How do the MDGs address urban development?

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) address urban development by including specific targets and indicators related to urban areas. The MDGs recognize the importance of sustainable urbanization and aim to improve the lives of people living in cities and towns.

Some of the ways in which the MDGs address urban development are:

1. Target 7D: Ensure environmental sustainability - This target focuses on improving the lives of slum dwellers by achieving significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers by 2020. It aims to improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and basic services in urban areas.

2. Target 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable - This target emphasizes the need to develop sustainable cities and towns. It aims to provide access to adequate housing, basic services, and transportation for all. It also focuses on reducing the number of people living in slums and improving urban planning and management.

3. Indicator 7.11: Proportion of urban population living in slums - This indicator measures the percentage of the urban population living in slums. It helps track progress in reducing slum dwellings and improving living conditions in urban areas.

4. Indicator 11.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing - This indicator measures the percentage of the urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing. It helps monitor progress in providing adequate housing and reducing the number of people living in substandard conditions.

Overall, the MDGs recognize the challenges and opportunities associated with urban development and aim to promote sustainable urbanization, improve living conditions in cities, and reduce poverty and inequality in urban areas.