Roundtable Discussion: Future of SDGs

The Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) organised a Roundtable Discussion on "Future of SDGs" on 24 March 2026 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, as part of its ongoing dialogue on future pathways for sustainable development and their implications for India and the Global South. The event brought together policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners to deliberate on lessons from SDG localisation efforts, national policies, and the future of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Kaustuv Kanti Bandyopadhyay participated as a speaker, sharing reflections on India's experience with the localisation of the SDGs. While acknowledging the significant progress made, he highlighted several priorities for accelerating localisation efforts. These included strengthening the devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) through institutionalised Activity Mapping; enhancing participatory urban planning by scaling the Urban SDG Index across India's ULBs; revitalising District Planning Committees (DPCs) to enable integrated rural-urban planning; and integrating climate adaptation planning at the village and city levels with localised SDG implementation.

The roundtable provided a valuable platform for dialogue on strengthening local governance, fostering participatory planning, and advancing inclusive and sustainable development through more effective localisation of the SDGs.

Click here to read the agenda.