Summary

Through the resource “Funding for flagship projects to implement the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs” in the Barcelona Provincial Council’s Service Catalogue, financial support is provided to Local Entities, County Councils and Town/City Councils with more than 20,000 inhabitants in the Barcelona area, with the aim of encouraging them to align their strategies with the global challenges agreed within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This funding allocation, which also involves co-financing by local entities that meet the access requirements, is aimed at carrying out or developing a project that we call “flagship”, referring to strategic local projects with transformative capacity within public administration, innovative within the framework of municipal action, and which, from that local action, can respond to the global challenges of the 2030 Agenda through the SDGs.

Access to the resource is established through a competitive call procedure. The support provided for each entity has a maximum allocation of €10,000 and must correspond to specific budget items and, at the same time, the entity must not have requested other resources that could overlap with its purpose. In all cases, the projects developed by Local Entities will be monitored and evaluated by the service-providing unit of the Barcelona Provincial Council, the 2030 Agenda and Participation Service, and more specifically, the 2030 Agenda and SDGs Unit.

The main objective of the Barcelona Provincial Council in relation to this project is to promote effective, innovative local policies and institutions that co-create public value and integrate the principles and objectives of the 2030 Agenda. Local Entities play a key role in achieving this and are clearly linked to SDG 16 of the Global Agenda, Peace, justice and strong institutions, and SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals.

Project Classification

Localisation and implementation of the 2030 Agenda in the Local Entity.

SDG 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

SDG 2. Zero Hunger.

SDG 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

SDG 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

SDG 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

SDG 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

SDG 7. Affordable and clean energy.

SDG 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

SDG 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

SDG 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries.

SDG 11. Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

SDG 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

SDG 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

SDG 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.

SDG 15. Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss.

SDG 16. Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.

SDG 17. Partnerships for the Goals.

 

Timeline

The project is part of the 2021–2023 Service Catalogue: Xarxa de Governs Locals 2021 of the Barcelona Provincial Council. According to the corresponding calls, the resource is expected to also be available for the 2022 and 2023 financial years. For 2021, the request period for local entities with more than 20,000 inhabitants and County Councils ran from February 1, 2021 to March 4, 2021. This resource is subject to quality requirement prerogatives that set limits regarding the maximum resolution period: three months from the day after the application period ends. The implementation and justification deadline, in general terms, is 31/12/2021.

Self-assessment block

PLANNING What objectives were set in the project?

The main strategic objective is to promote effective, innovative local policies and institutions that co-create public value and integrate the principles and objectives of the 2030 Agenda. Local Entities play a key role in achieving this and it is linked to the SDGs of the Global Agenda 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The project’s operational objective has been to provide funding to Local Entities, County Councils and Town/City Councils with more than 20,000 inhabitants so that they can develop a flagship project with transformative capacity within public administration, innovative within the framework of municipal action, and which, from that local action, can respond to the global challenges of the 2030 Agenda through the SDGs.

In all cases, the projects developed by local entities will be monitored and evaluated by the service-providing unit of the Barcelona Provincial Council. All of this is geared towards transparency and efficiency in public management, as indicated in SDG 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions).

IMPACT What are the positive impacts of the project?

Local Entities, through access to the resource covered by the project, take ownership of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, as well as its sustainable development objectives and targets. Therefore, they contribute to achieving the global agenda, and Local Entities are key to its achievement. This is reflected in:

1. Improving the efficiency, viability and suitability of local policies and services.
2. Complying with transparency regulations and fostering local cooperation through partnerships.
3. Establishing actions based on the institution’s strategic objectives aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
4. Creating and evaluating public policies with transformative and innovative capacity linked to the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
5. Enabling communication spaces and specialised training for local public workers and their relationship with key actors in the field of the 2030 Agenda.
6. Analysing results based on the project submitted by the local entity.
7. Ensuring that access to public resources and funding is established on the basis of objective criteria, with transparency and equal opportunities.

Impact measurements will be established once the projects have been developed, based on indicators, by the Local Entities. Barcelona Provincial Council is currently working on a set of indicators, available on the Barcelona Provincial Council/SDGs web space, so that Local Entities can measure the achievement of the objectives set in the different projects linked to the SDGs.

INNOVATION What are the most novel aspects? What challenge/problem is addressed?

The innovation aspect is intrinsic to the very nature of the project, since funding is offered to Local Entities so that they can develop an innovative project within the framework of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. Specifically, we are talking about strategic local projects with transformative capacity within public administration, innovative within the framework of municipal action, and which, from that local action, can contribute to the 2030 Agenda.

