Purpose and
methodology
Find out the objectives of the Framework and how it was created – and keeps evolving
While many regions have already embarked on the SDG journey, a large number can’t rely yet on a strong system of initiatives to localize the SDGs. To enhance the role of regions in achieving the 2030 Agenda, the Regions4SDG Framework serves as a tool for mainstreaming and localizing the SDGs at the regional level.
It supports regions in designing and implementing efforts that drive sustainable and impactful development across their territories. By using a tailored framework, regions around the world can more effectively pinpoint shared priorities and work together on common challenges.
Guidance for
a tailored process
Mainstreaming the SDGs in regions is not a one size-fits-all process. It is a strategic approach that recognizes the region’s unique capabilities, its socio-economic and cultural specificities, and its critical role in sharing sustainable futures. By embedding the SDGs into regional planning and governance structures, regions can become powerful drivers of transformative change. The Regions4SDGs Framework is meant to support regional governments in building a systemic approach to mainstreaming the SDGs into regional governance structures, strategies, practices and policies.
The framework recognizes that regions differ by institutional configuration, that each is unique as a context, and that regions may be at different stages in their efforts to mainstream the SDGs.
Guidance considers and builds on existing structures, processes and measures that work well and support the SDG mainstreaming process.
Through Regions4, regions can also engage in peer-to-peer exchange and learning, sharing practical experiences and solutions to accelerate SDG localization.
Reference for territorial
stakeholders and investors
The Regions4SDGs Framework defines an experience-based model of regional action for SDG implementation. Besides offering a guiding tool, it aims to provide the stakeholders of regional governments, including investors, with a reference to recognize the value and impact of regional initiatives. The Framework highlights the key elements supporting each action’s effectiveness and the correlations that create compound effects. It also promotes spaces for participatory policymaking and strong governance and monitoring practices, which increase the ability to manage funds in a reliable and impactful way.
Target Users
The framework is intended as a tool for regional government officials that are responsible for the development, coordination and monitoring of sustainability efforts and seek to integrate the SDGs in regional action. The framework can also be of use to national governments coordinating SDG localization, to local governments interacting with regions, and to (regional) stakeholders involved in SDG implementation.
The benefits of implementing the Regions4SDGs Framework:
- Develop an effective, inclusive and participatory governance with an interdisciplinary and stakeholder-oriented approach
- Address long-term sustainability challenges with a consistent strategy, shared with local actors
- Voice regional priorities nationally and improve collaboration with national and local governments
- Increase transparency and accountability of policymaking by strengthening the role of data
- Learn from and collaborate with peer regions around the world to keep improving solutions
- Increase eligibility for funding and technical support on SDG implementation
The lead organizations
Regions4 for Sustainable Development
Regions4 for Sustainable Development is an international non-profit association, which promotes sustainable development at the level of subnational state/regional government around the world, acting as the voice and representative of regional governments at a global level in the fields of biodiversity, climate action and Agenda 2030. Regions4 leads the way on capacity building for SDG implementation at the subnational level and is currently the main global network of state and regional governments focusing on sustainable development. Since the approval of Agenda 2030, the Regions4 Sustainable Development Programme has companioned Regions4 Members in developing tools, methods, and practices for the implementation of Agenda 2030 and advocated for the recognition of the pivotal role of subnational governments for reaching the Goals. Consultations at political level were followed by the creation of the Regions4 SDG Community of Practice in 2019, which hosted experts’ meetings and facilitated peer learning among governments. Best practices were channeled into the Regions4 Case Study Database in the form of detailed reports that remain available as reference for replicable actions.
UN-Habitat
UN-Habitat is the focal point for urbanization and human settlement matters and custodian of SDG 11 and the New Urban Agenda within the UN system. The UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026–2029 places access to adequate housing, land, and basic services at the centre of sustainable urban transformation, framing them as the key enablers for tackling poverty and inequality, advancing climate action, and strengthening crisis preparedness and recovery.
