On 7 November 2024, the Local2030 Coalition, in collaboration with the General Superintendency of Economic and Social Development of the State Government of Paraná, co-hosted a networking event titled “From Local Action to Global Impact: Insights from Local2030 Hubs” at the Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12).  

This dynamic session showcased the Local2030 Hubs’ innovative approaches to advancing SDG localization. Participants explored successful projects, methodologies and tools addressing key development challenges, including climate change adaptation, social equality, local economic growth, gender equality, youth empowerment and urban-rural linkages. By focusing on tailored solutions for diverse contexts such as the Global South, islands and Portuguese-speaking countries, the event emphasized the importance of collaboration among local governments, NGOs, academia, international organizations, private sector partners and other stakeholders to drive meaningful and inclusive progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Key Issues Discussed in the Panel Included: 

• Urgency of SDG Financing and Partnerships: The panel emphasized the critical need for partnerships, coordination, and localized financing to achieve the SDGs. Examples like Klang, Malaysia, highlighted the challenges of climate adaptation requiring national or international funding and the role of development banks and financial institutions in channeling resources locally.  

• Decentralized Decision-Making and Data-Driven Planning:  The session stressed the value of evidence-based, decentralized approaches, with examples from Paraná and Cairo showing how disaggregated data can address specific demographic challenges and enhance local SDG planning.  

• Empowering Communities Through Urban Proximity: Discussions underscored the role of urban proximity and citizen-centered design in driving SDG localization. The Sweden Hub showcased how proximity fosters decentralized decision-making and supports solutions for climate change, social cohesion, and other local challenges.  

• Engaging Stakeholders for Holistic SDG Action: Hubs shared successful approaches to stakeholder engagement, including Liverpool’s private sector initiatives and Paraná’s quadruple helix model, emphasizing communication strategies and holistic methods for achieving the SDGs.  

• Scaling the Local2030 Hub Model: Panelists highlighted the importance of scaling Local2030 Hubs to amplify global impact, showcasing their role in sharing practices, solutions, and opportunities to inspire and catalyze transformative change. 

Key Recommendations Stemming from the Session to Action Moving Forward Include: 

• Scale up Multi-Level Governance and Partnerships: Partnership and collaboration are needed to achieve the SDGs, including across levels of government and with stakeholders of all sectors so that cities can access financing for localizing the SDGs.   

• Foster Creative Communications for the SDGs: Engaging people and conveying the importance of the SDGs through creative communications is vital. Facilitating workshops, engaging local elected officials and convening groups of people to energize action and map local goals and needs is vital to this end.  

• Foster Cross-Hub Collaborations: Foster cross-Hub collaborations to encourage regular exchanges between hubs to share insights, best practices and innovative solutions that can support problem solving and foster impact.   

• SDG Monitoring and Reporting at the Local Level as a Policy Process: Promote evidence-based localization, supporting data collection and analysis at local levels, helping cities develop context-specific, evidence-based SDG strategies and help engage stakeholders.  

• Involving Communities and Youth through Culture: Support and enhance citizen and youth engagement in local policy efforts through the use of culturally resonant approaches and by connecting with communities.  

Conclusion 

The Local2030 Hubs event concluded with the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Local2030 Coalition and the General Superintendency of Economic and Social Development of the State Government of Paraná. This agreement marks a pivotal step toward implementing their innovative quadruple helix model—a transformative partnership uniting government, academia, the private sector and civil society to accelerate SDG localization. 

The event underscored the critical role of local action in driving global progress. By highlighting innovative approaches, fostering collaboration and championing evidence-based solutions, the Local2030 Hubs are at the forefront of sustainable development. Scaling this model and strengthening partnerships will be essential for achieving the 2030 Agenda and creating resilient, inclusive communities worldwide.