BACOLOD City – The city of Sipalay in Negros Occidental has accepted the challenge of accelerating 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations in the recent 10th World Urban Forum held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Sipalay City is among the 17 subnational governments from around the globe that committed to achieving these goals.
It was Sipalay City mayor Maria Gina Lizares that signed the commitment along with the local chief executives of Barcelona (Spain), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Brussels-Capital Region (Belgium), Acapulco de Juares (Mexico), Rostov-on-don (Russia), Betio (Kiribati) and Bauang (Philippines), among others last Feb. 8-13. According to the mayor, the 17 SDGs are incorporated in the executive agenda of Sipalay City for 2019-2022.
“With this, we will implement programs and lobby legislations anchored on combatting climate change and inequality in all forms,” Lizares said.
“This is Sipalay’s contribution to solve the UN-identified global issues by addressing those existing in the local communities. With the indicators already set in the SDGs, the city government can easily measure the impact and the success of its local programs, legislations and partnerships,” she added.
The 17 subnational governments are the new signatories to the New York City Voluntary Local Review (VLR) – a process initiated by the US city in 2018 that enables those who take part to explore ways to address global crises unfolding in their communities.
According to Penny Abeywardena, Commissioner for the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, the VLR is a way for local governments to exchange best practices and accelerate the SDGs by way of strategic engagement within their own communities.
The VLR is a three-step, non-binding agreement that urges signatories to identify how existing local strategies align with the 17 SDGs. It is also a tool for local governments of all sizes to showcase achievements and challenges in achieving the said goals.
Lizares is looking forward to collaborating with new partners from WUF.
“With this newfound opportunity, we can utilize and localize best practices from other cities across the globe while showcasing our efforts as a humble city, the Philippines as well,” Lizares said.(With a report from PIA/PN)
