See the Power of the SDGs in the US, on September 16

With the U.S. government on the sidelines internationally, cities are taking up the challenge of implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  Several cities, including particularly New York and Los Angeles, have been pioneers in developing “voluntary local reviews” (VLRs) of their local efforts towards sustainability. Orlando, Florida, is another participant in this effort, currently developing its own VLR; for an in-depth conversation about this initiative and more between the Brooking Institution’s Tony Pipa and Chris Castro, Orlando’s Sustainability Director, click here.  Hawai’i is also developing a VLR.

Resources are available for other cities, counties, states, or others that want to join this effort and mount reviews in their local communities.  In particular, the United Cities Local Governments umbrella group has published guidelines for VLRs.

You can learn more on Wednesday, September 16, from 1:00-2:30 PM, when the Brookings Institution and the UN Foundation cohost a high-level virtual event to showcase the power of the SDGs in the United States.  Register here. The event promises to showcase local innovation, leadership, actions, and commitments from all parts of the American society to implement the SDGs, including cities, businesses, universities, philanthropy, and youth activists.