International SDG Conference “Global Goals, Local Action"

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The 2030 Agenda deadline is approaching. The challenges are great, but the decisiveness of local governments is even greater. 

On Tuesday 30 September 2025, vvsg invite you to the Lamot Convention Centre in Mechelen for an international conference on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You will discover how cities and municipalities worldwide are working on sustainable solutions and international solidarity. You will meet colleagues, share ideas and collaborate on initiatives that make a real difference.

Get inspired and make a difference

What can you expect?

• A powerful keynote by meaning economist Kees Klomp on the need for more meaning and moral leadership in policy and entrepreneurship
• A panel discussion with domestic and foreign mayors, companies and international voices on how we can and should accelerate locally towards 2030
• The launch of the renewed SDG commitment statement, in which local governments make their commitment concrete
• Eight inspiring sessions on topics including municipal international cooperation, sustainable policy planning and global challenges such as migration, climate and digitalisation
• A networking reception to exchange ideas and forge new alliances

The conference is multilingual: Dutch, English, French and Spanish.

For whom

This conference is for:

• elected officials and employees of Flemish local governments;
• foreign local authorities with which Flemish municipalities cooperate;
• partners of VVSG around international cooperation and local SDG policies;
• national and international umbrella organisations of local governments;
• representatives of the provincial, Flemish, federal and European governments and international organisations;
• civil society representatives ('sustainable heroes') from Flemish municipalities participating in the Sustainable Municipality Week.

Programme

Sessions

Plenary opening

Keynote by Kees Klomp and panel discussion (Auditorium)

In-depth sessions – Round 1

11:15 - 12:45

1. Municipal international cooperation in practice (Alcazar & Herten Aas)

2. Building support for the SDGs in your city or municipality (Auditorium)

3. Expert talks: PEOPLE: Everyone on board: local responses to migration and inclusion (Scala)

4. Expert talks: PROSPERITY - Digital and financial levers for sustainable cities (Dijlezaal)

In-depth sessions – Round 2

14:00 - 15:30

5. Municipal cooperation within Europe (Alcazar)

6. Integrate the SDGs into your city or municipality's policies (Auditorium)

7. Expert talks: PEACE & PARTNERSHIP: from global citizenship to co-creation (Dijlezaal)

8. Expert talks: PLANET - Climate-resilient and equitable cities of tomorrow (Scala)

Plenary closing session

15:30 -16:30

Closing remarks and conclusion (Auditorium)

Practical information

Where and when

• Tuesday 30 September 2025 from 9 am to 4.30 pm, followed by an optional reception, dinner followed by a party.
• Lamot(opent nieuw venster): Van Beethovenstraat 8/10, 2800 Mechelen

Accessibility

Lamot is easily accessible(opent nieuw venster) by car (Tip: use 'Waze' as navigation), yet vvsg would encourage participants to use public transport (10-minute walk from Mechelen station). 

Accessed

The venue is wheelchair accessible. Do you have any other specific needs or wishes we should consider? They'd love to hear from you!

Dietary requirements

The catering offer is at least 70% vegetarian. If you have other dietary requirements, please indicate this in the registration form under comments at the very end of the registration.

Price

Participation is free, but registration is compulsory. Can't attend anyway? Notify vvsg in time. If you do not notify vvsg and stay away without a valid reason, they will charge 30 euros.

Register

Cancel

Cancellation is possible up to 5 working days before the training start date. After that, we charge 30 euros. Are you unexpectedly unable to attend or is it too late to cancel? No problem! Get replaced by a colleague and notify vvsg via their contact form.

Contact

Contact vvsg

Partners

This conference is a collaboration between VVSG and the City of Mechelen, with the support of the Flemish government, the federal government and PLATFORMA.