Partnership Platform

The Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs

Anchored within the Local2030 Coalition’s process and aligned with the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan, the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs is an operational initiative jointly promoted by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and UN-Habitat. 

Rooted in Italy’s commitment to advancing sustainable development and environmental cooperation, and experience on Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development, the initiative also contributes to the implementation of Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa, which prioritizes equal partnerships, shared prosperity, and climate-resilient growth, by translating these principles into concrete, locally driven action. 

The Partnership Platform connects its work on Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development to the Bilbao Blueprint and to the SDGs Localization Marker 2.0 tools and methodologies developed by the partners of the Local2030 Coalition.  

Partnership handshake illustration

The Partnership Platform will contribute to progress on SDGs Localization at country level, by supporting the design of National SDG Localization Frameworks – the comprehensive set of policies, governance mechanisms, initiatives, and resources required to localize the SDGs, i.e. to translate national sustainable development vision into concrete implementation and transformative change on the ground.  

In parallel, the Partnership Platform provides tailored local-level support to local governments and stakeholders to enhance their capacities for better data management, planning, and investment – coordinating with the SDG Cities approach and network.

With the aim to strengthening financial capacities at country and local level, the Partnership Platform will support the identification, development and matching of high social and environmental impact projects with funding opportunities at international level, including connecting with Italy’s bilateral environmental cooperation.  

 

What are the CHALLENGES the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs aims to tackle?

  • Knowledge Gap: Lack of knowledge, including disaggregated data, limits understanding of challenges and hinders progress tracking at all levels.
  • Coherence & Decision-Making Gap: Disconnect between national and local policies reduces coherence, effectiveness and overall impact of sustainable development efforts.
  • Implementation Gap: Limited local capacities, including inadequate funding, weaken overall national delivery and efforts to advance progress and sustainable development.
Person at podium illustration

What are the TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGES the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs aims to achieve?

The Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs aims to promote shared prosperity by strengthening the effectiveness of national delivery of sustainable development. Concretely, it aims to do so by accompanying national governments in the creation of National SDG Localization Frameworks, including tailored support to local governments and the identification and funding of projects with the highest impact at the local level.

Through the promotion of National SDG Localization Frameworks, the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs contributes to improving:

  • Effective multilevel governance systems anchored on policy coherence for sustainable development.
  • Cities and local governments' capacities to assess, plan, invest, and deliver inclusive public services for the well-being of local communities.
  • Local-level financing by facilitating the identification, development and funding of high-impact projects.


What are NATIONAL SDG Localization Frameworks?

Through the National SDG Localization Frameworks, national, regional and local governments are accompanied to create enabling national environments for multilevel governance systems anchored on policy coherence for sustainable development and strengthened institutional capacities at national, regional and local levels – transforming national strategies into impact and systemic change for local communities, mainstreaming the SDGs into decision-making processes and into the implementation phase. This is combined with tailored support to local governments and stakeholders focusing on data, planning and investment, in line with the SDG Cities initiative and approach.

 

To support the elaboration of National SDG Localization Frameworks from interested partner countries, the Partnership Platform will also build and share a specific methodology within a participatory and incremental approach while offering opportunities for continuous knowledge development and exchange. It will promote peer-learning at the international level and provide a repository of tools and experiences. The methodology contributes to the Local 2030 Coalition’s principles and tools, maximizing synergies and collaborations.

 

What does the Partnership Platform OFFER?

The Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs combines national and local level technical support with knowledge, peer-learning and technical engagement at the international level, with the objective of creating a virtuous flow of exchanges from the local to the national and international levels, and back. This is carried out in close coordination with the Local2030 Coalition and specifically aimed at providing:

  • Methodologies and Tools: for developing National SDG Localization Frameworks.
  • Capacity Building: tailored packages for national and local governments.
  • Knowledge and Normative Material: including research, policy briefs, and reviews of inspiring practices.
  • Advocacy: Facilitating peer learning and technical exchanges at the international level.
  • Cooperation and partnerships: among national governments and partners.

The Partnership Platform, its members and partners, gather annually on the occasion of the High-Level Political Forum or other relevant events.

WHO does the Partnership Platform work with?

National governments and national institutions can join the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs process, accessing engagement opportunities and technical advice to advance National SDG Localization Frameworks. Governments can express their interest in joining the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs through written communication addressed to UN-Habitat and MASE.

The Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs also collaborates with relevant implementing partners to develop knowledge, deliver support and facilitate continuous learning on localization, multilevel governance and policy coherence for sustainable development.

How to get involved

Express your interest in joining the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs by reaching out to us!

Contact

📧 sdglocalization.unhabitat@un.org, aeif-udg@mase.gov.it

Printable Partnership Platform Brochure


Visit The Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Website