Policy brief: Retos Globales, Soluciones Metropolitanas

Metropolitan Solutions

On July 3–4, 2024, Barcelona became a hub for global innovation as experts gathered for the seminar "Retos Globales, Soluciones Metropolitanas", hosted by the Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals (IBEI), the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB), and UN-Habitat. The event aimed to address how metropolitan areas can tackle pressing global issues through governance, policy, and financing innovations.

Framed by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the seminar highlighted alarming findings: only 17% of the goals are expected to be fully achieved by 2030, with nearly half falling short. This stark reality underscores a growing need for localized solutions to global challenges.

Participants delved into critical issues, such as fragmented governance and unsustainable financing, while presenting transformative ideas. Key recommendations included integrated planning, multilevel governance, and nature-based solutions to enhance resilience and sustainability.

Amid these discussions, a powerful message emerged: metropolitan areas hold the potential to bridge the gap between global aspirations and local realities. Through innovative, inclusive strategies—such as fostering social and solidarity economies—they can turn challenges into opportunities.

This seminar reaffirmed that with bold action and collaboration, metropolitan regions can lead the way in achieving a sustainable and equitable future.