How do the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) address sustainable cities and communities?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) address sustainable cities and communities by setting specific targets and indicators to promote inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urbanization.

Goal 11 of the SDGs specifically focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It aims to ensure access to adequate housing, basic services, transportation, and green public spaces for all. The targets under this goal include:

1. Ensuring access to safe and affordable housing for all, with a particular focus on slum upgrading and preventing homelessness.
2. Providing access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, and expanding public transportation.
3. Enhancing inclusive and sustainable urbanization, including by reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, providing universal access to safe and inclusive green public spaces, and upgrading informal settlements.
4. Strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage, including through urban planning and management.
5. Reducing the impacts of disasters on cities and communities by improving disaster risk reduction and management, including through early warning systems and resilient infrastructure.
6. Ensuring universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green spaces, particularly for women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
7. Enhancing the participation of local communities in decision-making processes related to urban planning and development.

To achieve these targets, the SDGs emphasize the importance of integrated and participatory urban planning, sustainable land use, efficient resource management, and the promotion of social inclusion and cohesion. They also highlight the need for increased investment in sustainable infrastructure, affordable housing, and basic services in cities and communities.

Overall, the SDGs provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the challenges and opportunities of urbanization, aiming to create cities and communities that are sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and livable for all.