International Conference on the Localization of the SDGs and the Co-Construction of the Means of Implementation

The International Conference on the Localization of the SDGs and the Co-Construction of the Means of Implementation is co-hosted by the Institution for Poverty Alleviation and International Development (Yonsei University, South Korea), the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

It will take place February 23rd-24th, 2019 at Yonsei University’s Wonju Campus and is supported by the newly formed Global Network of Scholars and Practitioners for Localizing SDGs.

It is also supported by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Korea, the Ban Ki-Moon Center for Global Citizens, The Institute for Global Engagement and Empowerment (IGEE) at Yonsei University, the United Nations Economic Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Kyushu University, the National Interdisciplinary Institute on Aging (NIIA) at Southwest Jiaotong University, the Korea Research Institute for Local Administration and the Global Social Economy Forum (GSEF).

Aims and Objectives

The issue of the localization of internationally agreed development goals and targets is not new in development discourses and practices. Since the Second World War, various efforts to localize development efforts have been made by multilateral and bilateral donor agencies with the impacts of these localization efforts on local areas and their residents varied. Carrying a transformative vision, the principle of leaving no one behind and the emphasis on integrated and balanced approaches, the 2030 Agenda again calls for local initiatives to achieve the SDGs (UNRISD, 2018).

Aiming to provide academics, policy makers and practitioners with the knowledge and information on good practices in the localization of the SDGs; in overcoming challenges, identifying opportunities and the lessons stakeholders of different local settings can draw from in these experiences, this conference aims to address and build on the following key questions and thematic areas.

● What are the new and innovative aspects of the 2030 Agenda’s call for localization which can address the limitations and challenges of past attempts?

● What are the key features of local SDGs compared to other levels of SDGs (e.g. the SDGs as global goals like in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development)?

● What factors affect the nature and forms of the local SDGS?

● What systems of local governance effectively mobilize diverse groups of people while establishing coordinated multi-level governance? What are the institutional constraints and how can we overcome them?

● What are “good practices” that make up a balanced and integrated approach to sustainable development? How do we achieve this?

● What are the innovative economic, social or environmental approaches to achieve localization of the SDGs? What are the challenges and opportunities?

● How do we mobilize resources for achieving the local SDGs? What are the challenges and opportunities?