How can European regions and cities continue to drive sustainable development beyond 2030? What lessons have been learned from localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Europe, and how can these achievements be translated into lasting governance practices?
These questions will be at the heart of the final event of the 2030CATALYSTS project, organised by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the European Committee of the Regions. Bringing together representatives of regional and local authorities, EU institutions, researchers and stakeholders, the event will provide an opportunity to reflect on the outcomes of the project and discuss the future of SDG implementation in Europe.
The 2030CATALYSTS project has worked with 20 European regions to strengthen the monitoring and implementation of the SDGs at regional level.
The two-day event will be structured around two complementary sessions. The first day will focus on technical and scientific exchanges, addressing topics such as the role of data in supporting action, governance innovation for sustainability transitions and lessons learned from the implementation of the SDGs in European territories. The discussions will gather experts from EU institutions, regional administrations, international organisations and academia.
The second day will feature a high-level policy debate on how territories can govern systemic change and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development objectives. Representatives from the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Committee of the Regions, regional and local authorities, and international organisations will discuss how a multidimensional SDG framework can support coherent policies and long-term territorial resilience.
Particular attention will be given to the experiences of regions participating in the project, showcasing practical examples of how local and regional authorities are translating the 2030 Agenda into effective governance and policy action. The event will also explore how the momentum generated by the SDGs can be maintained beyond 2030 and how Europe's territories can continue to serve as laboratories for sustainable and inclusive development.