Role of Local Leadership in Attaining Sustainable Development Goals -

The present article makes the readers aware on the pertinence of local leadership in realizing the mandates of SDGs. Anuradha Saigal and Divya Bawa have relevantly explained the motivating factors that could drive local leaders to contribute to the SDGs, followed by the reasons attributable for their failure, and concluded by the solutions for strengthening local leadership, for fostering effective and sustainable solutions. Authors are of the opinion that empowering local leaders with diverse support is crucial for achieving local outcomes that not only align with community priorities but contribute to global sustainability goals.

- Anuradha Saigal and Divya Bawa

Achievement of any of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will require concerted global efforts (SDSN 2015).

While international collaborations and national policies have crucial significance in this collective pursuit of the global sustainability, the roles of local governance and leadership cannot be overlooked. Local leaders are the backbone of effective governance and can have a substantial function in sustainability leadership by engaging citizens, enhancing technical expertise, mobilizing financial resources, and developing managerial execution capacity (Wang, Wart, and Lebredo 2014). Owing to their proximity to the grassroots, local institutions and governance systems can identify contextual challenges and implement tailor-made solutions based on the geographical, political, cultural, and socio-economic conditions.

Motivating factors for local actors to promote the SDGs

'Think Global, Act Local', a widely popular UN Agenda 21 slogan also reflects on promoting local practices while maintaining a broader awareness of the global goals. However, local governments should not be seen as mere implementers of the solutions. They are the policymakers, catalysts of change, and on the level of government best placed to link the global goals with local communities (UNDP 2018).

It is important to recognize that local leadership encompasses more than local government bodies; it extends beyond governance and involves several other local actors such as civil society organizations (CSOs), philanthropies, research and academic institutions including schools, businesses, community-based organizations, youth groups, activists, and more.

Factors Driving Local Actions