Concept Note
High-Level Political Forum 2024 Side Event
SDG Localization in Tunisia: A Pathway to Resilience and Innovation Amidst Multiple Crises
08 July 2024 – from 13.15PM – 14.45 PM
Venue: Conference room 11, UN Headquarters, NYBackgroundThe 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development faces unprecedented challenges due tothe convergence of the current multiple crises, including the ongoing impacts of theCOVID-19 pandemic, escalating conﬂicts, economic instability, and the worsening climate
emergency. These crises are disproportionately aﬀecting vulnerable communities andhindering the progress towards poverty eradication and sustainable development. In
this context, local and regional governments play a critical role in developing andimplementing innovative solutions that address these interconnected challenges andbuild resilience at the community level.
Tunisia, like many countries, is grappling with the impacts of these crises, particularly in
its urban areas where the majority of the population resides. The country's vulnerability
to climate change, coupled with social, economic, and political factors, exacerbates thechallenges faced by cities. Recognizing the importance of local action, Tunisia has
demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening the role of local and regional
governments in sustainable development. This commitment is evident in initiatives suchas the development of two Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), in 2019 and 2021, theNational Urban Policy (NUP) project, the publication of the Ennour Voluntary Local
Review (VLR), and its involvement in the Local2030 Knowledge and Scientiﬁc Network(KSN).
The Ennour VLR, Tunisia's ﬁrst report on local SDG implementation and progress, serves
as a testament to the country's dedication to localizing the SDGs. It highlights theimportance of multilevel partnerships and data-driven decision-making in addressing
local development priorities and building resilience to multiple crises. The Local2030
KSN further reinforces this commitment by fostering collaboration between researchers,
academia, and local governments to develop evidence-based solutions for sustainableurban development.

This side event aims at showcasing Tunisia’s experience and approaches towards SDG
Localization as well as creating a space for knowledge exchange and peer-to-peer
learning, featuring other good practices from around the globe.

Objectives of the Side Event:• Showcase Tunisia's innovative approaches to SDG localization in the face ofmultiple crises, highlighting the Ennour VLR as a case study.

• Discuss the role of subnational reporting, such as VLRs, in strengthening
multilevel governance and accelerating progress towards the SDGs.

• Share lessons learned and best practices from Tunisia's experience in localizing
the SDGs, with a focus on building resilience and promoting inclusivedevelopment.

• Explore the potential of VLRs and other subnational reporting mechanisms toinform national policymaking and contribute to the global follow-up and reviewof the 2030 Agenda.

• Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders involved in
SDG localization, including local and national governments, internationalorganizations, civil society, and academia.

Expected Outcomes:
••
•
•
•

Increased awareness of Tunisia's innovative approaches to SDG implementation andlocalization.
Enhanced understanding of the role of subnational reporting in strengthening
multilevel governance and accelerating SDG implementation through VLRs.
Shared lessons learned and best practices from Tunisia's experience in localizing theSDGs.
Strengthened collaboration among stakeholders involved in SDG localization.
Identiﬁcation of potential areas for further research and action on SDG localizationin the context of multiple crises.

Format: in person and broadcast
The side event will include presentations,panel discussions, and interactive Q&Asessions.
The session will be broadcasted on UN TV.

Click here
ToWatchAgenda:TimeTopic

Moderator of the session

Martino Miraglia, Coordinator, SDG Localization andLocal Governments Team & SDG Cities Flagship,UN-Habitat HQ

13:15 PM - 13:30PMOpening Session: Welcoming Remarks and Setting
the Scene15’•

H.E Mr. Tarek Ladeb, Ambassador at the Tunisian
Permanent Representation to the UN in NY.

•Martino Miraglia, Coordinator, SDG Localization andLocal Governments Team & SDG Cities Flagship,
UN-Habitat HQ

13:30 PM – 14:00 PMFirst panel. Tunisia's Experience in SDG localization:
The Ennour VLR30’•

Ridha Rokbani, Governor of Kasserine, Tunisia
Presentation of the experience of Ennour city VLR
development process, key ﬁndings, and lessons learned(10mins)

Moderated Q&A (20mins)

14:00 PM – 14:20 PM20’

Second panel. International experience SDG
Localization and multilevel governance•••

14:20 PM – 14:30 PM10’

Dr. Sangeeta Singh, Honorable Member of National
Planning Commission, Nepal
Tomonori Hiroike, Director, Oﬁce of the Governor for
Policy Planning, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Japan
Eveliina Kiema-Majanen, Senior Advisor, The
Association of Finnish Local Authorities, Finland

Closing Session:
Summary of recommendations and discussion of Discussionof next steps for strengthening SDG localization in Tunisia
and beyond.
•H.E Mr. Tarek Ladeb, Ambassador at the Tunisian
Permanent Representation to the UN in NY.