Halfway through its implementation period, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is being implemented today in a world very different from the one that existed at the time of its adoption seven years ago. Recent events have challenged the new sustainable development paradigm in its various social, economic, and environmental dimensions.

In response to this reality, the United Nations Secretary-General presented in September 2021 the report “Our Common Agenda” in order to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. The report identifies the main commitments to be achieved at this time and identifies local governments as one of the key actors in achieving them.

The European Union has also expressed its firm commitment to the 2030 Agenda, now more than ever. This fact can be observed by analyzing the Recovery Plan for Europe and the Next Generation EU funding program, which require aligning economic, social, and environmental proposals with the sustainable development strategy outlined in the 2030 Agenda.

At the midpoint of achieving the SDGs, the 2030 Agenda sheds light on our future and offers local governments an opportunity to continue advancing toward sustainable development, supported by the multilateral umbrella of the United Nations and the European Union, in a context of global threats that can only be addressed collectively.

The 2030 Agenda not only remains valid today, but stands as a common agenda whose implementation worldwide will enable municipalities and provinces, as well as other territories, to overcome emerging challenges in a resilient, inclusive, and comprehensive manner.

In 2022, we are celebrating our III Network Assembly accompanied by a Conference where we aim to highlight the necessary leadership that we must assume from local governments to accelerate compliance with the 2030 Agenda. To this end, we are organizing this event together with the Barcelona Provincial Council.

I encourage you to formalize your registration so that you can participate in the annual event we are holding from the Network, seeking thereby local unity and empowerment in achieving the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda.

Because, now more than ever, Local Leadership. 2030 Agenda.