From research to action: UN-Habitat concludes KSN program in Tunisia, accelerating SDG localization

ONU-Habitat Tunisia marked the end of its Knowledge and Scientific Network (KSN) program with a national workshop titled "From Research to Action: Mobilizing Knowledge and Evidence for Local Impact on the SDGs." This event showcased the project's achievements in Tunisia and highlighted its role in accelerating the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The KSN program, a collaboration between ONU-Habitat and CeSPI with support from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sought to translate complex academic findings into practical recommendations for local territories. Thouraya Hammami Bekri, the national coordinator for KSN in Tunisia, emphasized the project's core mission: to bridge the divide between academia and public decision-makers. She explained that localizing the SDGs means turning global commitments into concrete actions at the community level, making scientific work accessible and usable for public officials.

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The challenge is to move from scientific production to planning tools and evidence-based public policies.

"The challenge is to move from scientific production to planning tools and evidence-based public policies," Bekri stated. The program employed a research-action framework, training six Tunisian and six Jordanian researchers over 18 months. This training included academic modules, fieldwork, and practical experimentation. "Local labs were deployed in the pilot municipalities of Sousse and Kerkennah, enabling researchers to work directly with local authorities, associations, and communities to identify territorial priorities and co-construct solutions," Bekri added.

Aida Robbana, Head of the ONU-Habitat Tunisia office, underscored the agency's commitment to SDG 11, which focuses on sustainable and resilient cities. She outlined ONU-Habitat's three priority areas: inclusive prosperity, climate action, and resilience to crises, with a special emphasis on adequate housing, land access, and essential services. The workshop brought together institutional representatives, partner municipalities, researchers, civil society actors, and technical and financial partners to foster dialogue and collaboration.

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Local labs were deployed in the pilot municipalities of Sousse and Kerkennah, enabling researchers to work directly with local authorities, associations, and communities to identify territorial priorities and co-construct solutions.