In the framework of the 25th Lisbon Forum, the Congress organised a workshop on 25 November 2019 on the contribution of local and regional authorities to the implementation of the United Nations Agenda 2030. This session, entitled “Why does localising SDGs matter? - Building a sustainable future in our communities”, focused on the implementation of SDGs at local level and on the role of local and regional authorities for an inclusive and integrated approach.
“All the SDGs have targets that fall directly within the competence of local and regional governments”, stated Xavier Cadoret, Vice-President of the Congress, President of the Chamber of Local Authorities and Mayor of St-Gérand le-Puy, France. “Raising public awareness is obviously important, but we must go beyond that. The implementation of SDGs must be ensured in a way that brings together the know-how and skills of all levels of governance, from local to regional and right up to national level”, he said.
For the implementation of SDGs to be as successful as possible, national strategies must reflect the needs of local and regional governments, citizens and stakeholders, underlined Gunn-Marit Helgesen, President of the Chamber of Regions of the Congress, Councillor of Telemark County, Norway, and President of the Norwegian Association of Local Authorities. “The development of a propitious environment at national level must be based on decentralisation and good governance”, said Ms Helgesen, stressing that regions also play a particular role in coordinating efforts and avoiding dual purposes because they have a broader vision and sometimes legislative mandates. “Quantitative indicators, data collection and exchange of good practices are contributions that could be carried out at the local level”, she added.
Christophe Rouillon, member of the Committee of the Regions of the European Union and Mayor of Coulaines, France, stressed that local authorities are already doing a lot to contribute to the implementation of SDGs. Giving the example of his city, which ratified the pact on climate change to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, he drew attention to the situation of cities in the Mediterranean basin that are at the forefront of climate risks. “At the Committee of the Regions we want to ensure that good practices are shared, and we have two priorities: employment and sustainable development”, he stated.
The situation of local authorities in Tunisia was at the heart of the speech of Mouna Mathari, representative of the National Federation of Tunisian Towns and Cities and President of the Communication and Evaluation Commission of the Municipality of Marsa. “Local authorities do not have their own competences and those that are shared are unclear. The coastline still does not belong to the municipalities? What local elected officials lack is support from the national authorities”, she added. As of October 2019, Tunisia holds Partner for Local Democracy status with the Congress.
The last member of the panel, Niels de Fraguier, Congress Youth Delegate, stressed that the SDGs provide a frame of reference and that there is a reality behind the 17 SDGs and the 169 targets. “Young people should be encouraged to say what they understand about SDGs. Their awareness is important because the means of action for Agenda 2030 must be available and known by all young people”, he underlined. He also remarked that he didn't see many young people in the room. “Providing opportunities for young people to participate in political life and make their voices heard is vital”, he added.
Andreas Kiefer, Secretary General of the Congress and moderator of the workshop, presented the Congress's approach, which is based on “three key principles that must be respected if SDGs are to be successfully implemented: local and regional autonomy, shared responsibility and citizen involvement”.
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