A Territorial Approach to the Sustainable Development Goals
Synthesis report
In the face of megatrends such as globalisation, climate and demographic change, digitalisation
and urbanisation, many cities and regions are grappling with critical challenges to
preserve social inclusion, foster economic growth and transition to the low carbon
economy. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set the global agenda for the
coming decade to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. A
Territorial Approach to the Sustainable Development Goals argues that cities and regions
play a critical role in this paradigm shift and need to embrace the full potential
of the SDGs as a policy tool to improve people’s lives. The report estimates that
at least 105 of the 169 SDG targets will not be reached without proper engagement
of sub-national governments. It analyses how cities and regions are increasingly using
the SDGs to design and implement their strategies, policies and plans; promote synergies
across sectoral domains; and engage stakeholders in policy making. The report proposes
an OECD localised indicator framework that measures the distance towards the SDGs
for more than 600 regions and 600 cities in OECD and partner countries. The report
concludes with a Checklist for Public Action to help policy makers implement a territorial
approach to the SDGs.