We would like to share our recent tool aimed at local authorities. Its title is « 17 objectifs pour une politique locale durable ».

In Belgium, we had local elections in October 2018. Municipalities are now making up their strategic plan for the next 6 years. As a regional authority, we wanted to provide them guidance on how to include the SDGs in this exercice. The tool is one element of the approach. Besides, we plan trainings and an exchange network.

This tool is part of a broader SDG communication strategy that the Walloon public administration is designing (with the help of a consultant). Three target groups were identified and focus groups were organised in order to tailor the tools to their needs. Besides local authorities, we are also targeting the private sector (in collaboration with their federation) and the youth (15-20 years old).

The tool is a methodological guide that explains with an engaging langage how a municipality can position itsself with regards to the 17 SDGs. The focus is on a participatory approach that can lead to a better understanding on how the various local programmes relate to these broader objectives. The tool also invites to go a step further, by brainstorming on complementary action.

At the back side of the 17 cards of this methodological tool, we have the SDG logo’s that can be displayed in a circle. The idea is to encourage a holistic approach of the SDGs.

The tool for local authorities was launched on 14-15th of February 2019 at their annual meeting. Before that, the members of the focus group had the possibility to react to it. We also asked the Flemish federation of local authorities to have a look, as they have already published several things.

The tool will now be sent to all the Walloon municipalities. The trainings and exchange forums will follow.

Not yet available.

Communicating and training on SDGs with regards to local authorities implies to partner with their federation and regional administration.

With regards to the financing, the content of the tool was produced internally at the regional administration. The layout and printing cost was of 3.750 $ for 500 publications.

Discussions are going on to adapt this tool for other publics such as businesses.

We are at the beginning of the awareness-raising process on SDGs in Wallonia.

This tool is available on our website:
http://developpementdurable.wallonie.be/sites/default/files/2019-02/17SDG-ODD_Politique-locale-durable.pdf

Yet, the paper copy has an added value as the SDG Wheel can be laid out with the back-side of the cards (see photo attached).