Between the 8th and 12th of July 2024, Councillor Gail Macgregor, COSLA's Environment and Economy Spokesperson, attended events for Local Government at the United Nations (UN), on behalf of COSLA and CEMR (Council of European Municipalities and Regions).

This marked the very first time that a COSLA representative was present at the UN Headquarters in New York. Councillor Macgregor participated in sessions at the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), held annually to assess global progress on sustainable development and the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Members are due to discuss various different aspects of local implementation related to advancing social, economic, environmental and health outcomes.

This was a key opportunity to advocate for Scottish Local Government's commitment to a just transition to net zero highest level global political platform. COSLA and the 32 Local Authorities in Scotland are working to advance sustainable development in support of shared strategic priorities, including to improve the wellbeing of individuals and families, assist the most vulnerable and achieve the just transition to net-zero no later than 2045.

Scotland's approach is widely considered an example of great practice, as SDGs have been aligned to the National Performance Framework, with intent to embed sustainable development into the work of everything the public sector does. While COSLA will seek to promote this approach, our representation will stress the need for local authorities to be supported to localise and effectively ensure results at local level, underpinned by better financial settlements and increased levels of investment.