Localising the sustainable development goals (SDGs) : the role of local government in context

Abstract

The United Nations (UN) has of late been debating the new international development
\nframework that will replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) post–2015.
\nThis process has been popularly referred to as the post-2015 development agenda. It is a
\nfact that many of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) that have been identifi ed will
\nimpact on the role and responsibilities of local government, namely, poverty reduction;
\naccess to water and sanitation; health; education; economic growth; development of
\ncities and human settlements; and resilience to climate change. A critical issue that
\nwas highlighted when the MDGs were introduced in 2000 was the implementation
\nmodalities as it was felt that the process and goals were primarily top down (CLGF
\n2014:3). Consequently, there has been strong advocacy for local government to be a
\nkey implementation partner in the achievement of the new sustainable development
\ngoals that would have been finalised in September 2015 (www.worldwewant2015.org/
\nlocalising2015; CLGF 2014:3; www.capacity.undp.org; Slack 2014:1).
\nKey aspects of the debate and discussion to date have been how to localise the new
\ndevelopment framework, evaluate the local impact of the future SDGs and ensure
\nthat the local dimension is prioritised and successfully implemented (UNDP 2014a:3).
\nThere is a firm belief that the issue of localisation has to extend beyond national,
\nprovincial/state/regional implementation and there should be a focus on how the new
\ndevelopment agenda will be implemented locally and the implications for the local level
\nof government in this regard. According to the UN, localisation denotes the “process
\nof defining; implementing; and monitoring strategies at the local level for achievable
\nglobal, national and subnational sustainable goals and targets” (UNDP 2014a:3). This
\nprocess would involve the utilisation of distinct tools, mechanisms, strategies, platforms
\nand innovations to ensure that the development agenda is effectively translated into
\nfirm action and concrete results at the local level to benefit communities. It is envisaged
\nthat it will be an inclusive process and will move beyond the municipal jurisdiction to
\ndraw in relevant stakeholders to create a strong and capable local authority. Viewed in this context, localisation is an integral part of the multilevel governmental system and
\nmore so in terms of attaining the sustainable development goals that will be shortly
\nadopted by the international community (CLGF 2014:3).