Think globally, act locally! : A case study of Växjö municipality’s work with Agenda 2030.

Abstract: Previous research has shown that cities are important actors in the work towards sustainable development. Moreover, previous research has shown that there is a need for further research on how different actors implement the SDGs on already existing policies. The aim of this research is to analyze the political attitude towards- and work that Växjö municipality is carrying out in relation to Agenda 2030 from a rational choice perspective as well as a sustainability perspective. Municipalities are responsible for several public services such as housing and education and therefore, they play a key role in the localization of the SDGs. However, this thesis argues that politicians main focus is to be reelected and therefore tend to engage in symbolic actions with little or no impact. The study is based on eight interviews with representatives from the political parties in Växjö municipality and Charlotte Brynielsson Gustavsson, head of the department for sustainable development in Växjö municipality. The paper concludes that the localized action plan, Sustainable Växjö 2030, produced by the municipality is a good start and that the knowledge and interest regarding Agenda 2030 and the three dimensions is generally strong among the elected politicians. However, there is still work to be done as no concrete measures have been taken so far and there is a broad disagreement on how to reach the goals that are agreed upon.