Fishing communities sit at a unique intersection of ecological capacity, jobs and livelihoods, and cultural heritage. Supporting fishing communities at the local level requires innovative policies and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong SAR), China, has implemented various strategies to support the fishing community in Tai
The Province of Utrecht, in the Netherlands, is collecting data from vehicles during their journey to enhance road safety. Cars, buses, trucks etc. are able to share their position, speed, braking patterns and more. The Province is using the Road Monitor (ROMO) programme to process the connected vehicle data to design safer roads. Credit: AISIN
Food waste reduction is a globally relevant issue, especially considering the ever-increasing resource constraints. There were 1.05 billion tonnes of global food waste in 2022, underscoring the urgency to reduce food waste. Local and regional governments have developed various tools to reduce food waste. The Seoul Metropolitan Government in South
Being able to fund municipal projects is key to provide public services and build a sustainable city. One of the tools cities have been using is the issuance of municipal bonds. The City of Johannesburg, in South Africa, issued its green municipal bond back in 2014. This article focuses on how the
Local governments increasingly recognize the social and environmental significance of public spaces. The pressures of urban development and population growth underscore the need to strategically create new public spaces, ensuring they reach their potential without compromising economic progress. Across the world, local and regional governments are already innovating in public space
Kilkenny County Council in Ireland is renowned for being the country’s first age-friendly city. Since 2010, the county council has integrated age-friendly designs and policies in Kilkenny’s political structures, physical spaces, institutional frameworks, and daily operations. This article sheds light on Kilkenny’s experience to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse society.
United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP)’s policy paper, “Strengthening Energy Governance Systems: An Energy Governance Framework for a Just Energy Transition”, guides local and regional governments in strengthening energy governance for a just energy transition — one that replaces fossil fuels with low-carbon energy sources while leaving no one behind. Download the
The Békéscsaba municipality in Hungary is advancing community energy generation through the Horizon Europe-financed ENPOWER project. This article explores how the city creates environmental, economic, and social benefits by involving communities in energy generation. Credit: Lechner Tudásközpont The “Smart Microgrid Phase I-II” energy programme The Békéscsaba municipality’s “Smart Microgrid Phase I-II” energy program is a pilot
In May 2025, the Province of Punjab, Pakistan, launched the Apni Zameen Apna Ghar (Your Land, Your Home) scheme. This initiative helps people experiencing homelessness secure a permanent home by providing free residential plots to eligible applicants. This article explores how the program sustainably realizes the vision of “housing for all”. Credit: Punjab Housing
Since 2022, UNDP SDG Local Action has generated knowledge and supported learning exchange about how local and regional governments are implementing the SDGs through concrete action. Check our brochure to know more about our work. Download the brochure Our results at a glance Knowledge sharing and city-to-city learning SDG Local