Cities are engines of economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange, housing more than half of the world’s population. Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) seeks to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. As urbanization accelerates, the way cities are planned and managed will determine the quality of life for billions of people and the health of the planet.
Rapid urban growth has intensified challenges such as housing shortages, traffic congestion, pollution, inadequate public services, and the expansion of informal settlements. According to UN-Habitat, over one billion people currently live in slums or informal housing, often lacking basic services like clean water, sanitation, and reliable transportation. These conditions heighten vulnerability to climate-related disasters, health risks, and social exclusion.
Sustainable cities prioritize affordable housing, efficient public transport, green spaces, and resilient infrastructure. Investments in renewable energy, waste management, and climate-adaptive urban planning reduce environmental impact while improving livability. Equally important is inclusive governance—ensuring that women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups participate in decision-making processes.
Achieving SDG 11 requires collaboration between governments, the private sector, and communities to redesign cities that are people-centered and future-ready. When cities are planned sustainably, they become powerful drivers of social equity, economic opportunity, and environmental protection—creating communities where everyone can thrive.
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