How does VVSG, in collaboration with Route 2030, strengthen municipalities around the SDGs?

Since the inception of Route 2030, the collaboration with VVSG (Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities) has been a highly valuable partnership. Both organizations share the same ambition: to structurally embed the SDGs , so that cities and municipalities become the driving force behind sustainable development in Flanders.

What started as a collaboration on training has grown into a long-term partnership that brings together knowledge, methods, publications and capacity building.

Research as a foundation

How do cities and municipalities incorporate the SDGs into their multi-year plans? How do they translate global goals into local policies that truly work?

Together with VVSG, Route 2030 conducted research that:

• provided insight into the way in which municipalities are working with the SDGs

• exposed bottlenecks and opportunities

• produced concrete recommendations for local authorities

This research formed the basis for further collaboration, publications and training.

Publications and knowledge sharing

Route 2030 supported VVSG to visually and clearly present the insights and results through the inspiration guide "SDGs in Multi-Year Planning," which provides local governments with tools to strengthen their own sustainability strategies. This publication was widely distributed and remains a reference point for municipalities seeking to implement the SDGs.

Capacity building through training and workshops

In addition to research and publications, capacity building was also a focus. Route 2030, in collaboration with VVSG, developed training courses and workshops on topics such as systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, and strategy development. This provided cities and municipalities not only with insight into the SDGs but also with the necessary methodologies and tools to implement them in practice.

The impact of the partnership

Over the years, this strategic partnership has delivered tangible results:

• more knowledge and insight among local authorities about SDG integration

• practical tools and publications that are used effectively

• strengthened support for sustainable policy development

• competencies built up through training and workshops

• a long-term collaboration that increases impact for both VVSG and Route 2030

By embedding SDGs in multi-year planning and policy, cities and municipalities lay the foundation for sustainable choices that will last for years. This partnership strengthens not only policy but also people, processes, and collaboration—exactly what sustainable development needs.

👉 Does your local government or organization also want to incorporate the SDGs into policy, strategy, or multi-year planning? Route 2030 supports you with research, workshops, tools, and customized programs. Contact us for an exploratory meeting.