Implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among the Member Cities of the “Healthy Cities Network” in Israel

Abstract

The Israeli Healthy Cities Network (IHCN), as one of the accredited networks of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network in its seventh phase, started mapping the level of adoption and efforts that are being made towards achieving the 17SDGs. Data for all 55 member cities was collected from the most recent online national databases. As not all indicators are available in national data sets, an online questionnaire was distributed to all 55 cities’ health coordinators, via e-mail, to acquire the needed data; 45 of the 55 replied (81.8% response rate). All SDG measures were analyzed by socio-economic cluster (SEC) using one-way ANOVA. Implementation of some indicators was checked for association with population size of municipalities, as well as structure and process measures of the healthy cities’ operation. Cities implement between 4 and 14 SDGs, and 98% implement SDG3, while the lowest implementations are of SDG13 (44%) and SDG12 (28%). Cities in higher SECs are in a better position in relation to most SDGs. However, cities in a low SEC can achieve implementation of at least some of the goals through policy and commitment. This study provides municipalities with a baseline for tracking future progress and a tool for mapping gaps in implementation. The methodology and tools presented here could be used by any municipality, as well as by national networks and other governance bodies.