2030 Agenda – Goal 11

2030 Agenda – Goal 11

Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Objective 11 of the 2030 Agenda program is to rebalance the urbanization process, one of the most significant phenomena of the 21st century. More than half of the world’s population lives in cities, with estimates of up to 70 percent by 2050.
This phenomenon was largely determined by a linear economy model that led to the concentration of activities and inhabitants in large centers and to the emptying of marginal or internal areas.
Cities have a huge ecological footprint: they occupy only about three percent of the earth’s surface, but they consume three quarters of global resources and are responsible for 75 percent of gas emissions.
Objective 11 aims to reverse this process, to reduce per capita pollution produced by cities, in particular as regards air quality and waste management. Urban development will need to be more inclusive and sustainable, among other things thanks to participatory, integrated and sustainable settlement planning. Access for all to safe and inclusive green areas and public spaces must also be guaranteed, especially for women and children, the elderly and people with disabilities. Finally, access to safe and economical living spaces and transport systems must also be ensured.
11.1: By 2030, guarantee everyone access to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and redevelop poor neighborhoods.
11.2: By 2030, ensure access to a safe, convenient, accessible and sustainable transport system for all, by improving road safety, especially by enhancing public transport, with particular attention to the needs of those who are most vulnerable , women, children, people with disabilities and the elderly.
11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and the ability to plan and manage a human settlement that is participatory, integrated and sustainable in all countries.
11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including those related to water, with particular regard to protection of the poor and the most vulnerable.
11.6: By 2030, reduce the per capita negative environmental impact of cities, paying particular attention to air quality and the management of urban waste and other waste.
11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces, especially for women, children, the elderly and the disabled.
11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.
11.b: By 2020, considerably increase the number of cities and human settlements that adopt and implement integrated policies and plans aimed at inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, disaster resistance , and that promote and implement holistic disaster risk management at all levels, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
11.c: Support least developed countries, including with technical and financial assistance, in building sustainable and resilient buildings using local materials.

Guido Bissanti