Over the summer of 2025, we convened a series of conversations with leading global cities to learn how they have moved beyond the ambition and vision of the SDGs towards integration and impact in municipal processes and operations. These cities all had practical and useful advice for Canadian municipalities looking to get started or deepen their current SDGs work.
Breathe the SDGs
Build an understanding of holistic sustainable development and what citizens want for the future, rather than starting with a statistical debate about goals, targets, and indicators.
Use Existing Data
Leverage existing data collection systems for SDGs indicator tracking. If data is not collected, determine if there is a partner to collaborate with who has access. The SDGs offer a "good start" for municipalities without systematic sustainability approaches.
Connect the SDGs to Local Issues
Demonstrate how the SDGs provide new perspectives and insights on issues important to the community. Identify how the SDGs align with what is already happening and can deepen and improve planning.
Integrate, Don't Duplicate
Connect the SDGs to existing political goals and integrate with reporting mechanisms to avoid creating another layer of work. Don't stress about not hitting all targets. Connect with other cities to help interpret less applicable goals.
Foster Broad Ownership and Dialogue
Build ownership of SDGs work across departments and throughout the community. Leverage formal commitments to generate buy-in for the SDGs. This can help ensure consistency through political transitions and can be a platform for dialogue and consensus.
Start with Engaged People
Begin working with the departments and individuals who are invested in and see value in the SDGs. Momentum can be built by demonstrating success through pilot projects and initiatives.
Adapt the Language of the SDGs to the Local Context
Talk about the SDGs in a way that resonates in the community, perhaps focused on the issues, principles or vision for a better world. Advancing the SDGs doesn’t require talking about the framework as presented by the United Nations.
Join us on November 6th for our webinar “Global Insights on Localizing the SDGs in Canada”, where we’ll talk with some of the cities we engaged to hear more about how they are working with the SDGs. Register here.