Introduction
Why create an SDG Framework for regions
“…Regional authorities are on the frontlines of SDG action, taking important initiatives on their own account, and implementing national decisions”– António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
The crucial role of regions in delivering the SDGs
Leaders in the transition
In a context of interconnected global crises that jeopardize economic stability, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability, regions play a unique role in tackling many of the challenges addressed by the SDGs, including climate change, poverty, social inequality and ensuring sustainable and inclusive economic development.
Given their strategic position between national and local government, their closeness to citizens, their competences, and their political leadership, regions are essential players in harnessing the transformative progress needed to speed up progress the SDGs.
Regions, in fact, are not only indispensable partners to implement the SDG transformation: they are key political actors able to mobilize territorial action and investments and to provide a critical contribution to the global advocacy supporting sustainable development.
Shaping sustainable territorial systems
Without urgent action at the regional and local levels, progress toward key development milestones could remain limited.
Regions are uniquely positioned to drive this acceleration
They sit at the intersection of national policy and local implementation and are directly connected to citizens. In addition, regions are not only administrative or geographic entities – they are complex systems with distinct competencies and deep-rooted identities and play an important role in national development dynamics.
For Regions4, a region (such as a state, province, or an autonomous community) is not merely a geographic area but a subnational governance entity with specific competencies and responsibilities in sustainable development.
The distinctive
contribution of regions
Competences
Regions possess a wide range of responsibilities that often include planning, education, health, infrastructure, environmental management, and economic development. Their level of territorial complexity makes them critical actors in addressing the multi-dimensional nature of the SDGs.
Influence on productive systems
Regions play a central role in structuring and adapting productive systems – whether industrial, agricultural, or service-based – through strategic planning, investment, and innovation. Their close relationship with the private sector and labor markets enables them to foster inclusive and sustainable economic development that reflects and strengthens local capacities and priorities.
Identity
Many regions mirror centuries of historical development and are home to rich cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity. Mainstreaming the SDGs at regional level allows for the integration of diverse perspectives and traditions into development strategies, enhancing ownership and inclusiveness, and promoting social justice and cohesion.
The call for localization in the 2030 Agenda
The call for regions to mainstream the SDGs is strongly embedded in the 2030 Agenda. The agenda directly and indirectly refers to the importance of subnational efforts and Local and Regional Governments (LRGs). All the SDGs have targets that related to the efforts of LRGs, in terms of their role in basic service delivery as well as their ability to promote and integrate inclusive and sustainable territorial development. A total of 105 out of the 169 SDG targets (62%) will not be reached without the proper engagement and coordination of local and regional governments (LRGs). Moreover, the success of the 2030 Agenda relies on a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach reflecting a holistic, coherent and integrated approach at global, national, regional and local levels.
Regions play a crucial role in bridging levels of government, integrating policy sectors, and involving local stakeholders in planning for long-term territorial development.
Key Principles underpinning the 2030 Agenda:
As the Sustainable Development Goals balance the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental – all 17 Goals are interconnected and must be addressed together.
Progress in one area affects progress in another, hence action on one SDG should not undermine another goal. The agenda calls for a coherent approach and cross-sector collaboration that takes into consideration the synergies and trade-offs between the goals.
The 2030 Agenda applies to all countries and territories, regardless of their income, development status or geographical position. Due to shared challenges, such as climate change, poverty and inequality, the agenda calls for action to be taken by all; however, while the goals are universal, implementation can differ based on national contexts, priorities and capacities.
Target 17.4
This approach has been emphasized in SDG 17, target 17.4, which calls for enhancing policy coherence by aligning actions across sectors and government levels. Achieving policy coherence requires that SDG-related efforts both recognize and incorporate regional and local contributions, and that LRGs, in turn, mainstream the SDGs.
What regions can bring to the localization process:
adapting global goals to regional realities helps ensure that strategies are practical, targeted and better suited to regional needs
localizing the SDGs builds the capacity of regions to navigate complex, overlapping challenges that often hit communities hardes
it supports greater coherence between local, regional, national, and global actions, enabling more coordinated and effective outcomes
with the 2030 deadline approaching, stepping up regional efforts is vital to bridging the implementation gaps and sustaining momentum for sustainability
By focusing on those most at risk of being left behind, localization promotes greater equity and ensures that marginalized voices are part of the solution
tapping into regional knowledge, creativity, and resources fosters more innovative and cost-effective solution
regional successes can be scaled up or adapted in other contexts contributing to broader national and global progress toward the SDGs
Regional leadership in
the post-2030 commitments
Mainstreaming a sustainable development model entails a long-term transformation, spanning across decades. As 2030 approaches, global dialogues are taking place to update the Global Goals and define post-2030 commitments, regions can play a pivotal role in sustaining political momentum for a new agenda and shaping future governance frameworks.
The Pact for the Future has acknowledged the need for a stronger engagement of subnational governments in SDG implementation.
As requested by Action 55 (e) of the Pact, the UN Secretary General has provided recommendations on modalities for further engagement, recognizing how territorial service delivery, local governance, and subnational advocacy provide a decisive contribution to building a sustainable future.
In addition to these elements, regions are improving their capacity to build strong governance models to accelerate SDG delivery and are integrating them into national frameworks, bridging the local and national dimensions in a multilevel governance perspective.
Progress is fostered by mutual learning and building of shared knowledge, in the context of strategic partnerships with UN agencies, national and local governments, governments’ networks and research partners.
Building on these elements, regions are setting the ground for new ambitious commitments and are ready to take responsibility in driving its implementation.
Regions4SDGs
Defining RegionsAdapt Core Principles
Purpose and methodology,
Defining RegionsAdapt Core Principles