WUF12 will focus on localizing the Sustainable Development Goals, shedding light on the local actions and initiatives required to curb the current global challenges affecting the daily life of people, including unaffordable housing, rising living costs, climate change, the lack of basic services, and ongoing conflicts.

It all starts locally.

The concept of localization recognizes the role of subnational governments and calls for a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, empowering local stakeholders and fostering citizen engagement. It requires aligning actions with community priorities, recognizing the unique conditions of each locality.

It all starts together.

Localizing the SDGs can empower local stakeholders, encourage citizen participation, and make sustainable development more responsive to local needs – positively impacting small communities and sprawling megacities alike.

It all starts now.

WUF12 will take place as calls are made to collectively address global challenges such as rising poverty and inequality, climate change, armed conflict, and the digital divide. The forum will take place shortly after the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024, roughly five years before the deadline to deliver on the SDGs, highlighting the transformative role of sustainable cities and communities within the 2030 Global Sustainable Agenda.

It all starts at home.

The concept of “at home” extends beyond the physical structures that shelter us; it encompasses the cultural, social, economic, and environmental dimensions that define our communities. It is also an invitation to benefit from home values, innovations, solutions, and inspiration and initiate change from home: locally, together, and now.