Sustainable Cities and Communities

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Today, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities, and it is estimated that by 2050, seven out of every ten people will reside in urban areas. Cities are major drivers of economic growth, contributing more than 80 percent of global gross domestic product. However, they are also responsible for over 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

If well planned and managed, urban development can be sustainable and generate inclusive prosperity. The deep inequalities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other large-scale crises highlight the importance of sustainable urban development. Strengthening cities’ preparedness and resilience is critical to responding effectively to future crises.

Facts and Figures

More than half of the global population currently lives in urban areas, a share projected to rise to 70 percent by 2050. Approximately 1.1 billion people currently live in slums or slum-like conditions in cities, and this number is expected to exceed 2 billion over the next 30 years. In 2022, only about half of the world’s urban population had convenient access to public transportation. Urban sprawl, air pollution, and limited open public spaces remain persistent challenges in cities.

Since 2015, the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies has doubled.

To achieve Goal 11, efforts must focus on implementing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban development policies and practices that prioritize access to basic services, affordable housing, efficient transportation systems, and green spaces for all.

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Sustainable Cities and Communities

Facts and Figures

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