SDG Localization Module 2: Planning for change with the SDGs

Urban and strategic planning are critical tools to create  sustainable cities. Local and regional governments (LRGs) drive sustainable development, ensuring essential public services and can act as catalysts for transformative change at the local level. However, LRGs often face significant gaps in data, capacity, and resources. Investing in municipal capacity building, institutional efficiency, and partnerships across various levels is crucial for localizing the SDGs.

Integrated sustainability and planning strategies, guided by the SDGs, are essential for providing basic urban services, urban health, and socio-economic inclusion while minimizing climate change impacts. UN-Habitat, UCLG, and UNDP, with the European Commission's support, developed the SDG Localization Learning Modules to enhance LRG capacities. These modules, tested globally, are key resources for capacity building in SDG localization.

As the world continues to urbanize, urban and territorial planning becomes essential in achieving the SDGs. Following the successful development and implementation of the first edition of the learning Module 2 on SDG Localization, the present edition Module has been updated in 2024 to reflect the evolution of concepts and worldwide practices on SDG localization, as well as the role of urban and territorial planning in achieving the SDGs.