SDGs mainstreaming at the local level: case studies from Japan

Hiromi Masuda,Mahesti Okitasari,Yatsuka Kataoka,Shun Kawakubo,Hitomi Shimizu,Kanako Morita,Tarek Katramiz

doi:10.1007/s11625-021-00977-0

Abstract

There has been increasing interest in local-level implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite the emergence of various initiatives undertaken by local governments, studies on the process of mainstreaming the 2030 Agenda within local contexts remain limited. This study is aimed at identifying possible approaches for supporting local governments in successfully mainstreaming the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. We developed an analytical framework covering key components for local-level mainstreaming of the SDGs based on our review of recent policy guidelines for implementing the SDGs and the policy integration and coherence literature. Subsequently, we applied this framework within case studies of two designated municipalities under the Japanese government’s “SDGs Future Cities” initiative aimed at localizing the SDGs. The analysis demonstrated how local governments could develop and apply key components of the SDGs mainstreaming process. Our findings suggest that the following approaches can facilitate local governments’ efforts to mainstream the SDGs: first, municipalities can foster local ownership to address the challenges they face. Second, existing policy resources can be linked with formal procedures. Third, multi-stakeholder partnerships can be developed. Fourth, vertical communication channels can be established with international and national-level organizations. Overall, the article contributes to a growing literature on SDGs implementation at the local level by identifying key components required for their mainstreaming, introducing perspectives derived from Japanese case studies.

Highlights

There is growing recognition of the importance of implementing the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level (UN General Assembly 2019)
Given our focus on mainstreaming, we examined different policies and actions relating to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda along with practices aimed at SDGs localization, which can be viewed by Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)as “the process of adapting, implementing, and monitoring the SDGs at the local level” (SDSN 2016, p. 1)
In light of our review of the literature on SDGs mainstreaming as well as the literature on policy integration and coherence, we developed an analytical framework based on a list of key components for SDGs mainstreaming at the local level (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

There is growing recognition of the importance of implementing the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level (UN General Assembly 2019) Achieving these global aspirations requires local commitment and the actions of local governments (Satterthwaite 2017). The formulation of the Shimokawa Vision 2030 entailed a goal-setting approach that has been incorporated into the Present The application of an evidence-based approach, including an indicator-based assessment, has been pursued through the development of indicators and data collection, linked with the municipality’s SDGs Future City Plan and its sectoral plans (see 3.6 and 4.2). The application of an evidence-based approach, including an indicator-based assessment, has been pursued through the development of indicators and data collection linked with the Comprehensive Plan and the SDGs. Future City Plan (see 3.6 and 4.2). The large population size may have affected this aspect, as the city’s officials acknowledge that awarenessraising is a key challenge for achieving SDGs mainstreaming (anonymous Kitakyushu government official interviewed on February 8, 2019)

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Discussion

Conclusion