The call comes in response to the release of the draft resolution for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda by the High Level Political Forum charged with monitoring the implementation and review of the 2030 Agenda on behalf of the international community.
In an open letter to the co-facilitators of the High Level Political Forum, CLGF, ICLEI, Nrg4SD and UCLG, representing the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments, have expressed their concern that the draft resolution for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda does not acknowledge local and regional governments as a distinct constituency.
While the networks welcome efforts made so far to involve major groups and other stakeholders in the negotiations on the resolution, they argue that the draft text does not adequately reflect the fact that local and regional governments will be “key” in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. As the letter points out: “It is widely recognized, among Member States and by UN agencies (UNDP, UN Habitat), that achieving the SDGs will not be possible without localizing the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda.”
The letter also expresses regret that the proposed theme of urbanization for the 2018 session of the High Level Political Forum has been dropped and argues that a theme such as "making cities sustainable and building productive capacities" would act as an incentive for Member States to ensure the link between the 2030 and Habitat III Agendas.
The local and regional government networks believe that addressing this feedback would set the minimum standards for a meaningful follow-up and review process, and be consistent with the ambitions of 2030 Agenda.
Draft resolution for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda
Open letter to the HLPF co-facilitators
