Many obstacles to achieving the SDGs, such as multi-dimensional poverty and inequality, can only be addressed through SDG localization, supported by effective multi-level (including sub-national) governance arrangements. This requires a ‘whole-of-society’’ approach and a transformation in how public institutions, private sector organizations, and individual citizens collaborate to advance sustainable development. Hence, localizing the SDGs cannot be limited to translating and integrating the global goals into local development and investment plans but must extend to creating incentives for public and private stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and co-design solutions.

SDG localization requires a ‘whole of government’ and a ‘whole of society’ approach. To accelerate SDG localization, the Global Programme is leveraging its relationship and close partnerships with Local and Regional Governments (LRGs), cities and municipalities, LRG Associations, civil society, and private sector institutions. This includes support for collaborative approaches to break silos between thematic areas and levels of governance to ignite, institutionalize, and scale innovations to accelerate sustainable development at the subnational level. It also includes an emphasis on local-level participation and inclusive decision-making.