SDG #11 - SUSTAINABLE CITIES & COMMUNITIES
Overview
Cities are hubs for ideas, commerce, culture, science, productivity, social development and much more. At their best, cities have enabled people to advance socially and economically. With the number of people living within cities projected to rise to 5 billion people by 2030 and with 70% of the population projected to live in cities by 2050, it’s important that efficient urban planning and management practices are in place to deal with the challenges brought by urbanization.
Many challenges exist to maintaining cities in a way that continues to create jobs and prosperity without straining land and resources. Common urban challenges include congestion, lack of funds to provide basic services, a shortage of adequate housing, declining infrastructure and rising air pollution within cities.
Rapid urbanization challenges, such as the safe removal and management of solid waste within cities, can be overcome in ways that allow them to continue to thrive and grow, while improving resource use and reducing pollution and poverty. One such example is an increase in municipal waste collection. There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.
Urban Populations Living In Slums
The proportion of the urban population that lives in developing country slums fell from 39 per cent in 2000 to 30 per cent in 2014. Despite some gains, the absolute number of urban residents who live in slums continued to grow, owing in part to accelerating urbanization, population growth and lack of appropriate land and housing policies. In 2014, an estimated 880 million urban residents lived in slum conditions, compared to 792 million urban residents in 2000.
Expansion Of Urban Areas & Cities
As more and more people move to urban areas, cities typically expand their geographic boundaries to accommodate new inhabitants. From 2000 to 2015, in all regions of the world, the expansion of urban land outpaced the growth of urban populations. As a result, cities are becoming less dense as they grow, with unplanned urban sprawl challenging more sustainable patterns of urban development.
Solid Waste Management & Air Quality
The safe removal and management of solid waste represents one of the most vital urban environmental services. Uncollected solid waste blocks drains, causes flooding and may lead to the spread of water-borne diseases. On the basis of data from cities in 101 countries from 2009 to 2013, 65 per cent of the urban population was served by municipal waste collection. Air pollution is a major environmental health risk. In 2014, 9 of 10 people who live in cities were breathing air that did not comply with the safety standard set by WHO.
SDG MEDIA ZONE
Urbanization Trends Around The World
Today, more than 50% of the world’s population lives in cities. Raf Tuts, Coordinator of the Urban Planning and Design Branch of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), discusses how Goal 11 can help us take advantage of this transformative opportunity and make cities more sustainable.
Building Resilience Using The Global Goals
Building resilience is crucial for building sustainable cities. Technical Specialist Daniel Schensul from the United Nations Population Fund speaks to why cities are vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters, and how the Global Goals can help.
Connected Cities Of The Future
Information and communication technologies accelerate progress towards each SDG. Connected cities using digital technologies can improve all aspects of life within them, including transportation and sustainable urban planning.
BUSINESS RESOURCES FOR SDG #11
- Identify and agree on the best strategies to achieve key SDG targets.
- Support capacity and skills development in key stakeholder groups towards the delivery of key targets.
- Create innovative delivery models and projects for integrated city infrastructure to attract and securing financing.
- Use systems-based approaches that consider buildings, energy, mobility, telecommunications, water, sanitation and waste management services.
- Conduct ongoing and inclusive multi-stakeholder engagement efforts to build consensus, and improve community resilience and sustainability.

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AWARD QUESTIONS FOR SDG #11

1) Media Package
- Program Photographs & Illustrations (Max. 10 Images)
- Detailed Project Description (Max. 500 Words)
- Optional: URL/Link to Supporting Video
2) Financial & Strategic
In order to determine financial performance & potential for scalability, please answer the following questions:
- Please describe how the SDG business initiative is linked to your company’s core competency/competencies.
- Please provide an overview of the business case associated with your SDG business initiative.
- Please provide evidence of planned program expansion over the coming quarters and/or fiscal years.
3) Magnetism & Inspiration
How has your business initiative been a source of magnetism and inspiration? Please provide examples of your company’s influence on each of the following:
- Industry Impact
- Corporate Culture
- Key Stakeholder Groups
4) SDG Impact Metrics
Please describe how has your company has:
- Improved access to safe/affordable housing by reducing the proportion of urban populations living in slums and/or informal settlements (by % of slum population, total # of individuals, reductions in the size & extent of slums, etc).
- Improved access to safe, affordable & low-carbon transportation solutions for urban populations. Please provide details regarding: user base as % of urban population, total # of subscribers/customers, # of trips completed/km traveled, etc.
- Reduced the environmental impact of cities through technological improvements or service innovations related to recycling or solid waste processing. Please provide details regarding: tons of material diverted from landfill & recycled, total diversion rate %, total # of customers/individuals serviced, etc.
- Other KPI (please insert and describe).
OPTIONAL: Please provide a description/overview of 3rd party assurances relating to the verification of the metrics and figures provided above.
