SDG localization baseline

The report assesses the progress of SDG localization across 28 global case studies, highlighting a significant gap between high-level commitment and practical local implementation. Key findings indicate that while some 'SDG champions' like New York City lead in data analysis and engagement, many regions struggle with weak institutional governance, a lack of systematic analysis of SDG interlinkages (synergies and trade-offs), and limited financial resources. The COVID-19 pandemic is noted as a major setback that reallocated budgets toward healthcare, though it also created opportunities for green recovery. The study emphasizes the need for better evidence-based local data, increased participation of local actors in international forums, and the use of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) to enhance accountability.

• Weak institutional governance and systems are primary barriers to effective SDG localization, regardless of a country's development stage.
• There is a widespread failure to actively implement the concept of policy integration or analyze the systemic interlinkages, synergies, and trade-offs between different SDGs to inform planning.
• A significant number of local policies remain unmapped or unaligned with the 2030 Agenda, indicating a gap in the enabling policy and institutional environment.
• SDG implementation is frequently led by national governments, resulting in low engagement from local governments and a failure to incorporate local priorities into national reviews.
• Financial support for SDG localization is typically tied to general municipal budgets rather than specific SDG allocations, with public-private partnerships serving as a critical resource, particularly in the Global South.
• The COVID-19 pandemic hindered progress by forcing the reallocation of development funds toward public health and social protection, while also exacerbating vulnerabilities for the poor.
• Monitoring is inconsistent globally; only 40% of the case studies have submitted Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), and there is a lack of standardized tracking methods to allow for comparability between localities.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) is generally the goal with the most progress at the local level, while SDGs 1 (No Poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger) show the least improvement.
• Local actors face systemic barriers to participating in international forums and regional summits, leading to a perception that only national achievements are recognized.

APA

Orozco, E. H., Cárdenas, M., Alva, I. L., Guerra, A., Swartling, Å. G., Betancur, J., Joshi, S., Melati, K., Opiyo, R. O., Kim, D., Pearson, L., Esquivel, N. N., Njoroge, G. K., & Ek, F. (2021). SDG localization baseline. Stockholm Environment Institute. https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/sdg-localization-baseline-june2024.pdf

Chicago

Orozco, Efraim Hernández, Mario Cárdenas, Ivonne Lobos Alva, Angélica Guerra, Åsa Gerger Swartling, Juan Betancur, Somya Joshi, et al. SDG localization baseline. Stockholm Environment Institute, 2021. https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/sdg-localization-baseline-june2024.pdf.

Wikipedia

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BibTeX

@techreport{orozco2021sdg, author = {Orozco, Efraim Hernández and Cárdenas, Mario and Alva, Ivonne Lobos and Guerra, Angélica and Swartling, Åsa Gerger and Betancur, Juan and Joshi, Somya and Melati, Kuntum and Opiyo, Romanus Otieno and Kim, Dayoon and Pearson, Leonie and Esquivel, Nhilce N. and Njoroge, George Kabue and Ek, Filippa}, title = {{SDG localization baseline}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2021}, month = oct, url = {https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/sdg-localization-baseline-june2024.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }