NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Feb. 29 (PIA6) - - Accepting the challenge of accelerating 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations in the recent 10th World Urban Forum (WUF) held in Abu Dhabi, Sipalay City committed to realize these goals.

Sipalay City is among the 17 subnational governments from around the world that committed to achieving these goals.

Sipalay City mayor Maria Gina Lizares signed the commitment along with local chief executives of Barcelona (Spain), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Brussels-Capital Region (Belgium), Acapulco de Juares (Mexico), Rostov-on-don (Russia), Betio (Kiribati) and Bauang (Philippines) among others last Feb. 8-13 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

According to Lizares, the 17 SDGs is incorporated in the executive agenda of Sipalay for 2019-2022.

"With this, we will implement programs and lobby legislations anchored on combatting climate change and inequality in all forms," Lizares said in a press release from the City Information Office.

"This is Sipalay's contribution to solve the UN-identified global issues by addressing those existing in the local communities. With the indicators already set in the SDGs, the city government can easily measure the impact and the success of its local programs, legislations and partnerships," Lizares added.

The 17 subnational governments are the new signatories to the New York City Voluntary Local Review (VLR), a process initiated by the US city in 2018 that enables those who take part to explore ways to address global crises unfolding in their communities.

Penny Abeywardena, Commissioner for the NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs said the VLR is a way for local governments to exchange best practices and accelerate the SDGs through strategic engagement within their own communities.

The VLR is a three-step, non-binding agreement that urges signatories to identify how existing local strategies align with the 17 SDGs.

It is also a tool for local governments of all sizes to showcase achievements and challenges in achieving the SDGs.

Lizares is looking forward to collaborating with new partners from WUF.

"With this newfound opportunity, we can utilize and localize best practices from other cities across the globe while showcasing our efforts as a humble city the Philippines as well," Lizares added.*(LTP/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)