Localizing the sustainable development goals (SGDS)

The SDGs are the blueprint to achieve a healthier, enhanced and more sustainable future for all. They dealt with the global challenges we encounter, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice, among others. The 17 Goals are in fact, all interconnected. All parties are working tirelessly for the full implementation of this Agenda by 2030.

SDGs also explicitly call on all businesses to apply their creativity and innovation to help address sustainable development challenges.

Different organizations from different parts of the world are intensifying their efforts to help achieve the SGDs. Especially those concerning directly to economic development, sustainable industrialization, innovation and sustainable production, which many industries made their commitments to these goals. Also, SDGs aimed towards improving human rights have likewise garnered attention.

The beauty of the SDGs is that everyone can contribute, and every contribution, small or big, will make an impact on our world.

“Localizing” is the process of taking into account subnational contexts in the achievement of the SDGs, from the setting of goals and targets, to determining the means of implementation and using indicators to measure and monitor its progress.

Localization will tell us on how the SDGs can provide a framework for local development policy and to how local governments can support its achievement. While the SDGs are global, their achievement will depend on our ability to implement them in our provinces, cities and towns.

All of the SDGs have targets directly related to the responsibilities of Local Government Units (LGUs), particularly in terms of delivering basic services. That’s how our LGUs can significantly contribute for the attainment of these SDGs.

Recently, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that he is about to issue an Executive Order which is a policy further defining the parameters for the functions, services, and facilities to be devolved to local governments. This is in connection with the devolution of some national government functions, programs and services to the LGUs.

Many among us are optimistic that once the parameters are clearly defined, LGUs will then have a greater capability to implement and localize the SDGs in their respective provinces, cities and municipalities.