Global Goals for Cities Learning Kit
6 Modules to localise the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Integrated Action Planning
This Global Goals for Cities (GG4C) Learning Kit is made for cities by cities. It allows users to learn about different aspects of SDG localisation, with the main focus on planning or improving local actions contributing to the goals.
Each of the 6 modules offers a brief, practical guide to the topic / action planning step and provides illustrative examples of how different cities have tackled the issue.
Each module is structured in the following way:
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The Basics - providing the theoretical building blocks and tools for the steps covered in the Module
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Examples from GG4C - showing the result of applying the tools and concepts in GG4C partner cities
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Examples from the world - providing more inspiration from other cities and networks
Using the GG4C Learning Kit from start to end provides a step-by-step guide to developing an integrated action plan that contributes to local SDG priorities for the city or organisation using the kit. The modules can be used in the sequence laid out or independently. The aim is to allow cities with diff erent amount of experience with SDG localisation to choose aspects that are most relevant for what they want to achieve.
- For who is the kit for?
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For who is the GG4C Learning Kit for?
The GG4C Learning Kit is developed by cities for cities but can be used by any organisation or institution working on making the SDGs relevant for their own local context.
Municipal staff leading SDG localisation work come from different backgrounds and typically include the following roles:
EU/international project managers / head of department
Strategic planning staff / head of department
Sustainable development staff / head of department
Participation and citizen engagement staff / head of department
Advisors to the Mayor’s office Deputy mayors responsible for different local priorities
Stakeholders supporting SDG localisation typically include:
Urban planning advisory services (e.g. small consultancy fi rms)
Civil society organisations working on engaging citizens in sustainable development topics
Schools and other education players
Universities and research institutes
Social innovation hubs and incubators
Social entrepreneurs
Both SDG localisation and integrated action planning are participatory processes. By using the SDGs as a shared language, the goal should always be to have as wide representation as possible among stakeholders involved.
Modules 2 and 6 include advice on participatory, co-creation processes and local governance.
Global Goals for Cities Learning Kit
- Module 0 - Introduction to the Global Goals for Cities Learning KIT
- Introduction to the Global Goals for Cities Learning Kit
- Module 1 - Understanding your starting point for integrated action planning using SDGs
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Module 1 describes how to start localising and planning integrated actions contributing to the SDGs in different contexts and with different starting points. Approaches range from creating a comprehensive strategic plan for the SDGs to identifying and solving the most pressing SDG challenges in the city, or improving governance mechanisms to achieve better policy coherence for sustainable development. Examples of analytical tools used to have a fi rst SDG “diagnosis” by GG4C partners are illustrated and explained.
Understanding your starting point for integrated action planning using SDGs
- Module 2 - Raising awareness about the SDGs and starting a participatory process
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Module 2 focuses on methods and approaches for raising awareness among local stakeholders and citizens about the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. This is an essential step needed for starting a participatory process around SDG localisation and integrated action planning. Practical examples of awareness-raising activities and types of stakeholders participating in co-creating the integrated action plans contributing to the SDGs are provided.
Raising awareness about the SDGs and starting a participatory process - Module 3 - Developing a shared vision for the SDGs through #SDGStories
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Module 3 provides some useful methodologies and resources for developing a shared vision for the SDGs together with stakeholders. It also explains the importance of having a vision that provides the basis for goal-based planning aligned with the SDGs. Among Global Goals for Cities partners, future visions were concretised in the form of #SDGStories, captured through videos, news paper articles, among other means.
Developing a shared vision for the SDGs through #SDGStories
- Module 4 - Building an integrated action plan contributing to the SDGs
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Module 4 introduces the different building blocks of an integrated action plan and how to make sure that it truly contributes to the SDGs in a robust way. It goes into the details of how to localise the SDG targets and what that process means for setting objectives, identifying desired results and, finally, co-creating actions to reach the set objectives.
The “intervention logic” and results framework model used in all URBACT Action Planning networks is the main reference used, adapted to the SDG localisation process. We also introduce how to develop shared missions to set the direction of the action plan and motivate partners. Examples of missions and actions designed to contribute to localised SDG targets are provided.
Building an integrated action plan contributing to the SDGs - Module 5 - Monitoring and reporting results for the SDGs
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Module 5 introduces ways to select indicators to measure progress on the SDGs at local level. It draws on commonly used frameworks for measuring urban sustainability and introduces a few frameworks specifically designed for measuring the SDGs in cities. The concept and global movement of “Voluntary Local Reviews” is introduced, explaining the importance of making the work done on SDGs visible locally, nationally and internationally.
Monitoring and reporting results for the SDGs
- Module 6 - Strengthening governance for the SDGs
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Module 6 is focussed on one of the learning priorities for the Global Goals for Cities partners: strengthening and developing new governance mechanisms and models for the SDGs and sustainable development work more generally in cities. The module covers some different trends and examples of SDG and transition governance approaches and introduces some practical tools to help cities design forward-looking models for participatory governance.
Strengthening governance for the SDGs - Conclusions
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The Global Goals for Cities (GG4C) Learning Kit is part of the network’s final network product - a multi-media product comprised of a collection of deliverables produced to showcase the results of the network. All the materials and articles produced during the life span of the GG4C network can be found on the network’s URBACT web page.
Conclusions
Guidelines for the implementation and monitoring of the sustainable development goals in the framework of Tallinn 2035 Development Strategy
Tallinn City Council approved the Tallinn 2035 Development Strategy on 1st of January 2021.
The vision of the development strategy is - Tallinn. Green and global. To achieve this, six strategic goals have been set:
- Friendly urban space
- Creative global city
- Healthy mobility
- Green transformation
- Kind community
- Home that includes the street
Goal of the guidelines is to support the implementation and monitoring of the SDGs at Tallinn city level within the framework of Tallinn 2035 Development Strategy by developing the cross-sectoral guidelines.
The focus with the guidelines is to support the holistic implementation of SDGs within Tallinn 2035 strategy, and to address the systemic monitoring of SDGs.
The compiling of the guidelines will be coordinated by Tallinn Strategic Management Office with URBACT Local Group (ULG) and it will consist of the following parts:
- Description of the links between Tallinn 2035 vision/goals and SDGs (clarification of the links presented in Tallinn 2035)
- Definition of SDGs for Tallinn, incl. priority SDGs (methodology for evaluation, current situation) and the links with the city's areas of activity
- Principles of cooperation, governance and inclusion for the implementation of SDGs in the city
- Monitoring the SDGs, the key indicators (KPIs) used for monitoring and principles for compiling the Voluntary Local Review (VLR)
- Raising the awareness of SDGs in the city
See Tallinn's Sustainable Development Guide here