Dear Fellow Local Guides,
As we know, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity and well-being for all by 2030.
The year 2025 marks a significant milestone—ten years of implementing the SDGs worldwide, and the 10th anniversary of the Local Guides program, which has empowered digital volunteers across the globe to share local knowledge and support inclusive growth through Google Maps.
Over the years, Local Guides have undertaken inspiring initiatives that align closely with the SDGs—from mapping accessibility and promoting small businesses to preserving cultural heritage and advocating sustainability. Many of these impactful contributions are highlighted on localguidesconnect.com, the program’s official community platform.
As @Julie_A emphasized in a recent Earth Day post, Local Guides are uniquely positioned to promote sustainability through everyday actions on Google Maps. From mapping recycling drop-off points and writing eco-conscious reviews to curating green-friendly lists and sharing photos of sustainable solutions—these simple acts of digital volunteering can collectively create meaningful change. The campaign encourages all of us to contribute—by spotlighting plastic-free dining options, marking EV charging stations, and more.
This is a moment to celebrate a decade of meaningful impact—a powerful convergence of purpose and community. What better way to mark this occasion than by aligning our contributions with a global cause for the common good?
This meet-up, themed “The Role of Local Guides in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” aims to showcase how the local insights shared by Local Guides, along with community-led initiatives, continue to drive progress across all 17 SDGs—from poverty alleviation to climate action. Everyone is invited to participate and contribute to the success of this special 10-year celebration through paper presentations, case studies, poster sessions, and thoughtful discussions.
Suggestive Sub-Themes (not limited to the following) for discussion during the meet-up:
Each sub-theme integrates the contributions of Local Guides and community initiatives, and is associated with an important International Day to help frame discussions:
-
Eradicating Poverty: How Local Guides support economic upliftment by promoting local jobs, entrepreneurship, and small businesses.
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – October 17 -
Ending Hunger: Mapping access to nutritious food and community efforts in food security and sustainable agriculture.
World Food Day – October 16 -
Health for All: Encouraging healthy living by sharing health and wellness spaces; organizing health camps and raising awareness.
World Health Day – April 7 -
Quality Education: Using Maps and reviews to support lifelong learning; promoting inclusive, equitable education.
International Day of Education – January 24 -
Promoting Gender Equality: Identifying safe, gender-inclusive spaces; showcasing gender sensitization efforts.
International Women’s Day – March 8 -
Clean Water & Sanitation: Helping people find clean water points and public toilets; raising awareness on water sanitation.
World Water Day – March 22 -
Clean Energy Access: Highlighting solar-powered and eco-friendly locations; promoting adoption of green energy.
International Day of Clean Energy – January 26 -
Job Growth and Fair Work: Supporting local economies through reviews and opportunities; skill-building and career guidance.
World Youth Skills Day – July 15 -
Innovation and Infrastructure: Using mapping to showcase innovation; encouraging smart and sustainable infrastructure.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day – May 17 -
Reducing Inequality: Promoting accessible places and services; advancing inclusive policies and support programs.
World Day of Social Justice – February 20 -
Sustainable Cities: Encouraging green living by mapping public transport, parks, and clean areas; supporting eco-initiatives.
World Habitat Day – First Monday of October -
Responsible Consumption: Promoting eco-conscious businesses and waste-free practices; leading sustainability drives.
World Environment Day – June 5 -
Climate Action: Spreading awareness about climate-resilient spaces; promoting green practices and environmental education.
International Day of Climate Action – October 24 -
Protecting Oceans: Mapping marine-friendly areas and cleanup sites; supporting ocean conservation.
World Oceans Day – June 8 -
Caring for Nature: Encouraging nature-based tourism; participating in biodiversity protection and plantation drives.
International Day for Biological Diversity – May 22 -
Justice and Peace: Sharing civic engagement info; fostering peace education, community dialogue, and legal literacy.
International Day of Peace – September 21 -
Global Partnerships: Bridging local efforts with global goals; collaborations between Local Guides and global organizations.
United Nations Day – October 24
Language of the Meet-up cum Conference:
Local Guides may present their contributions in the language of their choice. However, they must declare the chosen language at the time of submission. Please ensure that the name of the selected language is written in English. The presentation itself should be delivered in the declared language.
Schedule for the Meet-up cum Conference:
The meet-up will be held on both 20th and 21st September 2025.The final schedule will be released by 15th August, taking into account the presenters’ time zones.
Important Dates:
- Local Guides can submit their contributions aligned with the SDGs by 30th May, 2025. Click here to submit your contribution
- Submission of Final Write-ups: By 30th June, 2025
- Conference Dates: 20th & 21st September 2025
Expected Outcomes:
The output of the meet-up will be shared on Connect, and the outcomes will also be compiled into an eBook featuring all contributors, along with their photograph, contribution, and Connect username. This eBook will be published under a Creative Commons license with an ISBN (International Standard Book Number), making it freely available as an Open Educational Resource (OER).
The latest updates for this meet-up will be shared in the first comment of the meet-up post.
Disclaimer:
This Meet-up is a community-driven initiative and is neither an official Google event nor an official publication endorsed by Google.
