First trimester of 2022 meetings for the Sustainable Development Programme:

Regions4 Introductory Call on the Sustainable Development Programme

Regions4 hosted an introductory call on the Sustainable Development Programme for new members and new focal points of the Network on 17 February. The session introduced how the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) works; explored how Regions4 engages with the UN on SD-related themes; presented Regions4 initiatives and opportunities on SD available for members; and announced the 2022 SD-Focused Calendar.

Regions4 Sustainable Development Progamme Manager Ivy Moraes focused on two primary purposes of the HLPF:
1) provide political guidance, leadership, and recommendation
2) follow up and review progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda

The meeting discussed 4 ways of reviewing and focusing on the 2030 agenda: regional (Regional forums on Sustainable Development), thematic (Expert Group Meetings), national (VNRs & VSRs) and substantive (through high-level events).

Regions4 members were invited to participate in all HLPF preparations and should get engaged with their respective UN Regional Commission, national government, and consider publishing its own Voluntary Subnational Review (VSR). Furthermore, we welcome members to join the 2 Regions4 initiatives working on the Global Goals: Regions4SDG Community of Practice and SDG Working Group.

Anyone who wishes to joing these projects can contact Ivy Moraes, Sustainable Development Manager at imoraes@regions4.org

Secretary General of Regions4 Natalia Uribe Pando also took part in the meeting where she highlighted the unique role of regions in implementing the 2030 Agenda and our work in bringing the regions voice to advocate for a more inclusive UN system. She emphasized the importance of Regions4 initiatives on SDGs and the alignment of their topics to regions priorities.

New session of the Community of Practice Regions4SDGs announced: The case of Makueni County and Council of Governors in Kenya

Under the theme “Accountability and transparency: citizens engagement and participatory mechanisms,” the session will feature the in-depth experience of Makueni County & Council of Governors in Kenya and count with Aland Islands as respondent. We will discuss strategies and practical tools for stakeholder engagement that can improve quality, continuity, and institutionalization of participatory mechanisms. Join us to learn from peer regions and share your own experiences.

The event will be held on 23 March 2022 at 8:00-9:30 am (EDT) | 1:00-2:30 pm (CET) | 3:00-4:30 pm (EAT) | Check your time here.
This session will be online and open to Regions4 members only. Please note it will be recorded and conducted in English. Register at bit.ly/MakueniCoG by 22 March. Registered attendees will receive the instructions on how to connect.

You can find more information in the concept note.