On February 17th, 2022, SDSN USA convened a networking event focused on SDG localization, bringing together members and friends of the network committed to tackling Agenda 2030 in their institutions and communities.

The meeting brought together individuals from across the US involved in the SDGs at various levels, and featured presentations from two SDSN USA member institutions: UC San Diego and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Gordon McCord, Tyler Spencer, and Joshua Zajdel shared a tutorial on setting up a regional OpenSDG Dashboard, as has been done in San Diego County. Open SDG is an open source platform for “managing and publishing data and statistics related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” By mapping the SDGs regionally, SDG advocates can help inform evidence-based decision making for policymakers. The SDG Policy Initiative (SDGPI) at UC San Diego developed an OpenSDG Dashboard, as well as a tutorial for setting up a US municipal OpenSDG Dashboard using census data.

Lori DiPrete Brown gave a presentation on SDG 360 thinking, a tool used to center the SDGs at the community level. SDG 360 thinking can be used whenever a goal or project is initiated, and ensures that the SDGs are incorporated. The 5 steps for 360 SDG thinking are:

Tell stories that are local and place based to establish relevance, urgency, and consensus related to sustainable development goals.
Crosswalk the SDGs with city plans to acknowledge what is already being done and then build on that foundation to expand efforts and explore new directions.
Assist with self assessment and voluntary local reporting to determine priorities to foster transparency and accountability and to encourage periodic Voluntary Local Reporting.
Conduct SDG 360 analysis to highlight co-benefits and maximization strategies, to error proof and improve current plans, and to identify trade-offs to be resolved with a democratic process.
Center equity and inclusion to improve wellbeing for all and include the perspectives and leadership of those who have been marginalized and experienced systemic injustice.

During speed networking and breakout discussions, participants discussed insights about SDG localization at all levels, including the challenges, successes, lessons learned, and opportunities for collaboration. Participants pondered if people are turned off by SDGs because of terminology and global focus, highlighted the opportunities of regional collaboration around a common goal and connections between existing projects and the SDGs, and asked the question: “What are the best ways to ensure accountability and incentivize sustainable behavior?”

Participants suggested collaborating to think creatively and systemically, to engage youth, and to hold systems and government accountable. There was consensus that the SDGs provide an entry point and common framework for action. However, many people are not aware of them, and localizing the agenda to the community level is important for uptake, communication, and engagement.

SDSN USA will hold monthly Virtual Coffee Chats and quarterly networking events to connect SDG advocates and professionals through 2022. See a list of our upcoming events for more details and to register.