Cities
More than one half of the world population lives in cities, and every country of the world is becoming increasingly urbanized. Urbanization—the gradual shift in residence of the human population from rural to urban areas—combined with overall growth of the world’s population could add another 2.5 billion people to urban areas by 2050. Close to 90% of this increase will take place in Asia and Africa, according to the United Nations. This trend is changing the landscape of human settlement, with significant implications for living conditions, the environment, and development.
As the world continues to urbanize, sustainable development depends increasingly on the successful management of urban growth. Many countries face challenges in meeting the needs of their growing urban populations, including housing, transportation, energy systems, and other infrastructure (e.g., water, sanitation, electricity, roads), as well as employment and basic services such as education and health care. Integrated policies to improve the lives of both urban and rural dwellers are needed, while strengthening the linkages between urban and rural areas, building on their existing economic, social, and environmental ties.
Events and Articles
Showing 1 - 10 of 46 results
Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12)
Delegates focused on solutions to address the housing crisis' complex impacts, including promoting social cohesion and inclusivity, and addressing environmental sustainability concerns.
GEF Consultation with Civil Society on the Role of CSOs in Building Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Cities
GEF held its semiannual thematic consultation with civil society organizations, with a dialogue focused ont he role of CSOs in building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities, with examples of best practice and lessons learned to strengthen CSO engagement in future GEF urban investments.
What Happens After the VLR?
City leaders at different stages of producing Voluntary Local Reviews—reports that measure local progress and challenges in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals—compared notes on lessons learned and how to maintain momentum after a VLR.
2nd Session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly
Against a backdrop of global crises that are having severe effects on cities, participants at the Second Session of the UN Habitat Assembly addressed the need for a sustainable urban future through inclusive and effective multilateralism and adopted 10 resolutions, five decisions, and a Ministerial Declaration to further the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
5th Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda
Meeting at the intersection of interconnected crises—the COVID-19 pandemic; climate change; wars, including in Ukraine—many delegates raised the resulting challenges faced by local and regional governments while also pointing to innovative solutions they carry, including how to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.
11th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF11)
The “triple C crises” of COVID-19 pandemic, climate disasters, and emerging conflicts are converging on cities, pushing already marginalized populations further into poverty. Against this backdrop, many participants agreed that the world’s race towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be decided in cities, and it will be decided soon.
2nd UNEA Cities and Regions Summit
Participants from around the world gathered for the Summit to exchange experiences, which showcase the multiple benefits of nature for cities for tackling the triple planetary crisis. They also focused on key levers to accelerate implementation, ranging from local to global actions, and from policy to finance measures.
UCLG World Council & World Forum of Regions
The meetings included the first World Forum of Regions, which addressed the unique role of regional governments in improving collaborative governance with national, city, and rural authorities.