THE PROXIMITY PARADOX: URBAN YOUTH AWARENESS OF MULTILEVEL GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY IN SDG LOCALISATION IN CHENNAI, INDIA

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) localisation depends on citizens recognising which tier of government is responsible for delivery, yet little is known about how urban youth perceive this multilevel division of responsibility. Drawing on a survey of 400 respondents within the age group of 18-25, in Chennai, India, this study examines awareness of municipal, state, national and global government roles in SDG implementation. A repeated-measures comparison revealed a “proximity paradox”: awareness of the Greater Chennai Corporation’s initiatives was significantly lower than awareness of state, national and global efforts. Attitude, sustainable practice and media exposure, rather than demographic background, predicted government awareness. Implications for municipal communication and SDG localisation are discussed.