Mayors gather in Jakarta to accelerate sustainable development progress

Jakarta, 2 July 2024 - Mayors and senior officials from 63 local governments in 33 countries are gathering in Jakarta over the next three days to discuss ways to accelerate sustainable development at the local level. 

Organized by the United Nations, the United Cities and Local Governments in Asia-Pacific (UCLG-ASPAC), the Local 2030 coalition and hosted by the Special Capital Region of Jakarta, the goal of the International Mayors’ Forum 2024 is to provide a platform for policy dialogue and knowledge sharing on key aspects related to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Held for the sixth time, this year’s edition of the Forum is promoting dialogue and the sharing of experiences on how to practically accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda through localization of the SDGs in the six remaining years.

“SDGs are in dire need of a boost and we don’t have a moment to lose,” said Navid Hanif, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) referring to the SDG progress report 2024, which found that only 17% of SDG targets were on track. “Local and regional governments are the beacon of hope. You will drive change. But this time the change must focus on structural and systemic shifts that are essential for putting the world on a path to sustainable future.”

Cities: lynchpins for development

Over half of the world’s population lived in urban areas already as of 2018, and it is projected that more than two thirds will by 2030.  The work of regional and local governments is therefore vital when it comes to the SDGs: 65% of SDG targets are linked to the work and mandate of local governments – and therefore localization of SDGs is necessary for their achievement. 

In the face of growing global uncertainty, localization has become more important than ever, reflecting the ability to translate global aspirations to concrete results at the local level. 

The SDGs cannot be achieved without scaled-up and sustained investments in urban infrastructure and services, such as quality and affordable housing, access to quality education, sustainable public transport systems, health care services and sanitation, decent work and a safe environment, with a particular focus on the needs of the most vulnerable amid rising inequality, Mr Hanif said. 

Urban areas account for close to 80% of economic production as well as 60-80% of global energy consumption and 75% of energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Jakarta’s leadership role

Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the SDGs, Jakarta is launching its second Voluntary Local Review on the status of the SDGs in the city, Acting Governor Heri Budi Hartono announced at the opening of the Forum.

“The city is actively implementing various initiatives to address urban challenges and promote sustainable development, aligning with Indonesia's national SDG priorities, including poverty reduction, quality education, and climate action,” he said. 

The Forum plays an important role in the run up to the UN’s Summit of the Future, to be held in September this year. At the Summit, world leaders are expected to forge a new international consensus on how to deliver a better present and safeguard the future. They are scheduled to adopt the Pact for the Future to mend eroded trust and demonstrate how international cooperation can effectively achieve agreed goals and tackle emerging threats and opportunities.

“The Forum is an opportunity for local, regional, and national governments to explore how they can contribute to the Summit as well as to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in 2025,” Mr Hanif said.

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Media contact:

Siska Widyawati (UNIC) - +62 878-8488-5489