Despite the primacy of nation-states in diplomacy and at the UN podium, cities are on the frontlines of the challenges the SDGs address. With over 50% of the world’s population currently living in cities, the goals of no poverty, zero hunger, good health, quality education, decent work and justice need cities to lead. And with cities responsible for 70% or more of global greenhouse gas emissions, the goals of clean energy, sustainable cities, climate action, life below water and life on land won’t succeed without local implementation.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), nearly 70% of the development targets that make up the 17 SGDs will require action from local and regional governments.

Nation-state leaders will talk. That is their job, and indeed how diplomacy works. For mayors, of course, it is different. Their writ includes both podiums and potholes, both politics and action. And as such, cities around the world are stepping up and collectively advancing the goals with concrete and specific actions. Sixteen cities have voluntarily pledged to sign a declaration that they will implement the global goals, and many of them have already published their own Voluntary Local Reviews (VLR), a process created by New York City.

Read the full article about collective action from cities for SDG achievement by Mauricio Rodas and Ian Klaus at Smart Cities Dive.