UN-Habitat leads on knowledge development, a global network and cutting-edge operational support on SDG Localization and multilevel governance through key initiatives such as the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs (in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security of Italy) and the SDG Cities Global Flagship, active since 2020 and gathering over 300 cities in the SDG Cities Global Community. UN-Habitat’s work is anchored on its Strategic Plan 2026-2029 and the Local2030 Coalition of which it is the permanent co-chair, with UNECE. The Coalition is the UN system-wide platform for accelerating SDG localization. Bringing together its 14 UN entities alongside Member States, local and regional governments, civil society, academia, the private sector and youth to deliver as one, the Coalition is enhancing the coherence, efficiency and impact of UN action, avoiding fragmentation and connecting global goals with local realities. Through its “Road to: The Local Way” engagement process, the Coalition has drawn over 2,000 local and regional stakeholders into major global policy forums, including the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), the Second World Summit for Social Development, COP30 and WUF13. Working with the Joint SDG Fund, the Coalition invested USD 80 million in joint programmes across 40+ countries aiming to unlock up to USD 340 million in co-financing. Combined with the Localization Blueprint, the Local2030 Capacity Building Programme, these foundations are paving the way for an enhanced UN delivery at the country level centered on localization.
The making of the Framework
The development of the Regions4SDGs Framework is the result of a collaborative process among Regions4, UN-Habitat and involved regions. The collaboration is framed by a Regions4 and UN-Habitat partnership agreement that was signed at the UN’s Summit of the Future in 2024. As a core objective of the partnership, a joint agreement was made to create a framework for SDG implementation at regional level and provide technical assistance to help regions in accessing funding for sustainable development.
The aim of the framework is to have a comprehensive and consistent model to build SDG capacity among regions. The model was developed recognizing that different regions operate within varying legal and administrative frameworks, reflecting their unique constitutional status and degrees of autonomy. The Regions4 SDGs Framework acknowledges this diversity by offering a flexible, adaptable model that respects each region’s juridical configuration and institutional setup. This ensures that SDG mainstreaming is not only effective but also context-sensitive and grounded in existing governance structures.
The framework was developed based on the following elements:
In developing the Framework, the consultant hired to draft the framework reviewed a wide range of materials relevant for mainstreaming the SDGs at regional level.
This included best-practices, international frameworks, relevant research studies, policy briefs, articles and other reports. Additionally, literature on planning and general principle of SDG mainstreaming were examined.
RegularupdatesandreviseddraftsoftheFrameworkweresharedwith Regions4, UN-Habitat, and partners allowing for feedback throughout the development of the framework.
Consultations were held in the form of interviews to collect input on the zero-draft from a selected group of stakeholders and subject-matter experts. In addition, the outcome of a workshop that discussed the framework was carried out during the 2025 High-level Political Forum for Sustainable Development (HLPF).
To stimulate a multi-level governance approach and support a coordinated and systemic engagement of all types of subnational governments, including cities, the Framework was developed in alignment with the SDG Cities Global Initiative led by UN-Habitat.
Recognition of the need for multi-level coordination was highlighted in the Ministerial Declarations of the High-level Political Forum for Sustainable Development in 2023
Several types of sources were applied in developing the Regions4SDGs Framework. First, experiences of regions have been considered and presented as best practices. The selected best-practices that are presented throughout the document were selected on the basis of criteria, including by their ability to exemplify specific actions suggested in the framework.
References to regions and examples featured are for illustrative purposes only and do not express any judgement, expert advice, evaluation or political views. Secondly, other projects and frameworks are considered, including UN-Habitat’s SDG Cities Global Initiative.
The initiative has helped define the functional structure and make the framework fit for multilevel integration by design.
Consideration is also given to other relevant frameworks such as the New Urban Agenda, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA), the Paris Climate Agreement and other international frameworks of relevance to the SDGs. Thirdly, as an integral part of the framework are the tools that are introduced throughout the document. Tools are featured to address specific topics supporting regions in the SDG mainstreaming process.
The framework is built on the principles underpinning the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: indivisibility, integration and universality as well as the principles for effective governance for sustainable development that were adopted by UN ECOSOC in 2018 (See Annex I). As these principles help foster adaptability, flexibility and a deeper understanding by focusing on core values, which can support more effective decision-making.
Introduction
Defining RegionsAdapt Core Principles
Overview of the process
Defining RegionsAdapt Core Principles