In October of 2023, UN-Habitat explored the theme of economic development as a vehicle for productive futures. Taking into consideration that urbanization is intertwined with several existential global challenges, it is urgent for cities and subnational governments to adopt innovative approaches that will foster an optimistic scenario of urban futures.
UN-Habitat is at the forefront of helping cities achieve the vision of sustainable and equitable urban futures for all by exploring innovate financing solutions, tackling climate action through waste management, and building back better through urban planning in post crisis urban recovery. This holistic framework that encourages the integration of all facets of sustainable development to promote equality, welfare, and shared prosperity is paved in the New Urban Agenda which was adopted by the United Nations in 2016.
The United Nation’s Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 – “to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” – identifies sustainable urbanization as one of the key priorities for global development. However, the realization of SDG 11 is dependent on stakeholders at all levels to harness their resources to address the challenges posed by urbanization.
