United Cities and Local Government (UCLG), on behalf of the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments(GTF), officially launched the 9th Report “Towards the Localization of the SDGs” during the 2025 High-Level Political Forum.
With only five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda, this report underscores the essential role of local and regional governments (LRGs) in driving sustainable development. Backed by a literature review, nearly 180 survey responses, and direct consultations with LRGs across the globe, the report offers a comprehensive analysis of SDG localization progress and challenges.
Download the full report here.
Report structure
The report is structured around four analytical papers spotlighting critical SDGs from a local governance perspective:
- Paper 1: analysis of localization efforts to promote Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) for all.
- Paper 2: studies on locally led initiatives on Gender Equality (SDG5) and women’s empowerment.
- Paper 3: assessment on LRG-led progress towards comprehensive achievement of Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), including in the role of LRGs as employers.
- Paper 4: examinations of the localization efforts for Life Below Water (SDG 14).
Main findings
- Approximately 40% of countries reporting to this year’s HLPF engaged closely with LRGs and recognized their role as key decision-makers in sustainable development.
- However, in one third of the reporting countries, LRGs were not involved at all—highlighting a persistent gap in multilevel governance a full decade after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda.
- Despite this, LRG’s leadership in achieving the SDGs is undeniable. Read the four thematic papers, produced in collaboration with partners including WHO, Public Services International, and ICLEI, on SDGs 3 on Good Health and Wellbeing, 5 on Gender Equality, 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, and 14 on Life Below Water.
Recommendations
To fully unlock the potential of local and regional governments in achieving the SDGs, the report calls for:
- Acknowledge the leadership of LRGs in SDG localization.
- Ensure sustainable and inclusive local financing mechanisms.
- Support the collection and use of local public data.
- Advance decentralization reforms.
- Integrate local SDG reporting into national processes.
- Renew and democratize multilateralism.
- Foster governance models centered on people and the planet.
As we enter the final stretch toward 2030, this report is both a call to action and a recognition of local governments’ indispensable role in realizing a sustainable, inclusive future for all.