1st Local Project Challenge Forum - Brazil: Accelerating the SDGs through the Local Project Challenge
Accelerating the SDGs is a three-stage project led by the Center for Sustainable Development (CSUD) in the Earth Institute at Columbia University. Commencing with a survey directed at city makers in the professions, education, and civil society, the survey investigated levels of awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)by asking ‘How are the SDGs traveling in your world?” (1147 responses from 92 countries). The second stage, the LOCAL PROJECT CHALLENGE (LCP), called for projects around the world that considered the SDGs with the aim of increasing SDGs awareness. It challenged participants to consider and localize the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda (NUA) in their work. 111 projects from 39 countries representing the professions, education, and civil society are displayed on www.localprojectchallenge.org. The website was remotely launched by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the Columbia University Urban Thinkers Campus on 'Accelerating the SDGs in Cities' in November 2019.
In partnership with the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (PROARQ / FAU-UFRJ), CSUD organized a Networking Event at World Urban Forum 10 in Abu Dhabi. ‘Accelerating the SDGs through the Local Project Challenge’ presented selected projects, and awards made by an International Panel as well as the People’s Choice (over 7000 votes) were announced. The event also canvassed ideas for the project’s ‘Next Steps’.
This Forum is an important ‘Next Step’ and is the first of a number of regional forums that Local Project Challenge participants will take part in. What challenges did LCP participants encounter in implementing the SDGs and the NUA at the local level? What has been the effect of COVID 19? On projects and project communities? In this context, and organized by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (PROARQ / FAU-UFRJ), the 1st Local Project Challenge Forum will be held in Brazil on October 27th, 2020, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Brasília Time). It will explore challenges as well as ‘ideas for action’ that can positively impact the implementation of the SDGs and the NUA locally and nationally. Invited speakers representing the professions, education, and civil society will discuss their urban projects profiled on www.localprojectchallenge.org, and address these discussion questions:
1. What are the main challenges for the implementation of the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda in your projects?
2. What are your ideas for action to disseminate the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda in your area of expertise?