’s next

The next COP will take place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Africa being the world’s youngest and most rapidly-urbanising continent, COP27 will focus on booming demography, sustainable urbanisation and financing green plans for sustainable low carbon development. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was selected to host the COP28 in 2023.

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TARAN Stanislav
In Bridges of Trust, Bridges of Trust, EU enlargement and Eastern Partnership, Impact community Society, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Press, Projects and Programmes, Projects and programmes, Publications, Twinning, Ukraine reconstruction

Building partnerships with Ukraine

Ukraine partnership - News

Key factors for successful and sustainable partnerships between Ukrainian and EU local governments 

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Ukrainian municipalities have a long tradition of international cooperation, especially with their counterparts in European Union (EU) member states. Today, this cooperation is more relevant than ever. Municipalities seek to improve local services, modernise administration, attract investment, and promote tourism and culture by learning from and working with EU partners. 

At the same time, establishing meaningful partnerships is not straightforward. Many municipalities, particularly those with limited international experience and resources, face challenges in sustaining long-term cooperation. To respond to this need, the Bridges of Trust initiative was launched to support exchange, promote best practices, and help local governments in Ukraine and the EU build effective partnerships. 

Mapping cooperation 

Ukraine’s decentralisation reform, launched in 2014, created 1,469 consolidated territorial communities, strengthening local governance and budgets. This has enabled municipalities to take greater responsibility for international engagement. Reports by the European Commission and the European Parliament have recognised Ukraine’s decentralisation as a success story, while also stressing the need to safeguard its achievements through constitutional reform. 

Success factors in municipal cooperation 

Drawing on decades of European experience with twinning and decentralised cooperation, several factors emerge as critical to success: 

  • Careful partner selection, ensuring shared interests and commitment. 
  • Clear partnership strategies with defined objectives. 
  • Sustainable planning and dedicated support structures (e.g. steering committees). 
  • Joint financing and access to external funding. 
  • Active involvement of schools, youth, and citizens to broaden visibility. 
  • Political leadership and motivated staff, supported by international departments. 
  • A strong European dimension to reinforce unity and common identity. 

Challenges facing Ukrainian municipalities 

Despite progress, obstacles remain. Studies of cooperation with Polish and other EU municipalities highlight recurring issues: 

  • Partnerships that exist only on paper, with little or no joint activity. 
  • Limited staff capacity, foreign language barriers, and a lack of experience in managing international projects. 
  • Insufficient awareness among citizens of the benefits of cooperation. 
  • Irregular contacts and a lack of strategic alignment between partners. 
  • Funding shortages for travel, exchanges, and project implementation. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has created both challenges and opportunities. While some partnerships stalled due to travel restrictions, others adapted by embracing online platforms. Virtual exchanges, such as U-LEAD’s study visits and the Bridges of Trust online forums, demonstrated how digital tools can sustain and even intensify cooperation. 

Looking ahead 

Above all, motivation and leadership remain the decisive factors. As Ukrainian officials note, training and case studies are valuable, but without committed local leaders and engaged staff, partnerships cannot thrive. Conversely, municipalities with strong motivation but little experience can quickly grow if supported with targeted training, funding, and practical guidance. 

International municipal cooperation is not simply an instrument of solidarity: it is a strategic investment in Ukraine’s recovery, resilience, and European future. By learning from each other, municipalities in Ukraine and the EU can build sustainable partnerships that deliver tangible results for their communities and strengthen the foundations of a common European identity. 

Read the study here 

For more information, contact: 

TONHAUSER Boris
In Impact community Climate, Impact community Climate, Impact community Society, Impact community Society, PLATFORMA, PLATFORMA, Press, Publications

European territories localise the SDGs

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Hot off the press: “European Territories Localise the SDGs”

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From global to local: PLATFORMA and CEMR are proud to present the 2021 edition of our regular series of publications on how municipalities, regions and their associations are making the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a reality on the ground.

Entitled European Territories Localise the SDGs: Continuity and Change in Times of COVID-19, this 46-page report is jam-packed with data, infographics, charts and best practices on how local and regional governments are working on the SDGs in Europe and beyond.

Based on data from 39 local and regional government associations in 29 countries, the study provides a succinct overview of the often-diverse situation across the European continent.

Local governments: key to monitoring and cooperation on the SDGs

The report’s findings are clear: an increasing number of local and regional governments and their associations in Europe are taking the lead in implementing what is still seen by many others as ‘just’ a global agenda. Those on the forefront however know how the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs can transform their daily work, policies and public services with inclusive approaches.

Indeed, 15.4% of associations are now more involved in the SDGs than in 2019. Today, over 3/4 associations have sound knowledge of the SDGs and 1/3 use them as a guiding reference.

The SDGs offer a shared vocabulary and goals, enabling local governments to interconnect with other governments and players, ultimately forming links between citizens and the world. Local governments and their associations have a particularly crucial role in promoting cooperation on and monitoring of progress on the SDGs.

84% of associations are involved in some way in national SDG coordination mechanisms. What’s more, around 4/5 associations have taking action on the SDGs’ international dimension and considers that the SDG framework helps development of partnerships with peers (i.e. decentralised cooperation activities around the 2030 Agenda).

The report also highlights the essential role of local government associations have played during the COVID crisis. This has included sharing information with municipalities and regions, capacity-building, advocating for financial support and participating in national consultations.

Recommendations to realise the 2030 Agenda from the bottom-up

We have long known that the ambitious goals of the 2030 Agenda need to be implemented from the bottom-up. The local level is ideal for experimentation, innovation and acceleration of work on the SDGs. However, the right conditions need to be in place to realise this potential.

The report formulates 5 key recommendations:

  • Increase EU and national funding for SDG localisation
  • Promote mutli-level governance, multi-stakeholder partnerships and policy coherence
  • Local and regional governments and their associations should continue peer learning within and outside Europe
  • National governments should increase recognition and support for SDG localisation (notably to monitor progress)
  • Strengthen human resources and capacities on SDG localisation

The report and its key findings will be presented on 29 June at the 12th Annual Meeting of Cités Unies Frances (CUF), on 8 July during a PLATFORMA-CEMR dedicated webinar taking place in the context of the the UN High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF, registration form) and at other local government events.

More information:

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