Making Subsidiarity Work in Practice: Engaging Subnational Authorities to Advance the 2030 Agenda

Abstract

Subsidiarity, one of the principles of effective governance for sustainable development, supports the exercise of public functions at the lowest effective level. It is key to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by helping ensure that public authority is exercised where it can respond most effectively to people’s needs. Subsidiarity and decentralization are closely linked, as decentralization can provide the administrative, fiscal and political arrangements needed to make this possible. For subsidiarity to contribute meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), mandates, financing and capacities must be aligned so that sub-national authorities have the authority, resources and skills required to carry out their roles. Applying subsidiarity in support of the 2030 Agenda also requires clear roles and coordination across levels of government, effective mechanisms for joint planning and accountability, and sustained investment in local governance, finance, and resilience. These elements are becoming more important as cities grow and local governments face increasing demands to deliver services, manage risks and support inclusive development. To support the application of subsidiarity, the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) has identified five strategies for its implementation, including: multi-level governance; fiscal federalism and decentralization; strengthening urban governance; municipal and local finance; and enhancing local capacity for prevention, adaptation and mitigation of external shocks. This policy brief distills key insights from five UN CEPA strategy guidance notes to illustrate how subsidiarity can be operationalized to strengthen the engagement of subnational authorities in advancing the 2030 Agenda. It highlights the institutional, fiscal and capacity-related conditions required for effective implementation. The brief concludes with twelve policy recommendations for aligning authority, resources and capacities at the appropriate level of government.