LESSONS LEARNED Stronger efforts are needed to involve LRGs in the VNR consultation processes and in the new institutional frameworks for SDGs implementation and follow-up LRGs have been involved in the reporting process and the preparation of VNRs in at least 38 countries (58%) and 27 countries have included LRGs in high-level decision-making or consultation mechanisms created for the coordination and follow-up of the SDGs. However, many countries have still not involved local governments in the review process and in the national consultation mechanisms. High-level political support is necessary in order to foster local buy-in and ownership. New and innovative strategies should be explored and tested to create a stronger institutional frameworks and new channels for dialogue and coordination that may allow LRG to raise their profile in the process and foster their active involvement in the achievement of the goals.
Bottom-up localization works better than top-down approaches The VNRs of over 20 countries point out ‘localization’ is a positive way to involve sub-national governments in the alignment process. Colombia is an outstanding example of successful nationallocal collaboration in support of the localization process. With the support of national government, local authorities in 32 departments and 31 departmental capital cities adopted local development plans that include SDGs localized targets. However, many countries don’t take subnational levels into consideration or conceive localization as a top-down process in which the SDGs passively ‘trickle down’ to LRGs. Approaches revolving too strongly around a top-down decision-making process can ultimately feed the misconception of the SDGs being an external burden or imposition, hindering local participation and restraining the richness and vision of local initiatives.
11