The City of San Diego announced its intent to develop its inaugural Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at this year’s United Nations High-Level Political Forum. Partnering with ICLEI—Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI USA), the project will analyze five SDG goal areas — SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy); SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities); SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities); SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production); and SDG 13 (Climate Action) — to compile the City’s inaugural SDG-review report.
Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals
This local government assessment effort aligns the City’s sustainability goals with the SDGs, which 192 member countries of the United Nations agreed upon in 2015. The SDGs outline 17 universal goals to achieve by 2030, aimed at protecting the planet, ending poverty, and improving the quality of life for future generations. They offer a globally recognized framework for measuring progress and advancing evidence-based policies.
San Diego’s Progress in Sustainability
Upon completing its first VLR, San Diego will join the State of Hawai’i and the cities of Orlando, Los Angeles, New York City, and Pittsburgh, along with several other cities worldwide, as part of a global community of cities tracking progress toward meeting the SDGs.
San Diego has already made significant strides in alignment with the SDGs, particularly in climate-related efforts. In 2019, the City created the San Diego Community Power (SDCP) to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2035. The City has significantly reduced landfill waste through the City Recycling Ordinance (CRO) and the Construction and Demolition (C&D) Debris Deposit Ordinance. Additionally, its Climate Action Plan commits the City to net zero emissions by 2035 and includes a robust implementation plan that prioritizes community input.
“San Diego is uniquely blessed with our rich natural environment, innovative and diverse economy, and strong international relationships within our border region and beyond. At the same time, we share common challenges with many cities worldwide. The U.N. Sustainable Development Goals are globally accepted targets to tackle our most pressing problems and improve health, security, and economic outcomes,” says Shelby Rust Busó, Chief Sustainability Officer at the Sustainability and Mobility Department in the City of San Diego. She adds that “San Diego has all the potential to be a global model for sustainable development – improving economic outcomes and quality of life for all San Diegans for generations to come.”
Angie Fyfe, former Executive Director of ICLEI USA, praised the partnership, stating, “By partnering with ICLEI USA, San Diego’s outcomes will inform the efforts of a network of hundreds of local governments throughout the United States. The partnership demonstrates the City’s commitment to act as a leader and learner within a network of local governments advancing together on the Sustainable Development Goals.”
About ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability
ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) is the largest global network of over 2,500 local and regional governments dedicated to addressing environmental challenges. Active in more than 125 countries, it focuses on sustainability policies and driving local action in five key areas: low emissions, resilience, equity, people-centered development, and circular economies. ICLEI USA, the American branch, provides advanced tools and resources, such as the ClearPath Climate Planner, to help local governments tackle climate change. Our programs aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve quality of life, and protect natural resources, all while striving for just and equitable communities.
San Diego demonstrates its commitment to global sustainability through the VLR, showcasing its dedication to tackling pressing environmental challenges and setting a benchmark for other cities to follow.
About the Author
Caio Pereira
Program Associate, ICLEI USA
Caio, originally from Brazil, has a diverse professional journey with a focus on project management, research, and technical writing in the international development and climate sustainability sectors. He has worked with organizations like Global Americans, The Brookings Institution, and the United Nations Development Programme, leading projects, managing teams, and conducting research. Fluent in English and Portuguese, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Colorado State University and a Master’s Degree in International Development from the University of Denver.