“All of the SDGs have targets that are directly or indirectly related to the daily work of local and regional governments. Local governments should not be seen as mere implementers of the agenda. Local governments are policy makers, catalysts of change and the level of government best-placed to link the global goals with local communities” (UCLG, 2015).
According to UCLG Local governments globally play a crucial role towards achieving SDGs. With this in mind, about 80 of eThekwini Municipality’s senior management attended MILE’s 32nd Management Seminar which focussed on Localizing and mainstreaming Sustainable Development Goals.
The objective of the SDGs is to eradicate poverty and to integrate the three dimensions of sustainable development namely economic, social and environment into the comprehensive global vision 2030.
Senior officials were welcomed by Mabongi Xhakaza, Deputy Head of eThekwini Municipal Academy. In her presentation Ms Xhakaza mentioned the important role local government plays in the implementation of SDGs.
“The Implementation of the 2030 Agenda requires a more holistic, coherent and integrated approach at the global, national, provincial and local levels. Policies to implement the 2030 Agenda need to address inter-linkages within the social sector, as well as between the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. Similarly, municipalities will have to adjust or expand the scope of work so as to accommodate the new mandates arising from the SDGs and recognize the need for strengthening the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development as well as enhance policy coherence.”
Ms Helen North (Provincial Head: STATS SA) shares the Background and Approach to “Domestication” of SDGs. In her presentation North mentioned the importance of mainstreaming SDGs within local government.
“The process about implementing SDGs is to ensure that our programme align to them. KZN is far ahead in terms of such programmes. “
Ms Anneline Creighton (National Statistics Survey Coordinator) spoke about the SDG Process and Guidelines in terms of STATS SA.
The seminar served as a platform to create awareness and serve as a catalyst to localize, contextualize and mainstream SDG process and indicators, as well as build capacity in the pursuit of development outcomes.
Download the presentation below: