In September 2021, we redefined the Goals as the World’s To-Do List. Now, almost half-way through to 2030, we are shining a spotlight on the role cities have and are continuing to play in the achievement of these Goals.
That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our new campaign where we’re joined by London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan to shine a light on the unique role that cities are playing in addressing climate, inequality and poverty – and ultimately helping to get the World’s To-Do List, done. Other mayors, including Freetown’s Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Bristol’s Mayor, Marvin Rees and Bogotá’s Mayor, Claudia López Hernández have joined this important call to action by taking part in the campaign.
As part of this campaign, the colourful Global Goals sticky notes will pop up in iconic locations in London, New York, Freetown and Bristol this September to mark Global Goals Week 2022, transforming cities into a pin board for the World’s To-Do List.
Also during Global Goals Week, we will elevate the voices of Mayors from all over the world when world leaders gather at the UN General Assembly in New York in September. We will highlight the global impact of local action, and amplify their collective call for support for the work they are doing to achieve the Global Goals.
WHY CITIES?
We always say the Goals are for everyone, everywhere and that is exactly what it will take to achieve them. Action and impact come in many shapes and sizes; from private sector businesses ensuring supply chains are sustainable through to actions we take as individuals on a daily basis to policy changes that are implemented at both the national and local level.
While the world grapples with issues such as the climate crisis, Covid recovery, hunger, rise in living costs and conflicts – issues that seem bigger than us – it is important to recognise the role of local action in our pursuit to building a greener, fairer and more just future.
Cities aren’t just hotbeds for innovation, education, and creativity, they also hold the keys to tackling the climate emergency and achieving the Global Goals. In fact, with many cities such as New York, London and Amsterdam facing significant threats from the climate crisis, the role cities play in the achievement of the Goals is critical. Currently, more than half of the world’s inhabitants live in cities and by 2050 more than two-thirds of the world will be urban dwellers. Mayors play a vital role in responding to the challenges and opportunities presented by cities. But city leaders need access to finance, technical support and other measures to tackle these challenges, that are both local and global in their nature.
Stay tuned by heading over to our World’s To-Do List page, following our social media channels and checking out our website for more updates.
About the author
This blog was written by Kiana Alavi, Policy and Campaigns Manager at Project Everyone.
