SDSN Ireland Participates in Global Network Manager Workshops and Showcases High-Resolution SDG Mapping Research

SDSN Ireland Manager, John Barimo, represented the network at a series of international engagements that brought together SDSN managers, chairs, researchers, and key partners from across the globe. These events provided a valuable platform to highlight Ireland’s work, share challenges, and strengthen relationships with colleagues committed to advancing the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs.

Convening With Global Network Managers in Malaysia

SDSN’s Network Managers Workshop, held this year at Sunway University in Malaysia, brought together representatives from more than 50 national and regional network representatives. The sessions focused on improving network operations, strengthening national-level collaborations, localising SDG implementation, designing more effective pathways for evidence-based SDG implementation, and envisioning a post-2030 sustainable development agenda.

Discussions throughout the workshop emphasised the importance of robust local data systems, cross-sectoral partnerships, and new tools that can bridge the gap between national ambition and local action. The SDSN Ireland Manager had the opportunity to present SDSN Ireland’s recent work on High Resolution Mapping to Support Localised SDG Implementation, which was met with strong interest from networks working to support cities and regions on SDG localisation.

Presenting High-Resolution Geospatial Tools for Localised SDG Action

Localisation strategies in Ireland centred on research developing new geospatial tools that enable high-resolution mapping of SDG indicators. These tools are designed to help local authorities track their progress on localised SDG implementation, especially through the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) process.

Using improved GIS techniques, our work illustrates how spatial data can identify pockets of deprivation, highlight disparities at a more granular scale, and pinpoint areas where SDG progress is lagging. Crucially, high-resolution mapping provides quantitative, location-specific evidence that can strengthen VLRs and support more targeted, data-driven policymaking.  However, the importance of narrative and storytelling in the VLR process was also emphasized.  The following conclusions were expressed:

• Progress on overall SDG implementation at a national level in Ireland has stalled in recent years.

• Although there is a national call encouraging local authorities to undertake VLRs, the process has not been resourced by government.

• Enhanced GIS mapping clearly shows the uneven distribution of SDG progress and the need for renewed investment in local data systems.

Colleagues from SDSN networks globally expressed enthusiasm for the approach, noting the importance of adaptable tools that can support local governments regardless of their size or data capacity.

Engagement in Greater Bay Area – ASEAN High-Level Conference

Prior to the Malaysia workshop, the SDSN Ireland Manager travelled to Hong Kong and Shenzhen to participate in the High-Level Conference launching the Greater Bay Area (GBA) – ASEAN Initiative. This event convened academic, business, and policy leaders to explore sustainable development cooperation across the region and was launched by SDSN.

Representing SDSN Ireland offered a valuable opportunity to connect European experiences with rapidly evolving SDG strategies in East and Southeast Asia especially with regards to energy and digital transition. Conversations centred on green innovation, urban resilience, and opportunities for international collaboration and financing.

Looking Ahead

These international events reaffirmed the value of cross-network learning and highlighted the global appetite for practical, data-driven solutions that can accelerate SDG progress at regional, national and local level. SDSN Ireland remains committed to advancing high-resolution mapping and supporting Irish local authorities as they navigate the VLR process, despite persistent resource and policy challenges.

The SDSN Ireland Manager’s participation in these events and the ability to share Ireland’s work on the international stage was made possible through a generous funding from the global SDSN Secretariat, whose support is gratefully acknowledged.