Communities around the world are facing multiple shocks and stresses. Covid-19 and its economic fallout have frequently collided with the impacts of climate change. The challenges are great in low-income communities and informal settlements, where development infrastructure and services were already weak before the pandemic hit. People have self-organised to help themselves. Women’s and young people’s leadership has been outstanding. They have drawn on and strengthened existing social relationships, information networks, group savings, markets and income-generating opportunities – and they have created new ones. They have articulated clearly how they would like to partner with governments and external actors to improve their situation. They have expressed their needs, and what they have to offer. This story weaves the 50 stories and hundreds of contributing ‘Voices from the Frontline’ together into a call for change.
How local communities are pursuing Sustainable Development Goals in the pandemic era and how to support them
Zero hunger (SDG2)
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Read this chapterGood health and wellbeing (SDG3)
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Read this chapterClean water and sanitation (SDG6)
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Read this chapterDecent work and economic growth (SDG8)
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Read this chapterClimate action (SDG13)
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Read this chapterPartnerships for the goals (SDG17)
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development
Read this chapterDiscussion and recommendations
An agenda for regaining lost ground with the SDGs – by investing in local communities
Read this chapter