Seven years before the deadline of the 2030 Agenda, the territories of Latin America and the Caribbean are at varying stages of progress in the implementation and localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The diversity characterizing this region, not only among countries but also within territories, hinders a uniform advancement towards SDG localization. Progress towards these goals is hampered by structural deficits within the Latin American context, which, though they impact the national level, are magnified at the subnational or territorial level, acting as decelerators for the achievement of the Agenda.

To achieve an effective acceleration of the 2030 Agenda in the territories, it is necessary to establish a coordinated dialogue between all interested parties. The SDGs require effective governance, as the backbone of sustainable development. UNDP promotes and supports effective local governance processes through comprehensive approaches, fostering multi-actor and multi-level meeting spaces in their relationship and interaction with local, subnational and national governments.

This strategy document proposes that effective local governance and SDG localization integrate a virtuous cycle, in which they accelerate and reinforce each other. The GLE has the potential to accelerate the localization processes of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and guarantee that these are adapted and implemented effectively in the territory. Simultaneously, the plans, programs and actions aimed at achieving the SDGs at the territorial level drive and reinforce the exercise of governance. This strategy does not intend to propose a regulatory “how to do”, but rather to encompass a series of axes of acceleration that are interconnected and adaptable to the specific contexts and needs of the different territories, as well as the strategic interests of the people who inhabit them from their diversity.

A special mention and thanks is extended to the Andalusian Agency for International Development Cooperation (AACID) for its support and collaboration in the development of this strategy.