Within the framework of the 6th World Forum on Local Economic Development, held in Seville, a debate space took place, promoted by the Network of Local Entities for the 2030 Agenda and the Commission for Development Cooperation and SDGs of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP). This session brought together representatives from various local administrations to share progress, challenges, and lessons learned in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda at the municipal level.

Antonio Pérez Pérez, president of the Network of Local Entities for the 2030 Agenda and mayor of Benidorm, highlighted the strategic alliance between networks such as FEMP and FAMSI, stating that “the 2030 Agenda Network has consolidated itself as the most relevant within the FEMP.” In his speech, he stressed the importance of continuing to promote international cooperation and the participation of Local Governments, especially through twinning and collaborative actions. “Funding from cooperation areas is fundamental to continue the work of localizing the SDGs,” he noted.

Miguel Ángel Morales, president of the Provincial Council of Cáceres, focused his speech on the need for agile, direct, and sustained funding over time. “We must move towards financing models that are more affordable and adapted to the reality of our local entities,” he argued.

For her part, Lorena Orduña Pons, second vice-president of the Network of Local Entities for the 2030 Agenda, highlighted the growing participation of municipalities in the network. “This allows for the sharing of lessons learned between localities with different levels of progress, access to useful tools, and improved financing capacity to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.” Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of multi-level cooperation as a way to improve the effectiveness of local policies.

Miguel Ángel Valverde Menchero, vice-president of the FEMP Commission for Development Cooperation and SDGs, advocated for decentralized international cooperation as an instrument to facilitate access to financing and reinforce the budgetary autonomy of Local Governments. “Even the smallest municipalities, with the right resources, can generate significant transformations step by step,” he stated.

Ángel Viveros Gutiérrez, first vice-president of the Network of Local Entities for the 2030 Agenda, concluded by highlighting the role of Local Governments as key actors in the territorialization of the SDGs. “We are the ones who put a face to the 17 Objectives for our citizens. Voluntary local reports are essential for measuring progress, but not all municipalities have the technical or financial capacity. Therefore, the role of the Network is essential as a space for support and guidance.”

The meeting in Seville once again confirmed that the 2030 Agenda will not be achieved without the decisive drive of the local sphere. Strengthening municipal and provincial capacities, fostering cooperation, and ensuring adapted financing are essential conditions for achieving sustainable and inclusive development throughout the territory.

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