Over 200 mayors meet on SDG acceleration at Philippine Mayors Forum

27 OCTOBER, MANILA—The United Nations (UN) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) convened over 200 local chief executives at the Philippine Mayors Forum to discuss how local government units (LGUs) can help contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The forum was organized to accelerate implementation of the the SDGs at the local government level through the sharing of best practices on sustainable urban development, multi-level governance, and the use of digital technology.

In his keynote speech, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, “It was an inspired revelation for the UN to recognise that it will need local government assistance. We are talking about global issues here, but we depend on the local government.”

“I welcome this forum which seeks to harness the power of innovation, digital governance, resiliency-building to ensure that the government can better respond to the demands of the times. And when I speak of government, I speak of government at every level,” he added.

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. also underscored the critical role played by cities: “The road to sustainable development runs through cities.”

UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo González further emphasized the need to coordinate action on the SDGs with LGUs as part of the Philippines’ whole-of-nation approach to development. 

“Local governments are closer to the level where actions are more likely to produce measurable results in a more responsive and inclusive process. They are first responders in challenging situations, as well as critical engines in transforming the lives of people,” he said. 

Around two-thirds of SDG targets are expected to be met in or by cities and municipalities.

The UN also introduced the recently signed Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework during the forum and discussed how the UN Country Team in the Philippines works with and supports LGUs on SDG localization.