"We need stronger commitment to the fulfilment of the SDGs by all levels of government, a process in which the European Union can benefit from the experience of local and regional authorities and exchange best practices." Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga made these remarks when presenting his opinion on the Progress in the implementation of SDGs . Rio said that this is a decisive year in which the EU shall present its first Voluntary Review on the SDGs and hence Europe must lead by example, supporting LRAs efforts with further financial support and establishing intercontinental connections.  The CoR rapporteur added that it is time to look ahead and create a framework that assures the purpose of the SDGs beyond 2030.

Members of the CoR also held a debate on the implementation of SDGs with Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group.

Rafał Trzaskowski, Mayor of Warsaw and CoR ENVE Chair said "The SDGs regional dimension, also called 'localisation' is of capital importance, since the achievement of 65 % of the targets is estimated to depend on input from local and regional authorities. Monitoring SDGs at the regional level can thus provide a more accurate picture."

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President of Central Macedonia Region said "Local and regional political leaders promote awareness; we create incentives to encourage individuals and businesses to act in a more sustainable way; we develop local strategies to reduce poverty, improve health, and protect the environment; we work with local businesses to promote green growth and invest in renewable energy infrastructure; we invest in education and training to equip citizens with the skills they needed to take part in a green economy. This is why the 'localization' of the SDGs is key. The CoR is committed to support local and regional governments in their efforts. But we also need the help of the United Nations as I believe there is room for improving our cooperation in this field, in order to promote sustainability amongst local authorities."

EPP -CoR 1st Vice-President, Jelena Drenjanin said "The message from the EPP-CoR group is that a stronger multi-level governance will give us a more effective and better co-oriented action to fight challenges such as such as war, poverty, climate change resulting in even stronger natural disasters, energy crises, disinformation, fake news and hate speeches. The EPP-CoR stresses the need for better links between the SDGs and the national recovery and resilience plans, as funding is the main obstacle to: implement the SDGs for 47% of municipalities and regions."

Markku Markkula, President of Helsinki Region said that while the importance of multilevel governance in implementing SDGs is well recognised in the EU, it is not applied. "Making implementation of SDGs a crucial topic for all policy levels inside regional councils and inside cities requires a mission being committed by the political leaders, a clear target-oriented roadmap, an action plan with scheduled priorities, data, and citizen participation."

Željko Turk, Mayor of the City of Zaprešić said "For a real impact, wider institutional coordination and support is needed. In this regard, I support the proposals made by the Mayor of Braga in his opinion, especially with respect to the stronger involvement of the EU, strengthening the capacity of stakeholders and integrating the SDGs into other dimensions of EU policy - the European Semester, Recovery and Resilience Facility and Cohesion Policy."

Sari Rautio from the Hämeenlinna city council said "Now, when we live in a time of big changes and insecurity, it is wise to work strongly towards global, common goals for a sustainable future. Europe and its cities must be engaged and committed to reach these goals. Now it is time to deliver."

 

 

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