Sustainable Cities and Communities

More than half of the world's population lives in cities, and by 2050, two-thirds of all humanity—6.5 billion people—will be urban. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without significantly transforming the way we build and manage our urban spaces. The rapid growth of cities, driven by rising populations and increasing migration, has led to a boom in mega-cities, especially in the developing world, with slums becoming a more significant feature of urban life.

Making cities sustainable means creating career and business opportunities, providing safe and affordable housing, and building resilient societies and economies. It involves investment in public transport, creating green public spaces, and improving urban planning and management in participatory and inclusive ways. Sustainable cities require robust infrastructure and efficient services to ensure a high quality of life for all residents.

This goal aims to ensure access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services for all, upgrading slums, and providing safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems. Improving road safety and expanding public transport are critical components. Enhancing inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management are also essential.

Additionally, the goal focuses on reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, with particular attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. Building sustainable cities and communities will foster inclusive growth and ensure that urbanization contributes positively to development and environmental sustainability.