A/77/290 to country. For example, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions observed that sometimes, Governments are open and committed to engagement, while in other cases, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals is left to formalistic bodies which have little real impact. 102 In Argentina, it is reported that a law on the environment recognizes the righ t of each person to be consulted and to give opinions in administrative procedures related to the preservation and protection of the environment, but not in sustainable development processes more broadly. Indigenous peoples are often unaware of the institu tional avenues to participate in the policies that impact them in a manner that is active, dynamic and culturally appropriate. 103 In the Canary Islands in Spain, an attempt to consult the local population about a large gas energy development was reportedly interrupted by the Government, leaving locals feeling unappreciated. 104 In Slovakia, it is reported that efforts to ensure participation are being made, but too little time is given to ensure that all voices are heard. 105 84. Importantly, States and development agencies should be moving towards ensuring that, in addition to respecting the rights to consultation, participation and free, prior and informed consent, development projects are community led. This requires not merely participation but leadership by local communities at all stages of development projects (conception, design, decision-making, implementation and management), ensuring their agency in and ownership of the entire process. 106 It embodies a “bottom-up” approach, in which multiple stakeholders, including the most marginalized in society, are given decision-making authority in the conception and implementation of development and in which States and international development actors should incentivize and provide financial and technical support to those seeking to engage with development processes. 85. The implementation of development strategies and the identification of priorities at the regional and local levels are seen as a better way to give consideration to the cultural dimension of development. Contributors from Spain and Québec have commented on the positive impact of adopting the Agenda 21 for Culture at the regional level. 107 Spain has also given the responsibility to local authorities to increase their appropriation of the 2030 Agenda. 108 86. The voluntary local reviews led by local and regional governments are a growing phenomenon that help the effective implementation of Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that wider views are expressed in the process. In the Basque Country in Spain, for instance, a general secretariat for social transition and the 2030 Agenda voluntarily reports on the local contribution to the Goals. 109 However, although relevant, the contribution of local governments is not featured very prominently in national and international reports. 110 D. Gentrification and cultural rights 87. Economic development policies can spur economic growth, improve standards of living and create safer and more prosperous places to live. In some urban settings, dilapidated neighbourhoods have been revitalized through redevelopment projects, __________________ 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 22-12659 Contribution of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, p. 3. Contribution of the Defensor del Pueblo de la Nación – República Argentina, pp. 3–6. Contribution of Fundació Josep Irla, p. 3. Contribution of the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights, p. 4. Contribution of the British Council, p. 2. Contributions of Estefania Rodero Sanz, p. 1, and Véronique Guèvremont, p. 5. Contribution of UNESCO Etxea, pp. 1, 2 and 5. Ibid., p. 3. Contribution of Yereliz, pp. 3 and 4. 21/24