Successful First Rollout of the Newly Updated Module 2 on “Planning for Change with the SDGs”

On June 19, UCLG and UN-Habitat successfully conducted the first training workshop featuring the newly updated Module 2 on “Planning for Change with the SDGs”. This event, held within the framework of the Georgia National Urban Forum organized by the Spatial Urban Development Agency of Georgia (SUDA), brought together 45 participants from various Georgian municipalities and agencies, along with international attendees from Serbia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, North Macedonia, and other countries. The training team included experts from UN-Habitat, UNDESA, and UCLG.

The event was officially inaugurated by Mr. Andria Basilaia, Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi City; Ms. Ioane Menabde, Head of the Spatial Urban Development Agency; Ms. Anna Platonova, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Georgia; Ms. Katja Schaefer, UN-Habitat Interregional Advisor for Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asia; and Mr. Sami Areikat, UNDESA Sustainable Development Officer.

Following the opening remarks, the full-day training workshop was divided into two parts, each focusing on a different SDG Localization tool. The morning session, led by UCLG and UN-Habitat, centered around the newly updated Module 2 on “Planning for Change with the SDGs”. This module, developed collaboratively by UCLG, UN-Habitat, and UNDP with support from the European Commission, aims to integrate the SDGs into local planning processes, offering strategic and spatial planning guidance to accelerate SDG implementation and foster transformative local initiatives and policies. Module 2 is part of a series of four Learning Modules on SDG Localization developed using a “training of trainers” approach. The afternoon session, led by UNDESA, introduced the Enhanced VLR Guidance Portal, a valuable tool for incorporating greener, resilient, and sustainable recovery and transitions.

The morning session on Module 2 began with an introduction to SDG Localization and the local planning process, followed by a lecture on how the five underlying principles of the SDGs, such as “Leave no one behind,” can inspire improved planning processes. To reinforce this knowledge, participants engaged in an interactive game called “The Square,” where each table tackled the planning process of rehabilitating a fictional public square with a focus on specific SDG principles.

A second lecture explored integrating the SDGs into spatial planning processes, emphasizing the benefits of monitoring and evaluating local plans using SDG indicators. Participants then participated in another interactive exercise to evaluate the impact of real urban initiatives shared by attendees, using SDG indicators.

Various experiences were shared throughout the training, including insights from SUDA and the city of Poti (Georgia), a notable example of a 15-minute city.

Overall, the first rollout of the updated Module 2 was a resounding success. The module proved to be highly effective, offering innovative content and a hands-on experience through interactive exercises and stimulating discussions.

For further information on Module 2, do not hesitate to contact [email protected].