Finally, it is worth noting the efforts that local and regional governments, especially in developed countries, are making in order to integrate the SDGs in their strategies of external projection to support development and decentralized cooperation with their partners in different world regions (Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East in particular). This reality was emphasized in many of the reports elaborated by local governments, for example in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland. In conclusion, the integration of the SDGs in plans and strategies of local and regional governments is, with only a few exceptions, still in a very preliminary phase. Where LRGs were better informed or more institutionally empowered, they were also able to dedicate more consistent efforts to the localization of the goals, adapting their objectives to local priorities and mobilizing local institutions and communities to take part in the process. In many cases, the political impulse and initiative of the national government was likewise impactful on the success or feasibility of the process, but in many other cases LRGs have voiced their demand for clearer guidance.39 Everywhere, but especially in those countries where the localization process is still fledgling, this kind of support could help promote a more effective local ownership of the goals; mobilize endogenous actors and capacities; contribute to stronger local governments; and foster citizen participation. On the other hand, however, too narrow top-down approaches could end up limiting the potential of the ‘millions of initiatives’ – in the inspiring wording of Nigeria’s Road to the SDGs – that engaged local communities and territories can promote when localizing the goals. As a general remark, the integration of the SDGs in national and local policies and plans requires exploring innovative strategies, stimulating greater policy coherence, and encouraging integrated approaches across levels and spheres of government. The challenge of policy coherence for sustainability demands a careful weighing of all competing goals and interests in a participatory and transparent manner at local, regional and national levels. This should be based, first and foremost, on the respect of the principles of subsidiarity and local autonomy in all countries.
5.3 INCORPORATION OF LRGs IN NATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION AND FOLLOW-UP OF THE SDGs 5.3.1 LRG involvement in institutional mechanisms for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda According to the VNRs and Main Messages, most countries are still working to adapt their institutional framework and align it with national strategies for the implementation of the SDGs. The integrated nature of the goals makes it necessary to consider the many interlinkages between economic, social and environmental policies – a step which tends to involve several ministries and national agencies, as well as various levels of sub-national government and civil society. The SDGs include Policy coherence for sustainable development in Target 17.14 as a cross-level transversal means of implementation based on three key dimensions: i) institutional mechanisms for coherence; ii) policy interactions; and iii) policy effects. This target can only be achieved through adequate institutional arrangements, strategic and action plans, tailored legislation, and incentives to enable the integration of the SDGs in national agendas and throughout the whole governmental organization.40
39 The information was provided by the LRG associations of Denmark and the Netherlands. See also: Kaleidos (2016) Global Goals, Local Action? Approaches of Dutch Local Governments to the SDG. 40 OECD, Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development, page 14.
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