New York, July 15, 2024 – Within the framework of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development held at the United Nations headquarters, Antonio Pérez, President of the Network of Local Entities for the 2030 Agenda of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), emphasized the essential importance of Local Governments in advancing toward the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.

During the Presentation of Spain’s Voluntary National Review Report, Pérez responded to the question from the representative of Chile regarding the role of Local Governments and the General Courts in achieving the 2030 Agenda. “Local Governments play a crucial role in implementing the 2030 Agenda, as they are capable of transforming a global agenda into concrete and tangible public policies that promote inclusive and sustainable development,” stated Pérez.

In his intervention, Pérez emphasized that Local Governments in Spain are the primary experts on the challenges facing citizens. From local policies, we are in a unique position to respond to the needs of our citizens, involving them in resolving global problems through local solutions. This enables us to advance environmental, economic, and social sustainability in our cities and towns,” he noted.

Since 2020, the creation of the Network of Local Entities for the 2030 Agenda within the FEMP has been a manifestation of the political commitment of local entities to these global objectives. “Currently, 637 Local Entities are part of our Network, representing more than 66% of Spain’s population. Additionally, we have the collaboration of various public and private entities that support our work in implementing the 2030 Agenda,” highlighted Pérez.

The Network has been consolidated as a space for training and knowledge exchange, where member entities can share good practices and effective strategies for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “We are working to prepare our Voluntary Local Reports, which will allow us to showcase our contributions and strengthen the local implementation of the 2030 Agenda.” The Network itself exemplifies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals,” he added.

Pérez, who is also Mayor of Benidorm and President of the Provincial Council of Alicante, is part of the Spanish Delegation at this High-Level Forum, led by Third Vice President and Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Teresa Ribera, and the Minister of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda, Pablo Bustinduy. The delegation also includes prominent figures such as the President of Navarre, María Chivite; the Vice President of the Sustainable Development Council, Isabel Iparraguirre; and the President of the Joint Commission for Monitoring the Spanish Strategy to achieve the SDGs, Engracia Rivera.

The participation of Pérez and the Spanish delegation at this event underscores Spain’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and sustainable development, highlighting the indispensable role of Local Governments in achieving these global objectives.