The Global-Local Dynamics within the Localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals: A comparative study among localities within Sweden and the Netherlands to reflect on Global Responsibility

Abstract

Glocalisation as a concept was developed to portray the reciprocal relationship between the global and the local. The global and the local have found themselves being interdependent and connected. The concept of globalisation lacked these dynamics. An example of the interdependency between the global and the local are the Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations, ratified in 2016. These global goals depend on implementation on a regional, national, and especially on the local level due to their non-binding nature. The goals showcase global responsibility, are perceived as important in the road towards sustainable development, and have, therefore, become integrated in local strategies. This study explores how global responsibility within the Sustainable Development Goals is played out on the local level in Sweden and the Netherlands. Five local authorities and two overarching municipal organisations have been analysed, including interviews and strategic documents, in this research. Results show that the global goals are not necessarily perceived as difficult to translate to a local level but do rely on the interpretation of each municipality. This produces individual approaches, strategies and results. This heterogeneous nature of localisation does, however, cause difficulties to monitor and develop coherent and comparable reviews for the local, national and global levels. Overall, global responsibility is reflected in the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals through the local recognition to include various actors and sectors. Yet, the local political orientation and structure is strongly influencing the ability to act upon it.