Projects with a multi-actor and cross-cutting nature and a high degree of political leadership within the institution itself will be especially valued. That is, political leadership with regard to establishing its strategic framework (mission, vision, values, strategic objectives and transformative projects), with the active participation of all areas at management and technical level in designing its operational framework. Institutions that already have prior knowledge of and have worked with the Sustainable Development Goals will also be valued.

Specific examples of submitted projects refer to the localisation and promotion of the SDGs, and to holding citizen awareness events on 2030 Agenda issues, for example, creating Quality Week, or creating thematic exhibitions or web spaces.

In any case, one of the main challenges lies in the fact that Local Entities must find a balance and respond to the spheres around which the 2030 Agenda is structured: people, planet, prosperity and partnerships, through their municipal actions, to enjoy socially sustainable municipalities and cities with economic progress.

METHODOLOGY What methodology was followed for its implementation?

The process of defining the resource covered by this project is based on the preparation of the Barcelona Provincial Council’s Service Catalogue, which this year offers, as a new feature, a stable offer for the 2021–2023 period, more simplified and aligned with the corporate strategy of the Mandate Action Plan and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Therefore, the definition of the resources it includes, and specifically the resource in question, is oriented from the outset towards achieving the objectives set by the 2030 Agenda.

The specific purpose of this offer is to facilitate planning for Local Entities to meet local demands, especially those of a social and economic nature caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, through resources that enable, in the face of these challenges, progress in all the spheres that make up the 2030 Agenda.

Under the above premise, this project is also developed based on an evaluation report prepared internally, the previous year’s Cataloguing Report, and together with the responses from the quality surveys submitted to Local Entities that have requested resources, they provide a snapshot of the needs Local Entities currently have and allow us to see what changes we need to make to adjust to these needs (access requirements, project characteristics and monitoring of its achievement).

The team from the Directorate of Local Cooperation Services and the specialised technicians in planning and quality evaluation of the services offered by the corporation play a key role in planning and designing the resources, providing tools to the 2030 Agenda and Planning Service, as the final service-providing unit of the resource.

CONDITIONING FACTORS What conditions must be met for the project to be successfully reproduced (in a similar context)?

The funding project for flagship projects to implement the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs is defined with a set of characteristics that ensure its viability and success. Specifically, in its acceptance by the service-providing unit of the Barcelona Provincial Council, it will be assessed that it meets minimum scoring requirements (competitive call) to guarantee precisely that viability: a project with transformative capacity, innovative, with political leadership and internal cross-cutting capacity, as well as having previously developed management documents for municipal action and especially those linked to the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda, among some of the most notable.

The project’s viability also includes technical advice from the Barcelona Provincial Council regarding the application report, as it provides experienced support in aligning, localising and monitoring the results of the 2030 Agenda and the sustainable development targets.

The similar context would refer to town/city councils with more than 20,000 inhabitants and County Councils.

REPLICATE/SCALE/TRANSFER What elements must be considered to replicate the project in another Local Entity? What resources are needed?

The methodology is replicated in town/city councils and county councils of municipalities in the territorial area of the province of Barcelona, provided they meet the conditions stipulated for access to the resource in question in the Barcelona Provincial Council’s Service Catalogue. Specifically, municipalities with more than 20,000 inhabitants and County Councils can access the project service.

Another requirement that would allow the project to be replicated is that the Local Entity does not apply for the same period more than once for the project or for the resource for Aligning local policies with the SDGs, as they could overlap; it must agree to co-finance 20% of the total cost of the project, or that the expenses borne by the project refer to specific budget items, as indicated in the published project factsheet to be applied for.

The criteria for assessing and prioritising the different applications submitted are objective in nature. A minimum score is established for access, and the assessment of projects will be specified according to the degree of technical quality; degree of cross-cutting nature, degree of political leadership, and implementation of the action and previous actions in relation to the SDGs.

At a more specific level, it is determined whether it can be applied to the applicant Local Entities based on:

1. The coherence between the proposal submitted by the local entity and the objective of the resource
2. Whether the work can be carried out within the indicated timeframe
3. Whether the budget is appropriate to the scale of the action
4. Whether it is cross-cutting internally (involves all areas)
5. The degree of involvement of local stakeholders (entities, companies, citizens…)
6. The drive or involvement of the highest officials of the town/city council
7. Coherence with other local strategic documents, especially those linked to the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda (responsible management, sustainability, CSR)
8. Training and/or awareness-raising on SDG and 2030 Agenda topics.

The objective is for the project to be replicable until 2023, and for it to be offered each year, in accordance with the corresponding calls.

STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT Which local stakeholders have been involved in the project (citizens, third-sector organisations, private sector, academia, etc.)? How was this involvement achieved?

The definition and approval of the project was carried out internally within the Corporation, with cross-cutting teams from different specialised work areas that supported the service-providing unit: the 2030 Agenda and Participation Service, and more specifically, the 2030 Agenda and SDGs Unit.

Internal support was formulated mainly from other areas of the Coordination of corporate strategy and local cooperation, to which the service-providing unit also belongs. The Planning and Evaluation Unit works together with the service-providing technicians on projects aimed at Local Entities, to adapt them to the needs they express and achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency.

At an operational level, work was carried out with all stakeholders involved from the local entities eligible to apply for the financial resource: political and technical teams.

INTERNAL COORDINATION How was the project coordinated internally within the Local Entity?

Project coordination was carried out internally within the corporation. From the Coordination of corporate strategy and local cooperation, to which the service-providing unit also belongs (the 2030 Agenda and Participation Service, and more specifically, the 2030 Agenda and SDGs Unit), the project’s viability and characteristics were evaluated. The Planning and Evaluation Service, which works together with the technicians providing these services, makes it possible to have information to adapt them to the needs expressed by Local Entities and achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency.

Finally, the project, which is included in the Barcelona Provincial Council’s Service Catalogue, is approved by the Governing Board, by delegation of the Presidency, and is officially published in the Official Gazette of the Province of Barcelona to publicise it.

PARTNERSHIPS Have other institutions been involved in achieving the set objectives?

Barcelona Provincial Council and the Local Entities applying for the advisory resource (more than 20,000 inhabitants) and County Councils.

RESULTS/MEASUREMENT Have the project results been measured based on local indicators?

Measurements of results related to the project are carried out using the methodology proposed by Provincial Council staff, associated with measuring results and impacts of the service provided to Local Entities that have requested the resource (Planning and Evaluation Service). The criteria taken into account were:

1. Ensuring that 100% of the assessments made by local entities on how well the resource provided fits their needs are equal to or higher than 5 out of 10 points.
2. Ensuring that at least 50% of the assessments made by local entities on the amount awarded are equal to or higher than 7 out of 10 points.

If the commitments set have not been met, the causes must be analysed and specific relevant improvements proposed.

RELEVANCE What is the adequacy of the objectives and results? Is there coherence between the objectives set and the results obtained?

The project objectives, as well as their associated assessment, are carried out based on the annual monitoring and balance reports that are prepared, with the aim of understanding the results of the specific service offered through the resource. Monitoring is also carried out of the achievement of the projects themselves with financial support.

A set of indicators is currently being developed, available from the Barcelona Provincial Council/SDGs web space, so that Local Entities can measure the achievement of the objectives set in these projects.

TRIPLE IMPACT: Is the project sustainable from an environmental, economic and social point of view?

These three dimensions of sustainability have been taken into account so that they are reflected in the characteristics of the project itself; that is, flagship projects may refer to any of the three areas indicated, provided they are innovative and influence the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. We know that all the SDGs are interrelated and contribute directly or indirectly to sustainable development.

In turn, these objectives are linked to the very raison d’être of the Barcelona Provincial Council, which is to cooperate with Local Entities in the province of Barcelona to promote institutions and local policies that create public value (related to SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions) and to structure an inclusive, safe and resilient network of local governments (related to SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities). A broad, rebalancing territorial vision is sought, ensuring equitable access for citizens to local services regardless of where they live.

OBSTACLES What were the main obstacles encountered in all phases of the project?

During the process of preparing the advisory project, no obstacles were found to its promotion and approval.

However, there was a significant obstacle to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda projects of Local Corporations, driven by the global COVID-19 pandemic and the need to devote a significant amount of corporate resources of all kinds (financial, human, organisational and technological) to guarantee public health and strengthen social cohesion in the face of the resulting economic crisis, and to help mitigate its effects on the productive system. In any case, these actions directly impact the achievement of the Agenda, as they enable a more resilient environment in the face of situations such as the current one.

CONCLUSION. Project impact and usefulness.

Essentially, this is a financial resource to help Local Entities carry out flagship projects that enable them to position the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs as a strategic aspect for the future of our society, to facilitate their localisation, to rethink and evaluate the policies and services carried out to achieve sustainable development and fulfil the 2030 Agenda, always through innovation, with transformative capacity.

Information block

FURTHER INFORMATION

All information about the Project and resource can be consulted in the Barcelona Provincial Council’s 2020 Service Catalogue: https://catalegdeserveis-cercador.diba.cat/fitxa?id=21146

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