Written by Lena Savelli, UN Resident Coordinator in Ecuador and Matilde Mordt, UNDP Resident Representative in Ecuador.

This Sunday, May 14, the new authorities of the Decentralized Autonomous Government (GAD) will take office in Ecuador, marking the beginning of a new period that represents an opportunity to review priorities, strengthen local institutions and define strategies that effectively lead the sustainable development that the country needs.

These opportunities are accompanied by significant challenges. Last October, in the context of the launch of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Human Development Report (IDH), entitled Uncertain Times, Unstable Lives: Shaping Our Future in a Changing World, we warned that, for the first time in 32 years since the publication of this report, the situation in health, education and income has worsened worldwide, for two consecutive years. Although Ecuador remains in the high human development category, its post-pandemic conditions raise important caveats.

Faced with this scenario, local governments have a key role in enabling the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a global commitment signed by world leaders in 2015 to achieve a more inclusive world. , more prosperous and environmentally friendly sustainable. It is therefore essential to have strong GADs who have leadership skills and abilities, who involve the population and who have a comprehensive and long-term vision of the challenges facing their territories.

With differentiated powers, the new authorities will assume responsibilities for issues that directly affect the population: water supply and sewage, roads and transport, environmental management, irrigation, production development, infrastructure and equipment in health and education. , urban development, land use and waste management, among other services. About 65% of the SDG goals are related to the mandate, activities of local authorities.

In September of this year, world leaders will meet at the Sustainable Development Summit, a critical moment for countries to make a clear commitment to save the Sustainable Development Goals and establish a transformative national vision, based on concrete plans and actions. Local authorities must participate in building this vision and ensure that these actions reach the territory.

From the United Nations in Ecuador, we wish the new authorities every success and reiterate our commitment to promoting and achieving just, peaceful and inclusive societies. We are together with the country on this path, and our cooperation will strive to achieve a common vision and collaborative effort between all social, public and private actors, to achieve sustainable development and alignment so that no one is left behind. (OR)