UNESCO for Sustainable Cities
All countries have committed to making urban spaces more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By 2050, two out of every three people will live in cities. We are truly living in the Urban Age. Our cities are now denser, more diverse, more multicultural, more educated and more connected 鈥 locally and internationally 鈥 than at any point in human history. Yet, all cities are facing the threats of poverty, social inequalities, environmental degradation, health threats, discrimination and disaster caused by natural hazards. With so much at stake, we have to 鈥榞et cities right鈥 for the future of the planet and all of its inhabitants.
The seventeen goals of the globally endorsed 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development have given fresh impetus to collective efforts to strengthen the linkages between the social, economic and environmental aspects of development. Goal 11, in particular, aims to 鈥渕ake cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable鈥. Whilst many countries have made progress on the seventeen goals of the 2030 Agenda, cities have proven to be remarkably agile and innovative partners. Well-designed policies in cities can also have positive effects on neighboring rural areas, meaning urban development resonates beyond municipal boundaries.
UNESCO believes that for cities to become truly liveable places, we need innovation in all spheres of human activity. Innovation 鈥 whether it be social, cultural, educational or in science and technology 鈥 strengthens resilience and builds more cohesive societies. City stakeholders are the engines of sustainable development at the local level and can offer valuable success stories and experiences. UNESCO, as a laboratory of ideas and a catalyst for international dialogue, brings these city stakeholders together to share good practices and strengthen action towards sustainable development of cities. The Platform gives UNESCO a more strategic, comprehensive vision through coordinated action. It reinforces the linkages between all our areas of action in education, culture, the natural and human sciences, communication, and information. The bedrock of our approach is a people-centred philosophy and participatory decision-making so that all city-dwellers, including the most vulnerable, have a say in their collective future.