“Global Goals Local Leaders” on Overcoming Poverty
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”
Join us as we explore the innovative policies and practices that are helping to overcome both the causes and consequences of poverty in Sacramento!
Next month, we will kick off a new event series that lives up to our motto: “Global Goals Local Leaders”.
The Sustainable Development Goals (or “SDGs”) are a call for action by all countries to promote prosperity while protecting the planet.
The UN Secretary-General has called on all sectors of society to mobilize for a decade of action on three levels: global action to secure greater leadership, more resources and smarter solutions for the SDGs; local action to reflect the needed transitions in the policies, budgets, institutions and regulatory frameworks of governments, cities and local authorities; and people action including by youth, civil society, the media, and the private sector, to generate an unstoppable movement pushing for the required transformations.
The goals may be global. But the work is local.
To this end, we are excited to create a productive and engaging space where local leaders, academics, practitioners, and activists can come together to hold meaningful dialogue and arrive at practical and effective outcomes. The new “Global Goals Local Leaders” forum will be a recurring community event to champion the work being done locally and the possibility of building a better Sacramento for all.
Our inaugural event in March will look at SDG 1: No Poverty.
Both the SDGs and our panelists recognize that ending poverty must go hand in hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, job opportunities, and environmental protection.
Local leadership is critical to tap into the vast human capital our communities are built upon. After all, we already have most of the knowledge and solutions we need to address our most complex issues. That knowledge exists in our communities. We just need to leverage it, champion it, and ensure policies are sufficient to build upon it.
And we believe firmly that cultivating communication and engagement between everyone working to address these issues is the key to attaining the SDGs here in Sacramento and raising the quality of life for everyone in our community.
In this way, our event is a community forum dedicated to championing and supporting local leaders and actors who are building a stronger and more resilient Sacramento region based on the SDGs.
Join us every other month for an insightful and engaging program led by local experts, practitioners, and policy makers in fields related to each of the SDGs.
We invite you to join the conversation to learn about what is being done in your community — and also to leave with concrete and practical takeaways about how you can help.
After all, building upon and learning from local leadership is essential because, local leaders are uniquely positioned to:
Understand local needs and opportunities: Local leaders are best positioned to understand the unique needs and opportunities of their communities. They have firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing their communities, as well as the resources and potential solutions available to address them.
Increase community engagement and participation: Local leaders have the ability to engage and mobilize community members to work towards common goals. They can build trust, foster dialogue, and create opportunities for community members to participate in decision-making and problem-solving.
Manage resource allocation: Local leaders have a role in allocating and managing resources within their communities. This includes financial resources, but also includes other resources such as infrastructure, public services, and human capital.
Implement key policies and programs: Local leaders are responsible for implementing policies and programs at the local level. They can adapt policies and programs to meet local needs and ensure that they are implemented effectively.
Represent and advocate: Local leaders represent their communities at the local, regional, and national levels. They have the ability to advocate for the needs and interests of their communities and to bring attention to important issues.
Build social capital: Local leaders have the ability to build social capital within their communities. Social capital refers to the networks, relationships, and trust that exist between individuals and groups within a community. Strong social capital can facilitate cooperation, problem-solving, and innovation within a community.
Enhance local democracy: Local leaders play a key role in enhancing local democracy. They can create opportunities for community members to participate in decision-making and to hold leaders accountable. They can also work to ensure that power and resources are distributed fairly and equitably within their communities.
Address complex challenges: Many of the challenges facing communities today are complex and multifaceted. Effective local leaders have the ability to bring together diverse stakeholders, including government, business, and community organizations, to address these challenges collaboratively.
Generate economic growth and development: Local leaders can play a key role in generating economic growth and development within their communities. They can attract businesses and investment, promote entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for education and workforce development.
Build resilience: Local leaders can help build resilience within their communities by preparing for and responding to crises and disasters. They can also work to address underlying vulnerabilities and to create systems and structures that are better equipped to withstand shocks and stresses.
