Developing local-level digital platforms for the SDGs

Objective

Developing the capacity to report on the SDGs at the local level including preparing local reports, developing region-specific platforms, supporting statistical work, engaging different stakeholders and disseminating the experience to all regions in Morocco.

Overview

During Morocco's VNR process in 2020, efforts were initiated to localize the SDGs and report on their progress at the regional level. These efforts facilitated the development of regional databases for indicators of the 2030 Agenda covering five regions in Morocco: Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, Fez-Meknes, Oriental, Marrakesh-Safi, and Casablanca-Settat. 
The databases offer insights into social, economic and environmental statistics, are flexible in how statistics are displayed, and allow users to download the data. They have supported the review of SDGs at the regional level and monitoring their implementation. As such, two voluntary SDG reports were issued; one for the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, and the other for the Casablanca-Settat region. Additionally, a voluntary local review was conducted for the Municipality of Agadir in cooperation with ESCWA.
The work at the regional level was participatory, comprising consultations with regional councils in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund. Associations and non-profit organizations, as well as the private sector, professional and trade union organizations, were also involved.
The localization of the SDGs in Morocco aided in reforming the national statistical system. Noteworthy actions included:
-    launching surveys or statistical research and studies to investigate sector-specific issues,
-    integrating new elements into regular statistical research and the population and housing census to collect data on specific indicators such as indicators 5.a.1 and 5.a.2,
-    conducting specialized research into topics such as the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, linked to indicator 2.1.1,
-    joining international initiatives, such as DATA4NOW, which facilitated the formation of new partnerships and bilateral collaboration with statistical offices in Canada, Denmark, France, and Italy, as well as with the United Nations Statistics Division  and the World Bank.

Challenges

• The new variables required for calculating the 2030 Agenda indicators; these were addressed by strengthening and enriching existing surveys or conducting special surveys for some indicators.
• Limited awareness among relevant authorities and sectors of the importance of calculating and reporting on the indicators; this required awareness campaigns organized by the High Commission for Planning and relevant actors.
• Conducting statistical research and surveys remotely.

Implementation Phase

Guiding Principles