Case Study: Accelerating SDG Localization through Digital Transformation in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, the joint programme "Accelerating the Localization of SDGs through Digital Transformation" is transforming how local governments and communities harness digital tools to drive inclusive, sustainable development. Led by national institutions including the Institute for Municipal Development and Advisory Services (IFAM), the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy (MIDEPLAN), and the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT)—with support from the UN Resident Coordinator and UN agencies—the initiative merges the Pro-SDG Canton Network with Community Innovation Labs (LINCs) in the cantons of Atenas, Palmares, and Sarchí. These LINCs—technology-equipped hubs for civic innovation—empower women and underserved groups through digital skills training, entrepreneurship support, and tools for participatory governance, while advancing gender-transformative local development.

With close to 300 individuals trained and over 160 women supported in launching or expanding digital initiatives, the programme is fostering systemic change by embedding inclusive governance models and strengthening municipal capacities in data-driven decision-making. By aligning local innovation with national SDG strategies and leveraging the UN system’s convening role, the initiative is helping bridge the digital divide and scale impactful solutions across regions. Costa Rica’s model offers a powerful example of multilevel collaboration to localize the SDGs and ensure no one is left behind.

Note:

All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.