Page 13 - SDG Report

Nonetheless, the SDGs were effective in reshaping perceptions of the environmental factor. The global priorities were integrated into the policy areas and found convergence in the SDGs. SDG 13 on Climate Change is a clear example of an interconnected solution covering several targets to achieve sustainability, which are covered by other goals including SDG 7 on electricity (energy efficiency and green energy). Goal 12 of the SCP is to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies. In practice, this ensures that much of the real tools for combating climate change remain right where they should be, in sectoral structures.
In the end, the development of the SDGs created a platform for successful, constructive engagement by all major players, not just nations. Therein lies the possible success of the SDGs as local governments were previously excluded from the development of the MDGs. The process at arriving at the SDGs was more inclusive and reflective of the principles of sustainability with local governments playing a pivotal role in defining the goals as well as indicators. A clear example would be the inclusion of the SDG 11 loosely referred to as the Cities Goal. The result was a rational metric for a mechanism that had to balance contributions and desires from 193 nations, as well as constituents from every sector and area, through the full spectrum of key development concerns.
On September 25, 2015, 189 world leaders reaffirmed their contribution to achieving sustainable development by agreeing to 17 global targets that will be vigorously pursued within the next 15 years to reduce hunger, fight inequalities and oppression, and provide responses to climate change. The strong role of local governments in shaping the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were a radical move away from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by becoming more inclusive and comprehensive in their commitment to sustainability, was critical to the process of developing the 17 goals. The internationally negotiated SDGs gave cities a once-in-a-lifetime chance to introduce realistic sustainable growth strategies while remaining relevant to local government.
eThekwini Municipality has been actively involved in the localization of the SDGs through various local, regional, national, and global initiatives, such as advocating for sustainable development, providing master classes on sustainable solutions, training SDG champions, assisting in the development of SDG toolkits, and, most recently, aligning the SDGs to strategic development plans within the municipality.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS GOOD PRACTICE 11