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Aligning local and regional plans with the SDGs SDG implementation strategies can be defined either through ad-hoc SDG plans or by aligning current local or regional development plans with the goals, targets and indicators of the 2030 Agenda. Local and regional plans should provide a comprehensive vision of the territory and define strategies based on an integrated and multi-dimensional approach to inclusive and sustainable development. They should be defined, implemented and monitored with the involvement of the major territorial stakeholders in a context of broad participatory governance. These plans should include: • Baseline diagnosis of the socioeconomic and environmental context • Local or regional priorities • Shared targets • Coherence with SDG-based national (and regional) plans • Strategic projects • Budget and financial strategies • Implementation timeline • Cooperative governance mechanisms • Monitoring and assessment tools, including a set of local and regional indicators aligned with the indicators established in the 2030 Agenda
REGIONAL PLANNING AND SDG ALIGNMENT IN WALES (UK) The National Assembly for Wales passed the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act in 2015, the main mechanism by which Wales will contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. The Act puts into law seven well-being goals for Wales based on the principles of sustainable development. These goals reflect the economic, social, environmental and cultural dimensions of sustainable development in Wales. This holistic strategy sets out a comprehensive plan, including indicators and follow-up mechanisms for public bodies and government long-term planning. The Act also establishes the role of a Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and aligns accountability for achieving the goals with the public sector’s overarching purpose. The 2015 Act includes a requirement for Welsh ministers to take account of any action taken by the United Nations in relation to the UN Sustainable Development in their planning for the future, and to assess the potential impact of such action on the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales.
Source: Are regions ready? Implementing the SDGs at the subnational level, Nrg4SD Assessment Questionnaire