From 14 to 23 July 2025, the United Nations convened the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2025 (HLPF) in New York under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council. The theme of this edition was “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind”. In recent years, local governments have been increasingly represented and highlighted. With increasing participation in the discussion, the importance of local governments in advancing the SDGs was recognised and showcased broadly.
Local and regional government forum
Under the theme “A networked multilateralism for present and future generations: Local governments at the heart of the countdown to 2030”, the 8th Local and Regional Government Forum on the 2030 Agenda (LRGF) took place on 16 July 2025. The event gathered mayors, governors, youth leaders, and UN officials on the five SDGs under review at the 2025 HLPF: SDG 3 (Health), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships). THe discussions focused on:
- How resources are fundamental to advancing local SDG actions. A predictable and direct flow of financial support is a prerequisite for achieving the SDGs.
- How data, such as that gathered through Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), helps to build trust and accountability.
- The SDGs serve as a comprehensive management framework for effective local governance.
- Networked multilateralism plays a crucial role in aligning city-level solutions with global compacts and commitments.
- By adopting a foresight-driven approach, local and regional governments recognise the need to embrace digital nativity, intersectional design, collaborative networks, and the urgency to identify solutions ahead of the 2030 deadline.
With only 5 years to achieve the Agenda 2030, local and regional governments need finance and policy space to develop solutions and strategies for SDG progress.
Read the insights and message here: https://sdglocalaction.org/local-regional-governments-forum/
Voluntary local and subnational review day
United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), UN-Habitat, and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) hosted the fourth edition of the Voluntary Local and Subnational Review (VLR-VSR) Days on 10–11 July.
The event examined how Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and Voluntary Sustainability Reviews (VSRs) are transforming multilevel governance and collective efforts toward the SDGs. It also highlighted the importance of engaging people from diverse backgrounds to ensure these reviews are inclusive and effective. Additionally, the event emphasised VLRs and VSRs as valuable tools for advancing SDG implementation by offering actionable and measurable frameworks.
Credit: UCLG
High-level dialogue on adequate housing
The President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) co-hosted a High-Level Dialogue on Adequate Housing on 22 July.
Leaders reiterated that housing is fundamental to equity, resilience, and sustainable development. The session highlighted housing not only as a human right but also as essential infrastructure for maintaining peace amid climate crises and increasing displacement. Local and regional governments were acknowledged as pivotal agents of systemic change, with coalitions and partnerships showcasing their vital role in facilitating inclusive and impactful action.
Credit: UN-Habitat
Partnership platform on localizing the SDGs
UN-Habitat and the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security organised the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs on 18 July. The Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs is designed to enhance the delivery of the 2030 Agenda by bridging national and local efforts through coherent policy frameworks, capacity-building, and high-impact project development.
Convening national and local governments, UN agencies, international organisations, civil society, academia, and private sector actors from 15 countries, the event aimed to foster dialogue and share progress on the design and implementation of National SDG Localization Frameworks and accelerate action through effective multilevel governance.
Credit: UN-Habitat
Local government report on SDG localization
During the HLPF, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), on behalf of the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments (GTF), launched the 9th Report “Towards the Localization of the SDGs”. The report, built on literature reviews, nearly 180 survey responses, and direct consultations with LRGs across the globe, offers a comprehensive analysis of SDG localization progress and challenges.
The report spotlighted critical SDGs, including SDG 3, SDG 5, SDG 8, and SDG 14 from a local governance perspective and provided a practical call to action. It also recognises the role of local governments in achieving the SDGs.
Explore the report: https://sdglocalaction.org/hlpf2025-sdg-localization/
Cities countdown to 2030 report
United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and UN-Habitat launched the Cities Countdown to 2030. The initiative features transformative infrastructure projects from 15 cities around the world, including Konya, Xianning, and Ramallah. These projects channel public investment to deliver urgent transitions requested by the 2030 Agenda and transform the lives of people through local actions.
The report highlights how cities and regions are driving food systems and creating employment, linking people through energy and technology, boosting e-commerce, and anchoring all progress in climate and equality goals.
Read the report now: https://sdglocalaction.org/cities-countdown-to-2030/
Summary
This year’s HLPF has clearly demonstrated the growing recognition of local and regional governments as essential partners in advancing the 2030 Agenda. Through active participation in platforms, local actors are driving inclusive, evidence-based, and transformative solutions. As the countdown to 2030 intensifies, ensuring adequate finance, policy space, and collaboration for local governments will be vital to leave no one behind and achieve the SDGs globally.