Exploring the potential of co-governance models to accelerate SDGs at local level

With an eye to the upcoming 2030 deadline, this report aims to explore the potential of Co-Governance and Joint Management of Commons mechanisms in accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at local level. It argues that commons-based co-governance mechanisms have the potential to significantly enhance citizens’ sense of ownership of the SDGs, including those who may be frail and vulnerable, thus enabling broad engagement and actions sustained over time. Through desk research and literature review, the report examines the alignment between SDGs localization and commons-based co-governance experiences. The in-depth analysis of five case studies unfolds new forms of collaboration that have been developed and tested locally, encompassing diverse contexts across the European Union, and provides practical insights and evidence of Co-Governance in enhancing public policy effectiveness, social innovation, and citizen participation in vulnerable neighbourhoods, cities and territories. The report concludes that commons-based Co-Governance models, going beyond the traditional top-down vs bottom-up dichotomy, could provide a powerful tool for localizing SDGs; however, further research and policy efforts are needed to overcome challenges linked to administrative silos, scaling up, financial sustainability and the inclusion of diverse groups of civil society.