New york: The Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Anaclaudia Rossbach, emphasized the crucial role of local and regional governments in supporting the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
According to Qatar News Agency, Rossbach, speaking at a press conference during the Second World Summit for Social Development, articulated that global solutions must originate locally. She highlighted that local authorities and communities are fundamental in addressing global challenges that transcend borders and impact every society. She underscored that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on people, planet, and peace, are not a novel agenda. The significance of national actors in multilateral cooperation has been acknowledged since the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
Rossbach also drew attention to the UN Secretary-General’s newly launched report titled “Recommendations on how engagement with local and regional authorities could advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals.” The report provides recommendations to enhance the involvement of local and regional authorities in achieving and localizing the SDGs.
The report stresses how the UN development system can utilize the leadership of local and regional governments in delivering crucial services such as housing, employment, and other essential services necessary for achieving the SDGs.
Rossbach pointed out that empowering local and regional governments is essential for delivering the SDGs where and when they are most needed. The report outlines actionable recommendations from the Secretary-General aimed at deepening UN cooperation with local and regional authorities to advance the 2030 Agenda, particularly focusing on localizing the SDGs.
Among the proposed measures are the strengthening of existing platforms like the Local and Regional Governments Forum (LRGF) and the Forum of Mayors under the UN General Assembly’s social and environmental framework. Additionally, the revitalization of the Global Task Force of Local and Regional Governments and the UN Advisory Committee on Local Authorities (UNACLA) is recommended, along with exploring new institutional arrangements to enhance the participation of local and regional governments, such as holding annual General Assembly hearings or establishing permanent observer status for these authorities.
The report encourages Member States to consider these proposals and engage in dialogues with local and regional governments. Rossbach concluded that the report offers comprehensive models that can guide future discussions and institutional innovations to achieve the 2030 Agenda in these challenging times.