Newark and Sherwood District Council adopts the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Urgent motion for Newark and Sherwood District Council  – 20^th September 2023

This Council notes with concern the recent Special Report from the United Nations Secretary General – “Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals: towards a rescue plan for people and planet“- published in July 2023 to mark the midpoint between 2015 and the delivery date of 2030.

The Secretary General finds that “… many of the Goals are moderately to severely off track and puts forward five major recommendations to rescue the Goals and accelerate implementation between now and 2030”

In particular this council notes the third of those recommendations, calling upon Governments to

“… strengthen national and subnational capacity, accountability and public institutions to deliver accelerated progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”

To that end, Newark and Sherwood District Council resolves to adopt the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for guiding our local authority's policies, work programs, functions, and initiatives.

By doing so, we commit to aligning our strategies with the national and global agenda for sustainable development and working towards achieving these goals within our sphere of influence; thus recognising the significance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a comprehensive framework for sustainable development at the global level. We shall seek to apply the UN SDGs at the local level for the wellbeing of our residents.

Council believes that:

1. adopting the UNSDGs will provide a clear direction for our local authority's policies, work programs, and initiatives, ensuring their alignment with the national and global agenda for sustainable development.

2. emphasising the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and partnerships will help in implementing the UNSDGs effectively.

3. committing to regular monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of our progress towards achieving the UNSDGs is vital to engage our community in the process.

4. encouraging cooperation and knowledge-sharing with other local authorities across the UK and world that have already adopted the UNSDGs, will help in promoting collective action and learning both locally and globally.

Council therefore resolves that NSDC:

1. adopts the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for guiding our local authority's policies, work programs, and initiatives.

2. brings together the relevant departments and stakeholders within our local authority to develop an action plan for implementing the UNSDGs, outlining specific targets, timelines, and responsibilities.

3. actively engages and collaborates with other local authorities, organisations, and community groups to share best practices, experiences, and lessons learned in advancing the UNSDGs.

4. Submits regular progress reports to the council, including updates on the implementation of the UNSDGs and assessments of the local authority's performance in contributing to the global agenda for sustainable development.

By taking this step, we can also demonstrate our commitment to contribute to the global effort to achieve a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient world for future generations.

See https://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/news/global-goals-to-inform-council-s-decision-making-9335916/