Description of the initiative

The Agenda 2030 Localization Plan of Albacete City Council is a strategy to integrate citizen participation and governance into the municipality’s sustainable planning. Its aim is to bring coherence to participation mechanisms, aligning local management with the 2030 Agenda and the Spanish Urban Agenda.
It is structured into 193 actions, aligned with 93 SDG targets, ranging from internal restructuring to outreach and awareness-raising on sustainability. In addition, it has been developed in collaboration with the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) through the Albacete Local Sustainability Observatory (OLSA), ensuring a rigorous academic and methodological approach.
The project is supported by the creation of participation spaces, such as the Albacete Social Council, the Steering Group and the A2030 Citizen Lab, ensuring the involvement of civil society, municipal technical staff and political representatives in its implementation and validation.

Implementation period

2024-2030 with annual reviews in line with the Local Voluntary Report.

Methodology

Based on the Guide for Localizing the 2030 Agenda, structured in four phases, with the participation of OLSA, the Social Council and the School of Citizen Participation, ensuring a participatory and cross-cutting approach.

Resources

Technical and human resources from Albacete City Council have been used, together with academic support from UCLM. In economic terms, the project is being developed within the municipal budget with assistance from the Network of Local Entities for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Stakeholder engagement and partnership building

The Albacete Social Council leads the participation of political, economic, neighbourhood and academic representatives. In addition, the Steering Group, made up of municipal technical staff, validates the actions and ensures their alignment with local policies.
The A2030 Citizen Lab has also been activated, facilitating the participation of unorganised civil society and ensuring that all voices are heard in the development of the Localization Plan.

Coordination

Internal: Through the Steering Group, which brings together technical staff from different municipal areas, ensuring the cross-cutting nature of the 2030 Agenda.
External: A collaboration agreement has been established with UCLM and other Social Council stakeholders, coordinating efforts for the implementation and monitoring of the plan.

INNOVATION What are the most novel aspects of the initiative?

The methodological approach based on participatory governance and the integration of the Albacete Local Sustainability Observatory (OLSA) provide academic rigour. In addition, the use of the A2030 Citizen Lab makes it possible to connect with citizens in a more direct and inclusive way.

Replicability, scalability and transfer: What elements should be considered to replicate the initiative in another Local Entity?

To replicate the project, it is essential to have political will, specialised human capital and partnerships with academic institutions that provide methodological rigour. It is also essential to have an active citizen participation structure to ensure the integration of society into planning.

Obstacles: What have been the main obstacles encountered in the different phases of the project?

The main challenges have been the population’s lack of awareness of the 2030 Agenda, resistance from some sectors based on unverified information, and the difficulty of integrating the plan into the day-to-day work of municipal services due to the existing workload.

Triple impact: To what extent has the triple impact been taken into account in the design and implementation of the initiative?

The plan ensures a balanced impact across the environmental, social and economic spheres by integrating cross-cutting actions aligned with the SDGs. In addition, the work with UCLM and the Social Council strengthens its sustainable and participatory approach.

Is it sustainable from an environmental, economic and social point of view?

Yes, it is sustainable, as it promotes responsible environmental practices, efficient economic planning and social cohesion, ensuring local management aligned with the 2030 Agenda.

Results, measurement and impact

The Agenda 2030 Localization Plan has made it possible to structure municipal planning into 193 actions aligned with 93 SDG targets. Its impact is measured through local indicators, defined in the FEMP Network of Local Entities for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring an effective evaluation that can be adjusted to the municipality’s needs.

Further information

Agenda 2030 Albacete