Local and regional governments are the tier of governance closest to local communities, able to better understand their needs and priorities, and to better address policymaking. Local and regional governments (LRGs) lead territories and local communities’ development paths; they deliver essential public services and act as catalysts for transformative change.

Their central role in achieving the global agendas cannot be overstated. There is a need, therefore, to strengthen governance and institutional capacities to equip them with the knowledge and competencies to support their essential work. UN-Habitat offers a complete capacity building programme on SDG localization, including online workshops, in-person training, and self-paced online master classes to meet the context and needs of participants. Furthermore, the programme is supported by normative guidance and cutting-edge knowledge resources on SDG localization and multilevel governance.

SDGs Localization Training of Trainers
Photograph credit UCLG

SDGs Localization Training of Trainers

The Training of Trainers (ToT) modules aim to multiply the knowledge about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) localizing process in all its dimensions, concentrating on different issues related to the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This course aims to give guidance to LRGs’ officials, public staff, technical people and other stakeholders on how to align the SDGs with actions already undertaken by Local and Regional Governments and work on strategies for mapping and raising awareness about the SDGs, through articles, dynamic infographics and exercises. The training can be conducted in-person or online utilizing the materials provided. 

The course was developed by UCLG, UN-Habitat, UNDP-Art, Diputació de Barcelona and with the support of European Commission.

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Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) Mooc

This course was designed to provide Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) interested in developing their Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) with key information and a few directions and recommendations. This will allow them to join the growing group of local authorities that have taken the initiative to monitor and report on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The course is divided into the following sections: 

  1. Introduction 
  2. Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs): What are they, what is their process and which institutions support them 
  3. Developing a Voluntary Local Review (VLR): Some key points 
  4. Ways Forward
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New Urban Agenda crash course

New Urban Agenda crash course

This course explains and illustrates the New Urban Agenda in an easily accessible format. The course is intended for anyone with an interest in sustainable urbanization. It is particularly useful to public civil servants, mayors, local government officials, architects, urban planners, NGO workers and volunteers, and employees of international organizations.

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Localization of the SDGs Mooc (online self-paced course)

This introductory Mooc (Massive and Open Online Course) is about the Localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), based on the Training of Trainers Learning Module 1, The course focuses on how to align the SDGs with actions already undertaken by Local and Regional Governments and work on strategies for mapping and raising awareness about the SDGs, through articles, dynamic infographics and exercises. 

The course is fully online and self-paced allowing access to LRGs’ officials, public staff, technical people and any other stakeholders in any context. It has been developed by the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments, UN-Habitat, UNDP-Art and the Barcelona Provincial Council.

- Introduction: Localizing the SDGs

- Introduction to development planning process

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VLR Recovery Training tool (Under development)

As part of the project “Voluntary local reviews: evidence for greener, resilient, and sustainable urban recovery in Eastern European and Central Asian countries in transition”, UNDESA is developing an analytical and practical tool to help local and regional governments to advance on the local implementation of the SDGs while mainstreaming recovery from the pandemic, coping with climate change and other shocks. The tool will support the development recovery and adaptation plans, policies, and initiatives in line with the SDGs. The tool will be usable by LRGs’ officials, public staff, technical staff and any other stakeholders.