[2026] SDG Localisation Forum – International Mayors Forum

I. Context

As the world continues to urbanize, the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) demands a focus on accelerating progress in cities, towns and peri-urban areas. The latest data from the United Nations shows that cities are currently home to 45 per cent of the world's 8.2 billion people — more than double the share in 1950. By 2050, 68% of the world’s population is projected to be urban with nearly 90% of the increase in urbanization occurring in Asia and Africa.

SDG localization is the process of transforming the SDGs into reality at the local level, in coherence with national development frameworks and in line with local communities’ priorities. With 65% of SDG targets linked to the work and mandates of local and regional governments, localization is a pre-condition for their understanding, uptake, and achievement.
The role of local and regional governments has gained prominence and visibility at the international level, recognized by Member States in General Assembly resolutions and High-level Political Forum (HLPF) political declarations, and by the Secretary-General in his report on Our Common Agenda and on Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals: towards a rescue plan for people and planet.

II. Objectives

The objective of the International Mayors’ Forum is to provide an annual platform to local and regional governments for policy dialogue and knowledge sharing on key aspects related to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. The Forum will profile success cases of local solutions that are accelerating progress across the six transformative SDG transitions. The Forum will also serve as a strategic opportunity for local, regional, and national governments to explore ways that can further the implementation of the outcomes of the Summit of the Future’s Pact for the Future, the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in 2025, and the Paris Agreement, thereby accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs.

Building on the outcomes of the 2025 Forum held in Toyota City, Japan - the 2026 Forum will also promote dialogue and share practical experiences on how to accelerate SDG implementation through financing and improving multi-level governance and planning for localization in the remaining four years of the Decade of Action, particularly in the face of increasing climate vulnerability, conflicts, and disaster risks in cities and towns.
The Forum will focus on accelerating local-level action through transformative entry points—referred to as the Six Key Transitions: Investment Pathways to Achieve the SDGs—identified during the 2023 SDG Summit for their catalytic and multiplier effects across the SDGs. These include: (1) food systems; (2) energy access and affordability; (3) digital connectivity; (4) education; (5) jobs and social protection; and (6) climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. This year’s Forum will prioritize discussions on these investment pathways, with explicit attention to multi-level governance and planning to finance resilient localization efforts.
This will include presentations of local progress through Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), including from champion cities and other subnational governments presenting their 2026 VLRs.

III. Organizers

The 2026 International Mayors Forum is organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and hosted by Ecuador.

Rooted in the United Nations Charter and guided by the transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UN DESA upholds the development pillar of the United Nations. UN DESA brings the global community together to work towards common solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. The Department also helps countries translate global commitments into national action in the economic, social and environmental spheres. Over the course of the past several years, UN DESA has supported the engagement of local government representatives at the HLPF. UN DESA also provides technical cooperation and support, including capacity development, to Member States at their invitation, working at national and regional levels with governments, civil society organizations, UN Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams (UNCTs) and other key stakeholders to advance sustainable development and ensure that no one is left behind.

Established in 2011, UN Office for Sustainable Development (UNOSD) is part of the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) of UN DESA providing technical and advisory services in support of the implementation and monitoring of the SDGs, especially on climate action, and environmental targets. Since 2017, UNOSD has been organizing the annual International Mayors Forum to strengthen SDG localization and increase knowledge and commitments towards advancing the SDGs through national to local leadership.

IV. Target Audience

Mayors and officials from subnational government entities, as well as key ministerial representatives from developed and developing countries, including least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing States and middle-income countries. Dual delegations will be convened from key countries to engage national and local representatives in view of strengthening multi-level governance for SDG Localization.
Representatives of UN entities, Local 2030 Coalition and regional hubs, international experts and other stakeholders will also be invited to attend the Forum.

V. Outcome Document

The outcomes of the Forum 2026 will be summarized in a document titled “Key Messages”, highlighting the key discussions and insights from the event. Additionally, the commitments made by participating mayors and governors will be compiled into an outcome document, the “SDG Localization Agenda”, outlining concrete actions and collaborative efforts to advance sustainable development and the SDGs up to 2030.