Since summer 2025, we have been working with three municipalities in Saarland to develop their SDG-oriented municipal sustainability strategies through a participatory process. The goal is to establish a practical foundation for sustainable development at the local level in the municipalities of Illingen and Spiesen-Elversberg and the city of Saarlouis, which is scheduled to be officially adopted this year.

First, we compiled the results of the systematic assessment and identified initial cross-cutting themes. Each municipality then identified a set of specific areas of focus that were particularly relevant and defined guidelines and objectives for those areas, supported by specific actions and indicators.

From the outset, representatives from the business community, politics, professional associations, academia, and civil society are invited to share their perspectives. This creates a transparent participatory process, and the interim results developed by the administration are regularly reflected in the ongoing process.

Many thanks to the Servicestelle Kommunen in der Einen Welt (SKEW) for its collaboration on the “Global Sustainable Municipality” program, as well as to the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection for its financial support of small-scale projects. We would also like to thank everyone involved in the municipalities who are helping to shape the process through their dedication and expertise. We look forward to continuing the next steps together and further strengthening sustainable development at the local level.