Local2030 has recently launched the Local2030 Spotlight Series inviting local and regional authorities to record themselves on their work on SDGs and the COVID-19. Cities and regions worldwide are sharing 2-minute videos highlighting their perspectives on the main challenges and innovative solutions developed at the local and regional level to fight the outbreak in the context of a global effort to implement the SDGs.

Local 2030 is the initiative of the UN Secretary General on Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals. The new series is emphasizing the crucial role that local and regional’s efforts have to win the fight against COVID-19 and that the SDGs offer a framework to do so.

Regions4 is partnering with Local2030 to raise the voice of regional leaders. Regions4 members interested in participating can contact us at info@regions4.org to receive further information. Your contribution will also be featured in the RegionsVoice campaign to get more visibility.

Why the Spotlight Series?

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in tragic impacts on all aspects of human life—it is far more than just a health crisis. Livelihoods are under threat, education systems are facing unprecedented upheavals, and stock markets and the global economy are experiencing serious losses.  

While the crisis is global, it is at the local level where its impacts are felt most strongly – and where solutions must be found and implemented. Regions, cities and communities are on the frontline of the fight against the virus, exploring innovative measures and policies, producing knowledge and sharing experiences among peers. Every region, city and community must be prepared to respond to and recover from the crisis.

Local2030 is convinced that local efforts are essential to win the fight against COVID-19 and that the SDGs offer a framework to do so. To support local action, Local2030 supports partners in collaborating and sharing knowledge and expertise to respond to and recover from COVID-19. This Spotlight Series will help to shine a spotlight on the challenges faced, solutions developed, and partnerships enhanced, at the local level, in the fight against COVID-19.

How can you participate?

Interested partners can record videos with a simple smartphone or camera and upload to ​Local2030 dropbox or share via twitter using #Local2030 #SpotlightSeries. Videos will be featured in the Local2030 media channels and feeding into the global debate on COVID-19.

Every week a different topic will be addressed:

• Week 1: Housing and Shelter
• Week 2: Urban Basic Services provision
• Week 3: Livelihoods and Local Economies
• Week 4: Safety and Vulnerability in local communities (May 27– June 3)
• Week 5: Innovative Partnerships (June 3 – June 10)
• Week 6: Data and Technology (June 11 – June 18)
• Week 7: Sustainable Finance (June 19 – June 26)

For this week (until June 3) the debate will be centred around “Safety and Vulnerability in local communities.” Please note the calendar may change and new themes may arise.