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International Partnerships

Sustainable cities

The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda recognises the challenges of the unprecedented urbanisation phenomenon by dedicating a separate goal to sustainable cities and communities (SDG11). This goal not only provides a snapshot in urban settings of other goals and targets across the 2030 Agenda, it also underlines that there are challenges that are unique to urban areas.

Our approach

Rapid urbanisation means that global challenges such as poverty, environmental degradation, climate change, conflict and rapid population growth, including through migration and forced displacement, are to be dealt with in urban locations. At the same time, this rapid urbanisation makes it easier for cultures to mix and for knowledge to be exchanged, both of which are factors that promote innovation. Well-managed urban and territorial development can thus offer innovative solutions for these global challenges, turning them into opportunities for sustainable development.