The Voluntary Progress Report on the SDGs Málaga 2026 reveals that urban sustainability is present in 78% of the responses from municipal areas. Gender equality and climate action are gaining importance among young people and in municipal management.
Urban sustainability has become the main focus of municipal management in Málaga. This is reflected in the Voluntary Progress Report on the SDGs Málaga 2026, prepared by the CIEDES Foundation and presented this Friday by the mayor, Francisco de la Torre, as reported by Diario Sur. The document analyses the degree of incorporation of the 2030 Agenda into local reality and confirms a shift in the priorities of citizens, especially among the youth.
The report, which evaluates the evolution since 2018, indicates that the concerns of young people in Málaga focus on gender equality and the fight against climate change. In the capital, gender equality emerges as the main social challenge. The collected data shows progress in the presence of women in historically male-dominated fields: the percentage of women enrolled in engineering and architecture courses has reached nearly 29%, a significant increase compared to previous years.
In environmental terms, youth concern for the climate emergency translates into structural transformations. The report highlights that the city has gradually replaced 72,000 streetlight points with LED technology, which has allowed for a reduction in electricity consumption and CO2 emissions. Additionally, the municipal company EMASA has implemented a resilient water management model that includes anticipation of water stress, smart network control, leak detection, and reuse of regenerated water.
The declared priorities of the municipal areas have shifted since 2018, when alliances and education were highlighted. In 2026, urban sustainability is present in 78% of the responses, followed by gender equality and the promotion of decent work and economic growth, both at 67%. Climate action closes this block with 56%. The report emphasises that all institutions surveyed this year believe that at least half of their actions are directly related to the Sustainable Development Goals.
"All institutions surveyed this year 2026 believe that at least half of their actions are directly related to the Sustainable Development Goals"
The document confirms that youth demands related to climate are being translated into concrete and measurable projects. The replacement of lighting and the new water management model are two examples of how the 2030 Agenda is being incorporated into the local reality of Málaga.
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